Classes

CYT offers three sessions of classes in four different locations during the school year: fall, winter, and spring. Weekly classes last for two hours and run for nine consecutive weeks. A variety of classes are offered in drama, voice, dance, and specialty classes that vary every session. Most of our classes are small to ensure personal attention and growth. At the end of a CYT session, students will come away with improved skills in the area of emphasis. During the last week of class, either a high-energy showcase or a parent observation night is presented by each class to demonstrate to other students, family, and friends what they have learned.

Education Policies

Classes (Lafayette, Vermilion, Central and Acadia)

CYT classes are offered each session for students ages 4 to 18. Lafayette classes have two different class time slots on Tuesday nights, and they are called Act 1 and Act 2. Act 1 classes meet from 4:30-6:30 and Act 2 classes meet from 6:15-8:15. CYT Vermilion classes meet on Monday nights, and CYT Acadia classes meet on Thursday nights. Students ages 8 to 18, who are enrolled in our classes, also have the chance to audition for one of our three MainStage shows each session. Auditioning for a MainStage show includes extra rehearsal time commitment and a separate production fee.

Trimester Classes

Trimester Classes serve as the entry point for students interested in the performing arts. Held in the Fall, Winter, and Spring, these 9 week class sessions offer structured instruction in various aspects of theater, providing a strong foundation. Each session culminates in a high-energy showcase or parent observation night to demonstrate the skills acquired to family, friends, and fellow students.

For those interested in participating in a MainStage musical, enrollment in a class within the corresponding session (Fall, Winter, Spring) is required. With smaller class sizes and shorter commitments compared to our Repertory Studio classes, Trimester Classes offer a lower-pressure environment, perfect for those seeking to explore their artistic talents.

The Repertory Studio

Our Repertory Studio classes offer an advanced training experience tailored to meet the needs of serious performers. Scheduled in each of our regular class sessions, these classes provide a structured environment for students seeking to elevate their skills, expand their repertoire, and prepare for a future career in the arts.

To enroll in a Repertory Studio class, students must have successfully completed Intro to Musical Theater and participated in at least three Main Stage productions.

The first class of each session serves as a placement class. Students who are not yet ready for the Repertory Studio curriculum will be placed in a Trimester class that meets during the same time slot, ensuring they continue to receive training at the appropriate level.

Opening Act

In this reimagined performance class, young performers ages 4-7 will sing, dance, and act their way through the magical world of musical theater. Through playful warm-ups, creative movement, simple choreography, and storytelling games, students will build confidence, coordination, and stage presence. Each session, we explore songs and scenes from a favorite kid-friendly musical, all while encouraging teamwork and self-expression. The session culminates in a mini performance for family and friends.

Junior Company

Beginning this fall, students ages 8–14 will have the opportunity to be part of an exciting new educational experience designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster a love for the performing arts.

Junior Company is an educational performance program designed for performers ages 8–14. This weekly three-hour class focuses on developing acting, singing, dancing, stagecraft, confidence, and teamwork in a supportive and engaging environment. With an emphasis on education, growth, and performance training, students will build skills throughout the session while working collaboratively toward a culminating final show experience.

Please note that these are not Main Stage productions. Junior Company performances are educational in nature and are presented with minimal staging. Students must have completed one Intro to Musical Theater class before becoming eligible to enroll in Junior Company, and students enrolled in Junior Company are eligible to audition for a Main Stage production in the same session.

Current Classes:

Student's Age

Chapter

Location

Class:	Age:	Chapter:	Location:	Day:	Time:	Start:	End:
Broadway Babies (Thursdays - Ages 4-7) - Acadia	4-7	Acadia (Fall 2026)	St Michael's Church	Thu	5:30pm - 7:30pm	Aug 20	Oct 22
CYT@School at Vermilion Charter Academy - Lower Campus - Fall 2026	Grd 3 Grd 4	Vermilion (Fall 2026)	Vermilion Charter Academy - Lower Campus	Tue	3:15pm - 5:00pm	Sep 15	Nov 10
CYT@School at Vermilion Charter Academy - Upper Campus - Fall 2026	Grd 5 Grd 6 Grd 7 Grd 8 Grd 9 Grd 10 Grd 11	Vermilion (Fall 2026)	Vermilion Charter Academy - Upper Campus	Tue	2:40pm - 4:30pm	Sep 15	Nov 10
CYT@School at Westminster Christian Academy - Lafayette Campus - Fall 2026	Grd 3 Grd 4 Grd 5 Grd 6 Grd 7 Grd 8 Grd 9 Grd 10 Grd 11 Grd 12	Lafayette (Fall 2026)	Westminster Christian Academy Lafayette	Thu	3:15pm - 5:00pm	Sep 17	Nov 12
CYT@School at Westminster Christian Academy - Opelousas Campus - Fall 2026	Grd 3 Grd 4 Grd 5 Grd 6 Grd 7 Grd 8 Grd 9 Grd 10 Grd 11 Grd 12	Lafayette (Fall 2026)	Westminster Christian Academy - Opelousas Campus	Wed	3:15pm - 5:00pm	Sep 16	Nov 11
D.R.E.A.M.S. Musical Theater (Wednesdays - Ages 13+)	13-79	Lafayette (Fall 2026)	CYT Lafayette Hub	Wed	5:30pm - 7:00pm	Aug 04	Sep 22
Musical Theater for Kids (Thursdays - Ages 8-12) - Acadia	8-12	Acadia (Fall 2026)	St Michael's Church	Thu	5:30pm - 7:30pm	Aug 20	Oct 22
Musical Theater for Teens (Thursdays - Ages 13-18) - Acadia	13-18	Acadia (Fall 2026)	St Michael's Church	Thu	5:30pm - 7:30pm	Aug 20	Oct 22

MainStage Shows

Our MainStage productions are the public entry point to our program, showcasing the talent and dedication of our students ages 8-18. With high-caliber productions that captivate performers and audiences alike, these shows cultivate a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment within our community.

Students must be enrolled in a trimester class, Junior Company or a Repertory Studio class for the current show session to audition for a MainStage show.

Find out more about our MainStage shows!

Teaching Artists

A CYT Teaching Artist’s mission is to train and instruct students in their area of expertise while helping develop character, self-esteem, and confidence. CYT teaching artists 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, goals and mission statement. All CYT teaching artists have been background checked and child safety trained.

Apply to Teach Here!

CYT’s Triple Threat

Each class will be infused with character developing, arts training for each student. Our goal is that every student leaves our classes feeling more confident in who they were created to be as well as their performing arts skills. CYT is recognized for excellence in theater arts training. Our uniqueness, however, goes beyond our programming, and instead lies in our dedication to CYT’s Character, Culture, and Craft. These three elements comprise CYT’s Triple Threat.

CYT Character

CYT believes in building character on and off the stage, and that character is rooted in CHRISTIAN values such as love, joy, peace, kindness, perseverance, and dedication. Every instruction is rooted in these values.

CYT Culture

CYT’s culture is one of inclusiveness. We welcome all and remain committed to providing a vibrant and fun atmosphere with our focus on YOUTH. With this commitment comes a promise of providing family-friendly productions that are appropriate for young audiences.

CYT Craft

CYT is committed to providing excellent training in our THEATER craft by staying informed of National VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) standards. CYT hires qualified Teaching Artists and Artistic Teams who consistently elevate our students’ knowledge of theater arts.

Inquiring about financial assistance?

CYT’s mission is to allow every child the chance to experience the magic of the performing arts. If your student is in need of a scholarship, please apply below and contact tiffany@cytlafayette.org with any questions.

Apply here!

Have Questions?

Don't worry, we have answers! You can send an email to our Chapter Coordinator at tiffany@cytlafayette.org and we will get back to you promptly!

Classes FAQ

Class Waiting List

*NOTE If the class your child wants to take is full, please complete the form below. We have waiting lists and can potentially create a new class if there are students who are interested.

Join the Waitlist

Current Teachers:

Hello! Here's a snapshot into who I am as a person, a professional, and an artist. First and foremost, I love God and would not be who I am today without Jesus Christ, my Savior. I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Nationally Certified Pilates Instructor who spends her days teaching others how to understand the body and move well. Don't worry though, I am no stranger to education in the music arts. I have been singing practically since the day I was born and have had formal training in piano and music theory. The music and education genes run thick in my family and I'm following a long-standing line of examples. My personal experiences in music vary as a performer, worship leader, teacher, and director in both my church and community. I look forward to getting to know everyone and helping each of the students find their unique gifts that God has given them for His glory.

Hi, my name is Ella Meche! I’m a sophomore at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, studying Secondary English Education with a minor in Theatre. I’ve loved storytelling and the arts since childhood, performing in church, school, and community productions. Outside of theatre, I enjoy reading, writing, and serving in my church’s children’s ministry. I’m excited to share my passion for education and the arts through this program.

Raised in Crowley, LA, theatre has always been an outlet for me. I have 15 years of competitive dance experience as well as several years in productions as well as an acting coach. I am super excited to help bring my passions of theatre, dancing, and my faith together!

I am an undergraduate student at UL Lafayette, majoring in Secondary English Education. Alongside an education background, I also have experience in theatre. I’ve performed in productions such as Steel Magnolias, The Wizard of Oz, The Little Mermaid, and Freaky Friday. I am passionate about helping children discover and develop their creative voice through theatre and ELA.

Vanessa is a Board Certified Music Therapist in Lafayette, Louisiana. She owns TheraCare Music Therapy LLC where she engages clients from infants to adults with physical, mental health, emotional, social, and academic needs in music based activities. She graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Music Therapy from William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and a Masters Degree in Music Therapy from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. She serves as secretary on the board of directors for the Autism Society of Acadiana and on the Children's Church Leadership team at Pathway Church.