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 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

Brandy Batiste

Class Coordinator

Jenny Best

Camp Coordinator

Celia Theriot

Camp 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:

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.

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.

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 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.

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!

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!

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."

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!

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.

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).

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!

Stephanie Kizziar

Stephanie Larriviere is a Lafayette native and LSU alumna who believes in the power of authentic conversations and genuine connections. A former theater kid with multiple leading roles in her high school days, Stephanie now lives vicariously through her daughter Addison’s love of the stage. Her “day jobs” include working as a targeted marketing specialist for Vitalant, the marketing and communications coordinator for the Leadership Institute of Acadiana, and she also runs her own freelance PR services company, La Rivière PR. She is a proud blood donor and advocate for maintaining a strong community blood supply. A graduate of Leadership Lafayette’s Class XXXVI, Stephanie was also honored as one of 2023’s 20 Under 40 and serves on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana. Stephanie loves musical theater, true crime documentaries, and singing Taylor Swift bridges at the top of her lungs.

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!