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:
Acting and Voice for Musical Theater - Wednesday 13-18 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Wed 5:30pm - 7:30pm Feb 18 May 06
Acting for Kids - Great Stage Villains - Act 2 7-12 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Feb 18 May 06
Advanced Acting for Musical Theater - The Works of Jason Robert Brown - Act 2 13-18 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Feb 18 May 06
Advanced Musical Theater for Kids - Madagascar Jr. - Act 1 8-12 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Feb 18 May 06
Advanced Musical Theater for Teens (Ages 12-18) 12-18 Lafayette Central
(Spring 2025)		 Lift City Church Thu 5:30pm - 7:30pm Feb 20 May 08
Advanced Teen Drama - Act 2 13-18 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Feb 18 May 06
Art and Set Design - Act 2 8-15 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Feb 18 May 06
Broadway Babies - Wizard of Oz - Act 1 4-5 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Feb 18 May 06
Comedy and Improv for Teens - Act 2 12-18 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Feb 18 May 06
Conquering Choreography - Act 2 13-18 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Feb 18 May 06
Costuming 101 - Act 2 12-18 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Feb 18 May 06
D.R.E.A.M.S. Musical Theater - Wednesday 13-79 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Wed 5:30pm - 7:00pm Feb 18 May 06
Disney Dance: Movies and Shows - Act 1 8-12 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Feb 18 May 06
Intro to Musical Theater - Mary Poppins - Act 1 8-12 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Feb 18 May 06
Leaps, Turns, and Tricks - Act 2 13-18 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Feb 18 May 06
Mini Musical Theater (Ages 4-7) 4-7 Lafayette Central
(Spring 2025)		 Lift City Church Thu 5:30pm - 7:30pm Feb 20 May 08
Mini Musical Theater - Wizard of Oz - Act 1 6-7 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Feb 18 May 06
Musical Theater Dance - Act 2 8-12 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Feb 18 May 06
Musical Theater for Kids (Ages 8-12) 8-12 Lafayette Central
(Spring 2025)		 Lift City Church Thu 5:30pm - 7:30pm Feb 20 May 08
Musical Theater for Teens - Spongebob the Musical - Act 2 13-18 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Feb 18 May 06
Musical Theatre for Kids - Charlie Brown - Wednesday 8-12 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Wed 5:30pm - 7:30pm Feb 18 May 06
Special Effects Makeup - Act 1 8-18 Lafayette
(Spring 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Feb 18 May 06
Teen Dance (Ages 12-18) 12-18 Lafayette Central
(Spring 2025)		 Lift City Church Thu 5:30pm - 7:30pm Feb 20 May 08

Current Teachers:

Angie Sanford

Angela Sanford is the Performing Arts Director at Catholic High School New Iberia. She graduated from UL with a Masters in Vocal Music and is currently a Doctoral candidate for music at NOBTS. She has performed in several musicals and operas with CCT Lafayette, IPAL, Abbey Players, UL Opera, and the Acadiana Symphony. Some of her past credits include: Kira in Xanadu, Sister Amnesia, Marian in Music Man, Anita in West Side Story, Betty in White Christmas, and Irma in Anything Goes. She has also directed and music directed several shows in the Lafayette area.

Catherine Perry

Hi everyone! I am a full time Art teacher and a CYT alumni! I earned my Bachelors degree at Northwestern State University in Studio Graphic Arts with a minor in Performance/Directing in Theatre. I work in Port Barre teaching Art to different age groups from Elementary to High School in attempt to grow each student's own creativity! I am excited to bring visual arts to CYT and help students find their own talents, whether it's on or off the stage!

Celia Theriot

Celia Theriot is a CYT alum who is super thrilled to be a CYT teacher! Along with being in over 20 CYT shows, she recently was the co-choreographer for CYT’s G2K Cinderella and the stage manager for Matilda. Celia is also a dance graduate of 15 years at Delarue Dance Centre! She loves sharing her love for dance and theater with this generation of kids, and can’t wait to see them grow in their love of theatre!

Christy Taylor

I have 23 years of teaching experience from elementary to middle school. My goal as an educator has always been to bring arts and movement into the classroom. Dance, movement, and visual arts make learning fun and come alive for children of all ages. I have trained at the Bernstein Arts Academy and also worked as an individual arts teacher for children. I work closely with community programs like ACA through their many PACE artist programs and grant programs. My son Christopher has recently begun attending CYT for his theater classes and has participated in the play Frozen as Sven, The Addams Family Quarantined as Fester and so many more roles. We love CYT and the safe Christ-centered community it gives to our youth. I am excited to teach these students.

Isaiah Alexander

I am originally from Georgia. Graduated with a Bachelor's in Music Education from Shorter University in Rome, GA. I have had the pleasure in performing in a few productions in my college years such as Showboat, Death Takes a Holiday, Patience (The Duke of Dunstable), Tuck Everlasting, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Schroeder), and Cinderella (Prince). I have been in a couple of CCT productions so far: Hunchback of Notre Dame (Statue) and Footloose (Cowboy Bob). I have music directed CYT productions: Wizard of Oz Jr, Madagascar Jr, and Beauty and the Beast. I love being apart of a great team of people and loves working with these talented kids.

Juliet Moorman

Juliet Moorman is currently a Marketing student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She has been dancing for 16 years with experience in jazz, tap, hip hop, ballet, and pointe. Juliet has been a dance instructor for 5 years and has been a teacher with CYT since 2021, having taught three dance classes and choreographed the junior show Descendants. She has also been a part of 2 CCT productions, Mamma Mia and Hunchback of Notre Dame. Her passion is empowering children through the art of dance and helping them grow confidence in themselves and their peers. She teaches her students to have a mindset of progress over perfection in the dance studio. Her greatest honor is having the opportunity to not only immerse her students in the art of dance, but to provide an uplifting experience in a Christian setting throughout every session!

Kailey Wilkerson

My name is Kailey Wilkerson, I graduated from Cosmetology Training Center as a licensed cosmetologist. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to teach this class! I have been wanting to teach a class since the day I graduated from CYT! I did the talented program for about 5 years, and I did CYT for about 4 years! Some of the shows that I was a part of include The HunchBack of NotreDame, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, Into the Woods, Newsies, Matilda and High school Musical! I’m excited to be a part of this organization! I can’t say thank you enough for giving me the chance to teach your kids to love the art of comedy and improv!

Lauren Keating

Lauren has been with CYT for 10 years and absolutely loves working with those broadway babies!! She has worked in early childhood education for 12 years and is a Kindergarten Teacher at Cecil Picard Elementary in Vermillion Parish. Lauren’s favorite part of teaching anything is watching kids’ faces light up when they learn something new or find a new passion. Over the years at CYT Lauren has stage managed and directed for many shows including Elf Jr., The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Wizard of Oz, Hairspray, and Mulan Jr. She was also the Summer Camp Director for a few seasons. CYT holds a special place in her heart and she cannot wait to sing, dance, and act up with a new little friends this session.

Lindsay Council Breaux

Lindsay is a local musician in the Acadiana Area playing guitar and singing tunes for all ages. She has been a part of Acadiana Talent for years and enjoys playing along with others. She also enjoys musical theatre and has been in many productions through middle and high school. She started her journey with CYT as an adult in the production of “Footloose” with CCT. She looks forward to getting to know the younger generations who will be the future of music and acting!

Maria Williams

Maria was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, and she has always had a love for the dramatics. She has been teaching for CYT for the last 13 years and has loved it more than anything else she has ever been a part of. Maria is a graduate from 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 teacher for the last 21 years. She feels it is a beautiful opportunity to be able to teach children instruments, acting and vocals, and then to watch them as they grow and develop in their skill.

Maria Kimball

My name is Maria Kimball and I have been involved with CYT for 5 years through my daughter who began with ‪the Wiggles‬ at 5 years old. I have been a teacher in St. Landry Parish for 24 years with the last 15 years in Pre-K. I am looking forward to fostering the development of a lifelong love of music, theatre, and the arts through this class!

Sarah Swinney

Sarah has been dancing since the age of 4 and has been sharing her love for movement as a dance instructor for over 15 years. While she has experience teaching a variety of styles, including hip hop, lyrical, ballet, and poms, her favorites will always be tap and jazz, where she finds joy in the rhythm, energy, and artistry of these styles. Outside the studio, Sarah brings her creativity and leadership to her role as the Director of Community Engagement at Parish Proud. She is passionate about helping students build confidence and strength through movement and is excited to see them grow both as dancers and as individuals.

Shea Best

Shea Best moved to Lafayette, LA from Cypress, CA in 2004 with her husband, Terry. Together they share 5 amazing kiddos! She is currently working at Massage Envy as a licensed esthetician and is also the lead singer for Beach Blvd and the Hot Sause Band. Shea loves all things music, theater, and makeup and has been active with CCT and CYT since 2018. She has performed in 4 CCT shows including Singing in the Rain, White Christmas, Mamma Mia, & Footloose and has served on many committees for CYT including makeup, props and posters. Although she loves performing she is very excited to step into a teaching role!

Theresa Kate Cavell

Theresa Cavell is 20 years old and has been a vocal performer since 2010, starting in school choir and working into show choir and finally theatre. She has appeared in Annie, Les Misérables, and Hairspray. She competed with the Louisiana State Interact placing 1st 3 times in the vocal performance finals. She was a member of the UVA Glee club/show choir, ULL vocal arts camp for 3 years. Theresa Cavell has performed in two shows with CYT and has sense worked a few shows such as: Mary poppins, Wizard of oz, Pride and Prejudice, Elf jr and many CYT camps. She has been teaching at CYT for 2 years and absolutely adores working with determined kids who also have a passion for musical theatre.

Trevor Menard

Trevor Menard is a CYT alum! He has performed in 15 CYT shows, 5 CCT shows, and shows with multiple other companies around Acadiana! He has also directed Into the Woods, Descendants, Mary Poppins, and most recently The Lightning Thief! He is super excited to be continuing his CYT journey by working as a CYT teacher! He’d like to thank CYT for this wonderful opportunity, but more importantly, God, for putting this organization in his life. He would not be the person he is today without CYT!

Vanessa Lomas

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.

Wendy Lantz

Wendy has been involved with CYT for the past 4 years through her children. She is the mother of 6 children, whom she has homeschooled, and has over 18 years of teaching experience.  In addition to teaching her children at home, she is a travel planner/consultant, and not only loves helping other families make memories; but enjoys adventuring and exploring through travel with her family.  She has over 30 years of experience sewing, has been helping CYT with costumes for the last few years, and is excited to take on a new adventure teaching all aspects of costuming!

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!