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.
 

Winter Classes | Important Dates

Classes Begin: Week of November 4th
Peter Pan Auditions: November 8th & 9th - AUDITION PACKET
Thanksgiving Break: November 25th-30th
Christmas & New Years Break: December 23rd-January 2nd
Classes Resume: January 4th
Showcase: January 21st at North Bible Church
Season Calendar

Current Classes:

Class: Age: Chapter: Location: Day: Time: Start: End:
Acting 2 8-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2020)		 CYT Studio Tue 4:00pm - 5:50pm Nov 05 Jan 28
Basics of Musical Theater 8-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2020)		 CYT Studio Sat 10:00am - 11:50am Nov 16 Jan 25
Beginning Hip Hop/Jazz Funk 8-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2020)		 CYT Studio Thu 4:00pm - 5:50pm Nov 07 Feb 27
CYT Phoenix Improv Team 12-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2020)		 CYT Studio Thu 6:00pm - 7:50pm Nov 07 Feb 27
Our Gang - Off to Neverland 4-7 Phoenix
(Winter 2020)		 CYT Studio Wed 4:00pm - 5:00pm Nov 06 Jan 29
Production: The Curious Savage, Part 2 12-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2020)		 CYT Studio Fri 4:00pm - 5:50pm Nov 08 Feb 28
Teen Contemporary Ballet 13-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2020)		 CYT Studio Tue 6:00pm - 7:50pm Nov 05 Jan 28

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.
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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.

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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:

Alexandra Biggs

Alexandra Biggs is a graduate of Grand Canyon University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education. She is currently serving as the Artistic Director of Dance at Maricopa High School, and holds a state teaching certificate in her field. She has been dancing since the age of three, and throughout her training enjoyed multiple successes in the competitive realm. She has had the opportunity to study at the prestigious dance department at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, as well as spending two wonderful years at Grand Canyon University. She feels fortunate to have spent time with many teachers over the years that have made a lasting impact on her life, and looks forward to continuing the tradition of excellence in dance education she has received to all of her students in the future.

Bertha A. Cortes

Bertha Alicia Cortes received her Bachelor's in Theatre Education from Grand Canyon University in 2015. She is currently teaching theatre at South Mountain High School and previously taught grades Pre K through 6th at Black Mountain Elementary School.

Debra Denise Lanier

Denise Lanier graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in music. She has taught middle school and high school choir. She has performed in over 35 shows and was a member of the Cumberland Oratorio Singers in Fayetteville, NC. She has taught and directed for CYT Chicago and is so excited to be teaching for CYT Phoenix.

Dexter Tuten

Dexter Tuten is a CYT alumnus, having participated in CYT classes and shows while in High School, and has worked as a teacher for classes, and Stage Manager for many CYT Phoenix main-stage productions.

Kathlyn Chisholm

Kathlyn Chisholm graduated from Grand Canyon University with her BFA in Dance Education. She has been trained in all forms of dance but especially enjoys Ballroom dance, and Jazz. After Kathlyn graduated from college she created Black Mountain Elementary School's dance curriculum and started their very first elementary dance program. Kathlyn has choreographed many musicals and has directed and produced over six of her own dance shows. In 2017 she was awarded Rookie of The Year Award by CCUSD for outstanding first year teacher. Kathlyn has taught at various dance studios around the Valley. Kathlyn has danced since she was a little girl and she has been to various different dance competitions. In 2015 she won 3rd place at Nationals in her Latin Ballroom division. She is very passionate about dance and teaching. Kathlyn is eager to start working at CYT and can't wait to meet all of her new students!

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).