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).

Alicia Pruitt

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.

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.

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.

Briahna Adendorff

Briahna is a graduate from Unitech Training Academy’s Massage Therapy program and has been a Massage Therapist for 3 years. She was in CYT for 5 years, H.Y.P.E. President during her senior year, and has participated in several CCT shows. Briahna is excited to have the opportunity to teach at CYT Vermillion for the first time!

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.

Eliana Flott

Eliana Flott is a recent high school graduate who loves both performing and CYT. She's performed in a total of 30 CYT shows, and 40 stage productions overall. Some of her favorite roles she's played were Wendy Darling in Peter Pan, Corps De Ballet in Phantom of the Opera, Gabriella in High School Musical, Katherine Plumber in Newsies, Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins, and most recently Eponine in Les Miserables! She also Jr. Directed CYT Vermilion's Junie B. Jones Jr last summer, and will be Music Directing the Junior cast of CYT Vermilion's Lion King Jr this summer!

Ella Meche

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.

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.

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!

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.

Kayla Oliva

Kristi Carr

Kristi is a dance educator, choreographer, and arts leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to artistic excellence, mentorship, and community impact. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Choreographic Design-Dance from UL Lafayette and continued her training at The Ailey School in New York City, where she also served as assistant to the Business Manager and Bursar. Her early professional experience included work with the junior program staff at Broadway Dance Center and Bridge for Dance. Committed to the transformative power of dance education, Kristi has continued her professional development through the Horton Pedagogy Workshop and ongoing master classes, intensives, and workshops in both concert and commercial dance. In Los Angeles, she served as Lead Manager of Operations (Evenings) for Millennium Dance Complex and later helped launch E. Motions Dance Center in Hollywood, where she partnered to design and teach structured programs for young artists pursuing careers in the entertainment industry. From 2006 to 2025, Kristi served as an adjunct instructor in UL Lafayette’s Dance Department, teaching Modern, Jazz, Choreography, and Dance History while helping shape generations of students. She also expanded the department’s curriculum through the curation, development, and instruction of Hip Hop I and II. As founding advisor and coach of Infinity Dance Group, she helped to cultivate a dynamic student organization and was recognized with the Outstanding Organization Advisor of the Year award in 2021; under her leadership, the group was named Non-University Funded Student Organization of the Year in 2023. As Coach, she will celebrate INFINITY’s twentieth Showcase next year. Kristi’s choreography and creative leadership span university, community, and performance settings. Her work includes original choreography for UL Lafayette’s Dance Department, rehearsal direction for Ronald K. Brown’s adapted work for UL dance students in connection with Evidence Company’s performance at the ACA, productions for UL Lafayette’s Department of Theatre and the School of Music’s Summer Vocal Arts Camp, CCT’s production of Guys and Dolls, and choreography as the Movement Specialist and Co-Director for UL Lafayette’s Pride of Acadiana Winterguard. Her work continues to celebrate artistry, education, and the power of movement to connect people.

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!

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.

NeeKee Hall

NeeKee Hall has been involved in theatre for over 16 years. She is the Assistant Division Head of Lower and Middle school at Ascension Episcopal School and also teaches private vocal and piano lessons. When not on the stage, in the classroom, or in the director's chair, you can find her gigging with Bandemic or playing music at local churches. NeeKee has performed in, directed, or music directed nearly 40 productions, and after many years of wishing her life was a musical, she can finally say it's true! NeeKee is beyond thrilled to be teaching for CYT this session!

Rylie Denais

Rylie is thrilled to be back for another exciting session with CYT! A familiar face in the community, Rylie has been passionately teaching with CYT since 2017. She brings a wealth of well-rounded theatrical and dance experience to the classroom, having served in various creative roles including director, choreographer, stage manager, and assistant director. Before stepping into the production world, Rylie spent fifteen years training and dancing at a local dance studio, which sparked a lifelong love for movement and storytelling. She is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where students can grow in their artistic skills, build lasting community, and confidently develop their God-given talents.

Sarah Lagneaux

Sarah is a 26 year old mom to the one and only diva, Arielle Elizabeth. Being her mom is her favorite role. She is a director as well as performer in Acadiana. She has directed "The Little Mermaid Jr.," "Frozen," and "Freaky Friday" to name a few. She has been seen on stage in several shows. A few credits include Heather McNamara in "Heathers," Sister Robert Anne in "Nunsense," Atina in "The Little Mermaid," Anne Sullivan in "The Miracle Worker," and Cindy in "Catch Me if You Can." She is thrilled to be a part of the CYT family.

Sierra Primeaux

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.

Tim Theriot

Tim is excited to teach Improv with CYT. A longtime member of the CYT community, he has directed productions, taught theatre classes, and previously coached the CYT Improv Team. A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Tim is passionate about helping students build confidence, creativity, and strong communication skills through theatre. He is committed to helping young performers grow their love of theatre and performance while developing confidence and skills that will benefit them both on and off the stage for years to come.

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!

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.