Classes

About

CYT offers three sessions of classes in three different locations during the school year: fall, winter, and spring. Weekly classes last for two hours and run for ten 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.

*NOTE If the class your child wants to take is full, please email tiffany@cytlafayette.org. We have waiting lists and can potentially create a new class if there are students who are interested. 

**Beginning Fall 2024, students will be unable to register for classes if there are unpaid balances on the CYT Family Account. To prevent delayed registration, please be sure to remain up-to-date in regards to fees. If a family is in need of financial assistance, please reach out to kallie@cytlafayette.org!

Classes (Lafayette, Vermilion, and Central)

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. Lafayette also offers Wednesday night classes. CYT Vermilion classes meet on Monday nights, and CYT Central 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. 

"CYT Lafayette is a great way for your child to explore their creative side in a Christian atmosphere."

CYT Parent

Current Classes:

Class: Age: Chapter: Location: Day: Time: Start: End:
Advanced Acting (Ages 13-18) 13-18 Vermilion
(Winter 2025)		 Our Saviors Church, Abbeville Campus Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Nov 11 Feb 03
Costume Design and Sewing 12-18 Vermilion
(Winter 2025)		 Our Saviors Church, Abbeville Campus Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Nov 11 Feb 03
Hip Hop 8-12 Lafayette Central
(Winter 2025)		 Lift City Church Thu 5:30pm - 7:30pm Nov 14 Jan 23
Jazz it up with Dance! 8-12 Vermilion
(Winter 2025)		 Our Saviors Church, Abbeville Campus Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Nov 11 Feb 03
Level Up your Acting! 8-12 Vermilion
(Winter 2025)		 Our Saviors Church, Abbeville Campus Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Nov 11 Feb 03
Musical Theater (Ages 4-7) 4-7 Vermilion
(Winter 2025)		 Our Saviors Church, Abbeville Campus Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Nov 11 Feb 03
Musical Theater (Ages 8-12) 8-12 Vermilion
(Winter 2025)		 Our Saviors Church, Abbeville Campus Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Nov 11 Feb 03
Show Choir (Hamilton) (Ages 13-18) 13-18 Vermilion
(Winter 2025)		 Our Saviors Church, Abbeville Campus Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Nov 11 Feb 03
Song Stories: Acting the Music 12-18 Lafayette Central
(Winter 2025)		 Lift City Church Thu 5:30pm - 7:30pm Nov 14 Jan 23
Whose Line is it Anyway 13-18 Vermilion
(Winter 2025)		 Our Saviors Church, Abbeville Campus Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Nov 11 Feb 03

Current Teachers:

Amber Michel

I am a mom of eight with a passion for the arts. I’ve been involved in plays, productions, and dance my whole life. I attended Texas Bible Institute for two years and received a certification in ministry and leadership. There, I had the honor of leading the dance team and put on many dramas and productions. I was able to use these talents on the mission field as well! I have also taught dance and lead worship for many years. my greatest accomplishment is homeschooling my children, who are also all passionate for and involved in the arts. I am blessed for the opportunity to be a part of the CYT team, and I can’t wait to help kids and teenagers grow in their gifts and talents.

Jannah Gaspard

This is my fist session teaching with CYT, but I have 15 years of dance experience where I studied many different styles of dance such as Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, ect. I have choreographed multiple dances for Kaplan High's annual spring musicals, along with being head choreographer for Kaplan High's Theater Camp. I'm super excited to begin my CYT journey and share my craft with others.

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 son-in-law Hayden have twin boys, Sutter John and Hudson Reed. 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 7 years ago 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, and CYT Vermilion). She is passionate about the arts and loves to see the growth in the students.

Kaedron Hall

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Kaedron moved to Lafayette in August of 2015. He is the Middle School vocal teacher at Ascension Episcopal School and a private vocal coach. Kaedron earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He went on to complete a Master of Music in conducting at Georgia State University. Kaedron is a passionate musician and educator, and loves being a member of the CYT family!

Kylah Heckard

Madlyn Zaunbrecher

I am a former classroom teacher who has been homeschooling for seventeen years. I love sewing and have vast experience with theater costumes. I have been teaching sewing my entire adult life, and that is one thing that I missed dearly when I left the classroom - I truly enjoy helping children develop a love for sewing! Watching them create something that they can see on stage for a production is truly rewarding (for them and for me)!

Michelle Flott

I’m a homeschooling mom to 4 kids between the ages of 12 & 7. I’ve been a “CYT mom” for 8 years since my oldest started CYT classes in Lafayette at age 4. I have a bachelor's degree from UL Lafayette in Child & Family Studies and a Children's Ministry degree from Christ for the Nations in Dallas, TX. I'm the owner of Happy Little Trees Acadiana which offers art classes and parties for kids. This will be my 3rd session teaching the 4-7 year olds in Vermilion. I have so much fun with this age group and I'm looking forward to another great session!

Peter Adendorff

Peter graduated from the music department of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a concentration in voice performance and currently serves as the worship minister at Riverside Church. He has a rich history with CYT/CCT and has been involved with the organization for over 10 years. Peter has been in many musical productions with CYT/CCT and ULL such as: Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hairspray, West Side Story (CYT), and Urinetown (ULL).

Rylie Denais

I am currently taking classes at LSUE, where I will be majoring in Elementary Education! I found my love for teaching at a little dance studio in Maurice, called Dance With Liz. There, I studied and practiced Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Hip Hop for 15 years. And I have been teaching at CYT for five years and haven't looked back since. I have truly been blessed to grow up in CYT and teach my own dance classes, as well as, direct, choreograph, and assistant direct shows at CYT! It's more than younger me could have ever hoped or dreamed for, as a dancer! I am so excited to share my dance experience and journey with others!

Stephanie Kizziar

Stephanie Larriviere is a Lafayette native and LSU alumna who believes in the power of authentic conversations and genuine connections. A former theater kid with multiple leading roles in her high school days, she now lives vicariously through her daughter Addison’s love of the stage. Stephanie is the marketing and communications coordinator for the Leadership Institute of Acadiana, and she also runs her own freelance PR services company, La Rivière PR. A graduate of Leadership Lafayette’s Class XXXVI, Stephanie was also honored as one of 2023’s 20 Under 40 and serves on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana. Stephanie loves musical theater, true crime documentaries, and singing Taylor Swift bridges at the top of her lungs. She's thrilled to get back into teaching with her first CYT class!

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.

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!