Contact

CYT Lafayette

Mailing Address:
4400 Ambassador Caffery
Suite A Box 307
Lafayette, LA 70508

Phone: 337-258-2349
Office Address:
1319 W. Pinhook Rd
Classes, Camps, Rehearsals
Lafayette, LA 70503

Contact Us


Current Staff Members:

Gerald Broussard

Executive Director

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

Brandy Batiste

Class Coordinator

Jenny Best

Camp Coordinator

Celia Theriot

Camp Coordinator

Joshua McClymont

CCT Coordinator

Cher Soignier

Media and Special Events Coordinator

Maggie Martin

Technical Director

Mitch Bertrand

Audio Engineer

Shannon Waits

Vermilion Show Coordinator

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

Emily Roy

HYPE Advisor

Trevor Menard

HYPE Advisor

Current Teachers:

Annalise Goutierrez

Annalise Goutierrez is a 20 year-old college junior studying Psychology at The University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Annalise has been involved in several productions across Acadiana and has loved every minute! Some of her credits include Morticia Addams in The Addams Family, Allana in The Little Mermaid, Brenda in Hairspray, Constance in Rock of Ages, Ms. Fleming in Heathers, as well as being a featured dancer in several productions. She is so excited to be teaching at CYT Lafayette!

Ashtyn Raxsdale

My name is Ashtyn Raxsdale, and I’m a 20 year old sophomore at UL majoring in Speech Pathology with a minor in Music. I was in CYT for 8 years, performing in 14 shows with Lafayette and Vermillion. I’ve recently been in Mamma Mia, Hunchback, and Footloose with CCT. I’m so excited to teach my class!

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, the stage manager for Matilda, co-choreographer for High School Musical and choreographer for Mary Poppins. 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.

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.

Eriel Reed

I am from Shreveport, LA. However, I now proudly call Lafayette home. I’ve had the privilege of training in ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, contemporary, tap, etc. Through these experiences, I have developed a deep appreciation for the art of dance. Currently I am a dedicated student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Performing Arts Dance. This program is helping me refine my skills and broaden the understanding of dance as a whole. I am confident that this education will provide me with a solid foundation to excel in the dance industry. My ultimate goal is to travel the world and work full-time in the commercial dance industry. Whether it's performing on renowned stages or collaborating with talented artists. In fact, I aspire to one day establish my own dance studio, where I can inspire and train aspiring dancers. With a strong passion for dance and the drive to succeed, I am excited about the future opportunities that lie ahead.

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 am super excited to get back into the theater and also excited to join this awesome team!

Jacob Simon

Jacob Simon is the Assistant Principal at Ovey Comeaux High School. He was named the 2018-2019 OCHS Teacher of the Year and was named 2018 L.E.F. Top Finalist for High School Teachers. Having grown up with a passion for live theater and acting, Mr. Simon pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater Education, graduating from University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2013. He has been cast in numerous shows, most notably as Brian in Cite’ Des Arts’ production of “The Shadow Box” and as Russ in ULL’s production of “Clybourne Park”, for which he won the Kennedy Center Theater Award for Excellence in Acting. Along with being the Director of Theater, Jacob Simon has been the Director Speech and Debate at Comeaux High School in Lafayette, LA for the past 9 years. The Comeaux Speech Team is a group of competitive actors and public speakers who travel across the country competing against the best young talent in America. As the Director of Comeaux Speech, he has coached 28 individual State Champions in acting events and has coached his team to 5 consecutive State Team Sweepstakes Championships. As a coach, Mr. Simon has had success on the national level as well, coaching 31 National Finalists and 10 National Champions, all in acting events. With an educational focus in theater performance, Mr. Simon promotes developing honesty in acting and crafting the type of dynamic performances that move audiences emotionally and bring to light important stories that often go untold. He firmly believes that acting is not simply learning how to be a good liar…true acting comes from discovering the truth in the text, connecting to it empathically, and using that connection to perform with power, sincerity, and heart.

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.

Jeanne Falgout

Jeanne Falgout was born in Pensacola, FL and is a former military child. After living in Alabama, Georgia, California, Mississippi, and Hawaii her father retired from the Navy and her family moved to Lafayette, LA in Summer 2020. She currently enjoys teaching violin and dance classes part time. She has danced for Ballet Hawaii, California Ballet, and the Mississippi College Dance Team. She also competed in the Youth American Grand Prix. She hopes everyone that participates in CYT sees the beauty of the Lord in the arts and she is excited to be teaching at CYT Lafayette for the first time this year!

Jenny Best

A wife and a mother of two, a daughter and grand daughter of beautiful Cajun women. With a background in dance and theatre Jenny loves everything about the stage! In fact that is where she and her husband Nick met, in “Anatevka” in Fiddler on the Roof. She currently teaches beginner dance classes in Lafayette and loves watching young performers grow. Whether I am baking up a batch of cookies for my shop BestSweetsBebe or behind the scenes of the stage the creativity flows through my veins. As my two girls get older, I become more proud of myself as a mom, as a leader, a wife and a lover of performing arts.

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 have twin boys, Sutter John and Hudson Reed. 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 7 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!

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

Lindsay is a local musician in the Acadiana Area playing 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!

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.

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!

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!

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."

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!

Mitch Bertrand

For the past 8 years, Mitch has been perfecting his craft as an Audio Engineer, over various styles of productions. From Live Full Band and Online Broadcasts, to Musicals and Performance Theatre. In 2020, Mitch began working alongside CYT over several productions including Les Miserables, Grease, and The Lion King as an audio engineer, which has lead to his position as Audio Director. When he’s not behind a console, he enjoys being outdoors, especially with his dogs, Finley and Sawyer. Mitch is grateful for the opportunity to continue to work and grow with everyone at CYT and is excited to be a part of the team!

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.

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

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.

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 . Theresa is a part of Our Lady Queen of Angels Church choir. She was a member of the UVA Glee club/show choir, ULL vocal arts camp for 3 years. Theresa cavell performed in two shows with CYT and has worked shows with them as well. She is now a teacher at CYT and teaches musical theatre for kids. She is currently pursuing a BFA in Musical Theater and a minor in English Literature.

Trevor Menard

Trevor is a CYT alumnus now teacher/director who has been with the organization for almost 13 years! He has performed in multiple CYT/CCT shows! He assistant directed The Lion King Jr and Matilda with CYT, and directed Into the Woods, Descendants, and Mary Poppins. Theater has been Trevor’s passion since he was 5 years old, and he loves that he now gets to share his passion with the next generation of thespians! “Don’t be afraid to be different…be afraid to be just like everyone else.”

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.