Gerald and Patti Broussard

Founders

Kallie Theriot

Artistic Director

Tiffany Hochkeppel

Branch Coordinator

Joy Broussard

Vermilion Chapter Coordinator

NeeKee Hall

Central Chapter Coordinator

Catherine Walker

Lafayette Show Coordinator

Sonya Allgood

Lafayette Show Coordinator

Jenny Best

Camp Coordinator

Celia Theriot

Camp Coordinator

Cher Soignier

Media and Special Events Coordinator

Mitch Bertrand

Technical Director

Shannon Waits

Vermilion Show Coordinator

Mandy Meaux

Facilities & Rental Manager for Vermilion

Jeantelle Leblanc

Business Manager

Melissa Guest

Improv Coach

Leah Bourgeois

Prop Coordinator

Jerry Allgood

Lafayette Set Shop Manager

Jen Palmer

Painting Coordinator

Hilton Waits

Vermilion Set Shop Manager

Julie Verzwyvelt

Costume Coordinator

Tina Sciambra

Costume Coordinator

Trevor Menard

HYPE Advisor

Adele Hebert

Adele Hebert is a proud alumna of CYT Lafayette, beginning her performing journey in both CYT and the local community theatre scene, where she first fell in love with the stage. She went on to earn her degree in Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre from Northwestern State University. After college, Adele toured nationally as a Tour Actor/Director with Missoula Children's Theatre. She has also performed at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Silver Dollar City in Christmas and pop/rock variety productions. Her regional theatre credits include Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Paint Your Wagon, and The Ballad of Cat Ballou at the Jackson Hole Playhouse.

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.

Aralyn Dickerson

Aralyn Dickerson is a CYT alum and is so excited to be teaching this session! She has taught and assisted many CYT classes and performed in multiple CYT and CCT shows! One of her greatest joys has been spending her summers at CYT camp! From being a counselor as a student to now directing the same summer camps, she is immensely grateful for all of the opportunities CYT has given her. Aralyn cannot wait to get to know her students and watch them grow their love for the arts!

Bethany Leonards

I am an artist with an avid love for theater from Rayne, Louisiana! I received a Master’s in Global Cultures from King’s College London and have worked in school settings as a teacher and applied behavior analyst both in Louisiana as well as California. I am proud to join the CYT team in Lafayette this fall!

Catherine Perry

Mrs Cat is a full time Art teacher and a CYT alumni! She earned two Graphic Art degrees from Northwestern State University with a minor in Performance/Directing in Theatre. She works in Port Barre, LA teaching Art to different age groups from Elementary to High School in attempt to grow each student's own creativity! She is very 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.

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.

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.

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.

Jolie Blanchard

My name is Jolie Blanchard. I'm a local dancer, choreographer and writer. I'm currently pursuing my BFA in Performing Arts, with a concentration in Dance, at the University of Louisiana here in Lafayette. I’ve performed various choreographic works under the direction of John A. McBride, Sarah Lass, Paige Barnett Kulbeth, and Molly Heller/HEARTLAND Collective. I make it my mission to engage with students authentically and compassionately, while still maintaining an emphasis on rigor and technicality. I find when young people feel supported and challenged, they have an opportunity to confidently develop their own artistic voices.

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 twin grandbabies, Sutter John and Hudson Reed, are also close by. 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 8 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

Kaedron, a talented musician and dedicated educator, is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and has called Lafayette home since 2015. He serves as the Lower and Middle School music and performing arts teacher at Ascension Episcopal School and also works as a private vocal coach, helping students refine their skills and develop their voices. Kaedron holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Morehouse College and a Master of Music in Conducting from Georgia State University. With a deep passion for music and education, he is thrilled to be part of the CYT family, inspiring young performers to reach their full potential!

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!

Kinsey Waits

Kinsey is a 19-year-old CYT Alumni and student at UL studying Journalism and Environmental Science. She has performed in 20+ CYT shows and three Abbey Players shows. Her favorite roles so far were that of Lauri in Oklahoma, Maria in Sound of Music, Ariel in Footloose, Mary Poppins in CYT Vermilion’s Mary Poppins, Jr., and Jane in Tarzan. She has taken eight years of dancing and is in the UL Chamber Singers Choir. She enjoys reading and riding horses. She loves singing, acting, dancing and all things CYT!

Lain Gary

Lain Gary is a graduate of North VermilionHigh School and has performed in 16 cyt productions. Previous roles include Jack Kelly in Newsies, the Baker from into the woods, Tarzan in Tarzan, and the Captain Von Trapp in Sound of Musc. When not performing, he enjoys spending time with friends, making music and playing sports. CYT has made a big impact on Lain’s life, from stretching him and helping him grow in his character while also providing a place for him to meet new friends who he is still close with to this day. Lain is so excited to be apart of this CYT teaching staff and hopes to provide an opportunity for these amazing kids to learn and grow in their talents!

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!

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)!

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!

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).

Ryan Kolb

Ryan Kolb is a recent graduate from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a BFA in Theatre. They have been a part of many productions, most notable being: Charlito “Chip” Tolentino in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee with The Looking Glass Theatre Company, Mama Ubu in the Absurdist Ubu Roi, and Beatrice Rasponi in the wonderful Commedia Dell’Arte show The Servant of Two Masters. They are very excited to be a part of this team and want to remind everyone to always support local art and artists, especially the young ones!

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!

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!

Spring Ball

Trey Menard

Trey Menard is a recent CYT alum and he is very excited to be teaching classes again! He has been involved in CYT for the past 10 years, and has performed in over 20 plus shows. He is currently attending UL, and has performed with CCT. He is very thankful for this opportunity, and he is very excited to work with this new generation of 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!