About

CYT offers three sessions of classes 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 insure 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 brandy@cytlafayette.org. We have waiting lists and can potentially create a new class if there are students who are interested. 

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. 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 Vermilion) 13-18 Vermilion
(Spring 2023)
St Alphonsus Church Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Mar 06 May 15
Advanced Teen Vocals 13-18 Vermilion
(Spring 2023)
St Alphonsus Church Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Mar 06 May 15
Broadway Babies 4-7 Lafayette Central
(Spring 2023)
Destiny of Faith Thu 5:30pm - 7:30pm Mar 02 May 11
Dance Expressions (ages 8-12) 8-12 Vermilion
(Spring 2023)
St Alphonsus Church Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Mar 06 May 15
Level up your acting (ages 8-12) 8-12 Vermilion
(Spring 2023)
St Alphonsus Church Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Mar 06 May 15
Musical Theater (Ages 4-7) 4-7 Vermilion
(Spring 2023)
St Alphonsus Church Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Mar 06 May 15
Musical Theatre 101 (ages 8-12) 8-12 Vermilion
(Spring 2023)
St Alphonsus Church Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Mar 06 May 15
Next Level Hip Hop (ages 13-18) 13-18 Vermilion
(Spring 2023)
St Alphonsus Church Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Mar 06 May 15
Training A Triple Threat- Teens 13-18 Lafayette Central
(Spring 2023)
Destiny of Faith Thu 5:30pm - 7:30pm Mar 02 May 11
Training A Triple Threat-Youth 8-12 Lafayette Central
(Spring 2023)
Destiny of Faith Thu 5:30pm - 7:30pm Mar 02 May 11

Current Teachers:

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.


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 are expecting twin boys in the spring. Joni is in her 17th year of teaching and has her Masters in Educational Leadership. Her involvement in CYT started 6 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.


Joy Broussard

Mrs. Joy Broussard a native of Imperial PA, has lived in Louisiana for seventeen years. She has a Music Degree from Kentucky Christian University, and is currently teaching at Acadiana Christian School. Previously, she had been at Harvest Time Christian Academy for 16 years. She is a member of LMEA, ACDA, President of District III Sr. High Honor Choir activities, and the Fine Arts Cordinator for ACEL-Association of Christian Educators of Louisiana. She is the Area Coordinator for CYT Vermilion, and loves being a part of the CYT family


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!


Lauren Keating


Lydia Young

Born and raised in Acadiana, Lydia Young is a performer, teacher and choreographer. She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2016 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - dance concentration. During her college career, she was a member of Chi Tau Epsilon Dance Honor Society and Infinity Dance Group where she held a position as head choreographer for 2 years. Lydia’s training consists of ballet(Cecchetti & Vaganova), jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and modern(Horton, Duncan, Graham, Dunham, etc). She participated in a Horton Teacher Workshop by way of The Ailey School and is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique for junior, senior and advanced programs. In 2018 she started a dance business, In Motion Dance, that offers training and performance opportunities for community dancers. In Motion’s first professional concert made its debut in Spring 2021 showcasing several transdisciplinary artists. Lydia’s professional resume includes Beyoncé’s Lemonade Project, Walt Disney World, Essence Festival, and many more. Recently, she choreographed two pieces,Mustard SeedsandTwo Busy, for UL’s Spring 2022 concert, An Evening of Dance, and is contracted as a guest choreographer for the Fall 2022 concert, State of La Danse. Lydia is a master's student at Wilson College where she will earn an MFA in Dance Choreography in Fall 2024. In the future, Lydia plans to become a certified Dunham technique instructor and open a performing arts center that will cater to children and adults.


Mia Lucas

My name is Mia Lucas and I am a 20 year old Junior at UL Lafayette majoring In Biology. I have been performing on stage since the 6th grade and have been a part of over 25 productions with multiple companies including CYT, Abbey Players, KPAC, and The Looking Glass. I was involved in CYT for 6 years as a student and most of the time I couldn’t wait to teach a class of my own one day. I can’t wait to share what I know with my students!


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!


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!


Samantha Lasater

My name is Samantha Lasater. I am 21 years old, and I attend UL where I major in Organizational Communications. I have been involved with CYT for 8 years. I used to love going to my acting class at CYT every week. It gave me a safe place to use my emotions to grow in my skills. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to create that same safe space for others to grow.


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 brandy@cytlafayette.org with any questions.