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 brandy@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
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Wed 5:30pm - 7:30pm Nov 06 Jan 15
Acting for Musical Theater - Act 1 8-12 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Acting for Musical Theater - Act 2 8-12 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Advanced Improvisational Theater - Act 2 14-18 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Advanced Musical Theater for Kids - Into the Woods Jr. - Act 1 8-12 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Advanced Musical Theater for Teens - Tuck Everlasting - Act 2 13-18 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Art & Designs - Act 2 12-18 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Art & Designs - Wednesday 8-12 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Wed 5:30pm - 7:30pm Nov 06 Jan 15
Belting 101 - Act 2 11-13 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Broadway Babies - Knights and Princesses - Act 1 4-5 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Comedy and Improv - Act 2 10-14 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Conquering Choreography - Act 2 13-18 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Costuming 101 - Act 2 12-18 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 05 Jan 14
D.R.E.A.M.S. Musical Theater - Wednesday 13-79 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Wed 5:30pm - 7:00pm Nov 06 Jan 15
Hadestown Cast - Act 2 13-18 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Mini Musical Theater - Knights and Princesses - Act 1 6-7 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Musical Theater for Kids - Act 1 8-12 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Prepping for Callbacks - Act 1 8-12 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Prepping for Callbacks - Act 2 13-18 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Special Effects Makeup - Act 1 8-12 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Special Effects Makeup - Act 2 13-18 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Tap for Beginners - Act 1 8-12 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Teen Voice - Songs from Lin Manuel Miranda - Act 2 14-18 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 6:15pm - 8:15pm Nov 05 Jan 14
Vocals for Musical Theater - Act 1 7-10 Lafayette
(Winter 2025)		 CYT Lafayette Hub Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Nov 05 Jan 14

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.

Corliss Smith

Corliss Smith is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a master’s degree in vocal performance. She received her bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Ms. Smith has performed for several young artist programs, summer opera and musical theatre programs such as Utah Musical Theatre and Opera Festival, Festival South Young Artist Program, Opera Theatre of Pittsburgh, the American Singer’s Opera Project and Emerald City Opera Artist Institute. She has been a voice teacher for over 10 years in the Lafayette and Baton Rouge areas teaching ages 4 and above, beginners and intermediate singers, ranging in a variety of music genres. She is currently the Arts Coordinator at the St. Martin STEAM Academy. Corliss is also the chancel choir director at First United Methodist Church Downtown Lafayette. Her students have gone on to earn music scholarships from UL Lafayette, Louisiana State University and Loyola New Orleans.

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.

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 White

Hi there ! My name is Lauren White , but everyone calls me Lo. I am a Music Business major at University of Louisiana at Lafayette. I have been teaching fundamental piano and voice for up to a year now.

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, 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.

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!

Melana Lloyd

Melana is from Lafayette, Louisiana. Studying at PJ’s School of Dance, Lafayette Parish High School Arts Academy, Louisiana State University, and New York University-Tisch School of the Arts, she is a long time performing arts enthusiast. She is also an award winning Dyslexia Therapist. This is her second semester teaching at CYT.

Michaela Mallery-Orebeaux

My name is Michaela Mallery-Orebeaux and I am a native of lafayette, LA. I am married and have 4 kids . I am a graduate of Grambling State University with a masters in public administration. I have been teaching elementary education for 14 years. While in school I was able to travel the US and sing and perform with a local choir. I enjoy singing, acting, playing games with my family and supporting my kids. I love teaching at CYT it gives me a chance to help students show off their talents. A quote that I tell my students is : "If you have no confidence in self you are twice defeated in the race of life with confidence you have won even before you have started."

Natalie Connor

Natalie currently holds a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance, as well as a master’s degree in Vocal Performance/Pedagogy from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette under Dr. Kristen Marchiafava. Natalie has performed in fabled venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center, and the National Opera Center. She has been the featured artist of “Modern Singer Magazine” as well as the featured artist in the August 2018 edition of “The Advertiser”. Natalie has placed 3rd in the 2014, 2015, and 2017 Tri-State National Association of Teachers of Singing competition, and was a 2017 and 2019 finalist in the Madame Rose Palmai-Tenser competition. Natalie enjoys teaching a wide age range of students in both a large classroom setting and in private lessons. In the past, she has been the Children’s Music Teacher for Community Baptist Church’s summer camp, and currently teaches Class Voice I and II at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

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 brandy@cytlafayette.org with any questions.
Apply here!