Winter Class Registration Opens September 26th!

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.

Current Classes:

Class: Age: Chapter: Location: Day: Time: Start: End:
Acting: Antagonists (Tuesdays Act 1 - Ages 8-12) - Lafayette 8-12 Lafayette
(Winter 2027)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Nov 03 Jan 26
Advanced Acting (Tuesdays Act 2 - Ages 13-18) - Lafayette 13-18 Lafayette
(Winter 2027)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 03 Jan 26
Advanced Musical Theater Dance (Tuesdays Act 2 - Ages 13-16) - Lafayette 13-16 Lafayette
(Winter 2027)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 03 Jan 26
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
Dance Conditioning (Wednesdays - Ages 8-14) - Lafayette 8-14 Lafayette
(Winter 2027)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Wed 5:30pm - 7:30pm Nov 04 Jan 26
Intermediate Improv (Tuesdays Act 2 - Ages 13-18) - Lafayette 13-18 Lafayette
(Winter 2027)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 03 Jan 26
Intro to Musical Theater (Tuesdays Act 1 - Ages 7-12) - Lafayette 7-12 Lafayette
(Winter 2027)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Nov 03 Jan 26
Intro to Musical Theater (Tuesdays Act 2 - Ages 11-15) - Lafayette 11-15 Lafayette
(Winter 2027)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 03 Jan 26
Musical Theater: The King of Pop (Tuesdays Act 2 - Ages 8-12) - Lafayette 8-12 Lafayette
(Winter 2027)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 03 Jan 26
OPENING ACT: The Songs of Dr. Seuss (Tuesdays Act 1 - Ages 4-7) - Lafayette 4-7 Lafayette
(Winter 2027)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Nov 03 Jan 26
REPERTORY STUDIO - Musical Theater: The Outsiders (Tuesdays Act 2 - Ages 13-18) - Lafayette 13-18 Lafayette
(Winter 2027)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 03 Jan 26
REPERTORY STUDIO - Voice: The Best of Dolly! (Tuesdays Act 2 - Ages 11-16) - Lafayette 11-16 Lafayette
(Winter 2027)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 03 Jan 26
Scenic and Prop Design (Tuesdays Act 2 - Ages 8-14) - Lafayette 8-14 Lafayette
(Winter 2027)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 03 Jan 26
Worship Band (Tuesdays Act 2 - Ages 15-18) - Lafayette 15-18 Lafayette
(Winter 2027)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 03 Jan 26

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:

Alicia Chaisson

Alicia Chaisson is a theatre director, playwright, actor, and collaborator. She is a Talented Theatre teacher for Lafayette Parish. She received a 2019 ArtSpark grant for her original play Our Place in Space. She earned her BFA at New York University, Tisch School of the Arts, Playwrights Horizons Theatre studio with a concentration in Creating Original Work. From 2008-2011, She was an active ensemble member of the New York Neo-Futurists. She wrote, directed, and performed in their signature show then titled, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind. Since moving to Lafayette, Louisiana in 2011, Alicia has directed, consulted, acted, or performed in over 30 productions at the professional, university, and community level, including CYT Central's "Descendants" (Fall 2024) and "Little Mermaid Jr" (Spring 2025).

Anna Falgout

Anna Falgout is a CYT alumni and is passionate about theatre. She is currently at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette majoring in Early Childhood Education. She has been involved in shows in the Lafayette area on the stage and behind the scenes. She is devoted to making every child feel seen and heard as a future educator.

Aren Chaisson

Aren Chaisson is an actor and improvisor from Lafayette, Louisiana, and teaches Talented Theatre in Lafayette Parish. Aren has performed in many productions, including Max Bialystock in The Producers, Bill in Mamma Mia, John Proctor in The Crucible, Jud in Oklahoma!, Dale Pittman in The North Plan, Harry "Jazzbo" Haywood in It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Lenny in Of Mice and Men, Foreman in Twelve Angry Men, Officer Lockstock in Urinetown and William Shakespeare in William and Judith.. He studied improv with Armando Diaz and Elana Fishbein at the Magnet Theatre in NYC. Look for him next year in the feature film The Candy Lady as Treasure Hunter 1.

Derrick Millard

Derrick Lionel Millard II, graduated from Temple University with a BA in Theatre with a concentration in acting. He most recently performed in Theatre Horizon’s Philadelphia Regional Premiere of THE COLOR PURPLE, appearing as the PREACHER, BUSTER, GRADY, AND BOBBY amongst other ensemble roles which won a Barrymore Award for best ensemble. He has also been privileged to perform in several Philadelphia regional productions including “Death of a Salesman: at EgoPo Classic theatre, Moses: A Musical Retelling at John Graves Productions, and How to Kill A Child And A Demon by Donja R. Love. He is the founder of Dream L.ive Movement, a performing arts company that creates theatrical discourse on biblical and societal topics. His company’s productions include “The Visionary’s Journal”, “The Affirmation of Love” and The Fabric From Which We’ve Come. From 2016-2020 he was the Artistic Production Director at Spirit Of Faith Christian Center creating productions for more than 5,000 weekly attendees. Now he is the Creative/Worship Director for Lift City Church in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Joni Hebert

Joni Milliman Hebert was born and raised in Erath, Louisiana. She still lives in her hometown with her husband Scott, daughter (Knoah), and their morkie puppy (Kash). Her daughter Kelbi and twin grandbabies, Sutter John and Hudson Reed, are also close by. Joni has her Masters in Educational Leadership and is employed by the Vermilion Parish School Board as a Special Education Coordinator. Her involvement in CYT started in 2018 as a volunteer when she registered her daughter for classes. Joni has been involved with theatre groups through her life in many different roles (Vermilion Players, Iberia Performing Arts League, Abbey Players, Cite de Arts, CYT Lafayette and CYT Vermilion). She is passionate about the arts and loves to see the growth in the students.

Kate Hotard

Kate Hotard is an alumnus of CYT. She has participated in many productions with CYT and with St. Thomas More Catholic High School. She is an English major at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She holds an officer position in her sorority, Tri Delta. Kate is beyond excited to have the opportunity to give back to the program that gave her lifelong friends, memories and a greater appreciation for her Catholic faith.

Kinsey Waits

Kinsey is a 19-year-old CYT Alumni and student at UL studying Journalism and Environmental Science. She has performed in 20+ CYT shows and three Abbey Players shows. Her favorite roles so far were that of Lauri in Oklahoma, Maria in Sound of Music, Ariel in Footloose, Mary Poppins in CYT Vermilion’s Mary Poppins, Jr., and Jane in Tarzan. She has taken eight years of dancing and is in the UL Chamber Singers Choir. She enjoys reading and riding horses. She loves singing, acting, dancing and all things CYT!

Krysten Theunissen

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!

Lillian Ray

Lilli Ray is a recent CYT alumna and is so excited to be teaching! She has been involved with CYT for eight years, performing in over 20 shows, and has also worked backstage as crew for past CYT productions. She attends ULL. Lilli is so excited to step into this new role at CYT!

Maria Williams

Maria was born in Lafayette Louisiana, she has always had a love for the dramatics. She has been teaching for CYT since 2010 and has loved it more than anything else she has ever been a part of! Maria is a graduate of ULL with a bachelors degree in Spanish and Criminal justice. In 2017 she started a non profit to fight against human trafficking. She has been a music and vocal teacher since 2000. Currently she serves on staff at Pathway Church as the Music and Student director. Maria feels like it is a beautiful opportunity to work with children and watch them grow and develop in their skills.

Trinity Michel

Trinity is a recent graduate of Acadiana Christian School. She danced at the Academy of Christian Arts for 13 years and was a competitive dancer for 9 of those years. She has performed in many CYT productions and was a featured dancer each time she was cast. She recently choreographed CYT Vermilion's Wickedly Popular Summer Camp and has choreographed two Christmas musicals at ACS where is actively choreographing the Show Choir also. She is excited about working with this new CYT endeavor and cannot wait to teach dancing to all students!