Classes

About CYT Classes

CYT offers classes for students ages 4-18 throughout the school year. Classes include drama, voice, dance, and behind-the-scenes training in makeup, costumes, tech, and more. Classes are held for two hours once a week and run for ten consecutive weeks in Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions. Class sizes are small and offer supervision both inside and outside the classroom. Each session culminates in a high-energy showcase to demonstrate to family, friends, and fellow students the skills acquired. 

Parents send their children to CYT classes to learn, and that’s exactly what they will do! At the end of a CYT session, your student will come away with a new or improved skill in the area of emphasis. During the last week of class, a high-energy Showcase is presented by each class to show other students, family, and friends all they’ve learned.
 

Current Classes:

Class: Age: Chapter: Location: Day: Time: Start: End:
Basics of Dance 8-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2019)		 CYT Studio Tue 4:00pm - 5:50pm Nov 06 Jan 22
Basics of Musical Theater 8-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2019)		 CYT Studio Wed 4:00pm - 5:50pm Nov 07 Jan 23
Basics of Voice 8-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2019)		 CYT Studio Fri 4:00pm - 5:50pm Nov 09 Jan 25
Improv 10-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2019)		 CYT Studio Wed 6:00pm - 7:50pm Nov 07 Jan 23
Musical Theater Dance & Choreography 12-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2019)		 CYT Studio Tue 6:00pm - 7:50pm Nov 06 Jan 22
Our Gang 5-7 Phoenix
(Winter 2019)		 CYT Studio Thu 5:00pm - 6:00pm Nov 08 Jan 24
Theater Production 12-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2019)		 CYT Studio Fri 4:00pm - 5:50pm Nov 09 Jan 25

Winter 2019 Session - Important Dates

Session begins November 6th, 2018
No classes Thanksgiving week, November 19th-24th
No classes Christmas week, December 24th-29th
No classes New Years week, January 1st-4th (rehearsals will still take place)
Showcases week of January 28th-February 1st

Drop & Refund Policies

Any class dropped after week 2 of classes in not eligible for refunding. If a class is dropped before that deadline, you will be issued a prorated refund or class credit. Please email managingdirector@cytphoenix.org if you have any questions regarding drop and refund policies.
Curriculum

Curriculum

Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions offer ten-week classes for students ages 4-18.

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Showcase

Showcase

At the end of the ten-week session, each class performs for family and friends.

Learn More
Teachers

Teachers

Instructors are qualified in teaching and/or performing, and strive to be excellent role models.

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CYT is a one of a kind organization in that it accepts kids just as they are, and not only includes them but builds them up through encouraging them to do things that they never thought they could do – the confidence and self-esteem that this instills in them is priceless.  The topping on the cake to all of this, is it is done through a Christ centered atmosphere.  This is what I really love about CYT – is that it gives all the credit to Christ and makes Jesus and His efforts the central focus.  I don’t think there is another organization in the valley that offers this.  God is blessing CYT and it is an honor to be a part of it. 

Emmy, parent

Curriculum

CYT offers a wide variety of classes, and they all enable students to gain valuable theater arts training, develop confidence, and make friends! There are currently over 50 different curriculum materials available in a variety of musical theater areas. Please note these classes vary per session. Check the Classes page to see what’s available now!

Showcase

Parents, friends, and relatives are invited to attend CYT's Showcase performance on the last day / evening of classes, free of charge! Showcase is the grand finale of each session of classes, at which every class makes a 5-10 minute presentation of something they have learned and rehearsed during the session. Don't miss the action!

Teachers

A CYT Teacher’s mission is to train and instruct students in such a way as to promote the development of character, self-esteem, and confidence. CYT teachers are qualified and experienced in the area in which they teach. They have been trained in the CYT methods of instruction and agree with the CYT values and outcome goals.  All CYT teachers have been background checked and adhere to our CYT Mission and Values. Our teachers truly care about their students and provide a constructive and fun environment for them to learn.
Want to Teach for CYT Phoenix?

Current Teachers:

Bertha A. Cortes

Bertha A. Cortes received her Bachelor's in Theatre Education from Grand Canyon University in 2015. She currently teaches Pre K through 6th grade Drama at BMES in Cave Creek. She is also a company member at Brelby Theatre Company in Glendale. She is thrilled to be working at CYT!

Dexter Tuten

Dexter Tuten is a CYT alumnus, having participated in CYT classes and shows while in High School, and has worked as Stage Manager for many CYT Phoenix main-stage productions. Dexter is now on staff at CYT Phoenix as Show Coordinator and Teacher.

Haley Gadbery

Haley Gadbery graduated Summa Cum Laude from Grand Canyon University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurial Studies and minored in Dance Education. While attending GCU, she had the opportunity to perform in GCU’s Ethington Dance Ensemble in works by both faculty and guest artists. Haley grew up in North Carolina where she received the foundation of her dance and theatre education. Over the course of her training, she had the privilege of attending The University of North Carolina School of the Arts’ annual festival of dance to study under master teachers, and travel to New York City to take master classes at Broadway Dance Center. In addition to multiple performance credits, Haley has been teaching dance for 10 years, and has served as the choreographer for over 20 dance and musical theatre productions. Haley is excited about teaching the next generation of artists and strives to provide an atmosphere in which her students are challenged to grow in their art form, as well as individuals.

Kim Stephenson Smith

Kim is thrilled to be teaching at CYT! Originally from Utah, Kim spent several years working as an actor in New York, London, and San Francisco before heading to Florida for school. She earned her BFA in Music Dance Theatre from Brigham Young University and holds a Certificate in Classical Acting from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. She recently received her MFA in Acting from the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. Professional affiliations include the Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA) and the Association of Theatre Movement Educators (ATME).

Stephanie Carpenter

Stephanie has been with CYT Phoenix since 2010 when her children became involved in the program. Over the next seven seasons she worked on almost every facet of the program–from publicity and marketing to backstage and production design before becoming Artistic Director. She has three children with her husband of over 20 years and the whole family is involved in CYT. She has a BFA in graphic design and professional experience in both 2-D and 3-D design. As a CYT Mom, she has a heart for the families that are the center of everything CYT does. As an artist, she has a passion for excellence in all of CYT Phoenix's creative endeavors.

Susan Tuten

Susan Tuten has been directing choirs, ensembles, and teaching piano for over 30 years. She especially loves working with kids and youth and helping them develop their voices correctly to avoid bad habits they could have the rest of their lives. She studied choral conducting at Arizona State and has conducted in many church and school venues in AZ and CA. Susan has been a worship leader in various venues, including kids’ camps, Bible Schools, retreats and women’s studies for 30 years. She and Derrick have home schooled their 5 children, 4 of which have been in CYT. This CYT community has meant so much to their family, their walk with the Lord, and their growth as singers, actors, and dancers.