What is CYT?

Christian Youth Theater (CYT) is an after-school theater arts training program for students ages 4 - 18. Since its founding in 1981 in San Diego, CYT has grown to be the largest youth theater in the nation and is a non-profit 501(c)3 educational organization funded primarily through its tuition, ticket sales, and outside contributions. CYT Houston is one of many CYT affiliates across the country training thousands of students each year.  It has been operating for the past 4 years with an extremely positive influence on the greater Houston community.  Kids and families LOVE it.

Because CYT does not own facilities for classes or productions, the organization works through the local community, utilizing classrooms and stages in churches, schools and local theaters. CYT is not affiliated with a church body, and people of all faiths are welcome.

CYT stands in the forefront in its commitment to the highest ethical, moral, technical and artistic standards of excellence. Instructors are professionals, qualified in teaching and/or performing, who must understand our mission statement, values, objectives and goals. The staff of CYT Houston strive to be excellent role models.

Every session (fall, winter and spring) CYT offers theater arts classes for children as an after-school activity. Each CYT across the country conducts three independent ten-week sessions throughout the school year, teaching drama, voice, dance and a broad spectrum of specialty theatrical workshops at weekly two-hour classes. Financial assistance or partial scholarships are available for those in need and sibling discounts are available to multi-children families. Enrolled students have the opportunity to work behind the scenes, or audition and perform on stage in a Broadway-style musical performed for the community

What Does CYT Offer?

CLASSES
CYT offers three 10-week sessions during the school year (fall, winter and spring.) Children ages 4-18 may select up to two theater classes per session. The cost for a 10-week session is currently $175  per student. A sibling/multiple registration discount is offered (second child $165, third child $155, etc.)

A wide variety of classes are offered (core classes in drama, voice, and dance, plus specialty classes which vary from session to session). CYT Houston offers small classes (usually 12-14 students) with adequate supervision both inside the classroom (teacher) and outside the classroom (CYT area coordinator). Each class lasts for two-hours and runs for 9 consecutive weeks, culminating in a high-energy "SHOWCASE" presented by each class for the other students as well as family and friends at the 10th class period.  Every CYT student participates in the showcase.

Classes currently meet in two areas. 
1.  In Conroe:  Mondays (classes offered both 4:30 - 6:30pm and 6:30 - 8:30 pm) at Grace Lutheran Church. 
2.  In Spring/Woodlands: Thursdays ( 4:30-6:30 pm and 6:30-8:30 pm) at Living Word Community Church.


SHOWS
Each area produces one Broadway-style musical for the community each session. 

Upcoming musicals for the 2010-2011 season are:
Conroe:  The Legend of Pocahontas, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Willie Wonka
Spring/Woodlands:  The Music Man, The Sound of Music, Alice in Wonderland

Enrollment in class provides students (ages 8-18) the opportunity to audition for the current production. Approximately 85 students are cast in each CYT Houston production. A $125 per child production fee covers miscellaneous production-related expenses. Optional expenses include a makeup kit, shoes and other personal items.

Students under the age of 8 or those not cast in the show are encouraged to participate in the production in other ways. Depending on age and ability, students (and siblings) can participate on the backstage crew, technical team, or the costume and make-up committees. Students may also choose to work at the concession or sourvenir tables, or help usher.

CYT is a family oriented organization dedicated to providing entertaining activities which can involve the entire family. As such, at least one parent of each student cast in the production must serve on both a pre-show and a show-week Production Committee. Without the support of parents, CYT could not produce high-quality community shows. Parents are the backbone of CYT!

CYT

• For CYT to be recognized as the best youth arts program in the nation.
• To make the arts as accessible to children as sports or scouting programs throughout the entire country.
• To serve as a training ground for future generations in the performing arts
• To develop character traits and abilities in individuals including commitment, discipline, self-esteem, confidence and integrity.
• To sustain the family unit through the direct involvement of each family members' talents, interests and abilities.
• To provide a quality product without compromising a wholesome environment.
• To place the maximum worth on people and treating each individual with respect and significance.
• To be Godly role models, promoting the awareness of a higher accountability.