Classes

Fall 2025 Class Registration Opens July 15th!

Advance your SKILLS with our fabulous classes! 

At CYT, we believe in EDUCATION before APPLICATION. Our qualified teachers can help your child grow in all disciplines of musical theater! Voice, Dance, Drama, Tech, and Behind the Scenes specialty classes are our forte'! CYT Classes help students get stronger and they are a great place to grow in relationships with others of like interests as well! Class sizes are limited to ensure individualized instruction and encourage a strong community in our learning environments.

The Fall 9-week Session will run from August - October.  If you are registered for a Fall class and between 8-18, you are eligible to audition for our Fall shows - Diary of a Wimpy Kid (East), Hadestown Teen Edition (Central), and Elf JR (North). Please join these Facebook groups or visit the show pages on the website for more information about the shows and the audition process.

Fall class registration will open on July 15! 
*Early Bird Discount of $25 per class until July 22!
Learn about our Classes!
If you have questions about classes, pre-requisites, or the registration process, please email your Class Coordinator:

East (Kingwood/Humble/Atascocita) area - Jen Shoemake at jen@cythouston.org
Houston (Spring/Klein/Woodlands) area - Kristie Erwin at kristie@cythouston.org
North (Magnolia/Woodlands/Conroe/Montgomery) area - Cindy Sommers at cindy@cythouston.org
Project Plays/Master Classes - Mary Ramsower at mary@cythouston.org

Scholarships for 1/2 tuition on classes are available for those who qualify.
Scholarship Application

I have grown up in CYT. It has been a huge part of my life. My love for CYT runs deep because it has given me a place to belong and create with some of my best friends. I am grateful for all my mentors who have helped me grow in my faith and craft. I have also loved that my whole family has been a part of my CYT journey and served alongside each other. CYT has truly been my family.

Royce Reid

About

CYT Houston offers classes for students ages 5-18 throughout the school year. Classes include drama, voice, dance, and behind-the-scenes training in makeup, costumes, tech, and more. Classes are held for two hours once a week and run for nine consecutive weeks in Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions. Class sizes are small and offer supervision both inside and outside the classroom. Each session culminates in a high-energy showcase to demonstrate to family, friends, and fellow students the skills acquired. 
 
Parents enroll their children in CYT Houston classes so that they have the opportunity to learn, and that’s exactly what they do! By the end of the session, students will have gained new or improved theater arts skills in the area of emphasis. During the last class session, students will showcase their skills, and it is always exciting to see what they’ve learned! 

Tuition for most classes is $225.

Project Play classes are $295 which includes extra weeks of rehearsal, production elements and 2 tickets to the Play Festival performance of all Project Play classes.  Project Play classes are not offered in every session.

Refund policy - NO REFUNDS will be given after classes are purchased, or if in-person classes move to an online format due to government regulations or safety protocols.

NOTE: Students must be enrolled in a CYT Houston class and be between the ages of 8- 18 yrs old in order to be eligible to audition for a show. If a student auditions and is not cast in the show they try out for,  the student may audition for another show in one of our other areas. It is permissible to enroll in classes in one area and audition for a show in another area. However, if you choose this option, please be aware that there may be some overlapping dates with classes or showcases. A class showcase in one location could be scheduled during the same week as a Tech Rehearsal in another location; therefore, Showcase participation would not be possible. Please be sure to check the online calendar for any conflicts before registering. Unfortunately, there is no way to always avoid these schedule conflicts with multiple areas as we must structure our schedules around open venue dates.

Attendance Policy: It is especially important that your student attend classes regularly and that they do not miss the Showcase performance. Many showcase performances rely on every student being present, and other students are affected if one person is missing. CYT Houston is an Educational 501c3 organization, and the classes, and attendance in those classes, allow CYT to maintain our tax-exempt status. All communication regarding absences must be done by contacting the Class Coordinator. Quality performing arts education and character development are primary goals of CYT. Therefore, students should not plan to miss more than two classes. Special consideration may be granted regarding absences due to illness or a family emergency. In these instances, please make requests to the Class Coordinator in advance and as promptly as possible for consideration. Should your child’s attendance in classes (or rehearsals) exceed the maximum allowed absences, he/she is subject to replacement in the production in which they are currently cast and they may be removed from the class Showcase. If your child has a conflict during Showcase, please notify the Class Coordinator and the Instructor as soon as possible. 
There will be no refunds for classes or production fees if a student is removed due to absences.

***CYT reserves the right to make health policy changes as we see fit to preserve the health of the cast and ensure that our classes and shows have the best possible chance of getting through the entire session or run of the show.

Curriculum

CYT Houston offers a wide variety of classes that will enable students to gain valuable theater arts training, develop confidence, and make friends! CYT's goal is for our classes to be Vibrant, Imaginative, Inclusive, and Uplifting! 
 
There are currently over 50 different curriculum materials available in a variety of musical theater areas. Please note these classes vary per session. Check the Classes page to see what’s available now!

Showcase

Parents, friends, and relatives are invited to attend, free of charge, CYT Houston's Showcase performance on the last evening of classes. Showcase is the grand finale of each class session, during which every class makes a 5-10 minute presentation of something they have learned and rehearsed during the session. Don't miss the action!
 

Teaching Artists

At CYT Houston, a Teaching Artist's mission is to train and instruct students in such a way as to promote the development of character, self-esteem, and confidence. CYT Houston 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 and outcome goals.  All CYT Houston Teaching Artists have been background checked and adhere to our CYT Mission and Values. Our teachers truly care about their students and provide a constructive and fun environment for them to learn. 

Current Teachers:

Christina Haynes

Christina holds a bachelor's degree in Voice Performance from the University of Texas in San Antonio where she graduated Cum Laude. Her passion lies in music. She loves being on stage and has competed and performed in all genres. She loves sharing her passion with others and enjoys the environment that CYT provides for students to learn and grow in as performers.

Dee Willis

I have been a part of CYT since 2010 when my daughter joined this wonderful organization. She is now all grown up with kids of her own and I'm so happy to still be with CYT! I have a Bachelor's Degree in Music in Therapy from Sam Houston State University and I LOVE to sing! During the past 10 years I have been honored to serve at CYT in the capacity of Costumer, Teacher, Director, Vocal Director, Tour Group Director, Show Coordinator, and CYT@school Coordinator. I'm so blessed that God has given me the opportunity to work with so many talented individuals and to share His love with others through CYT!

Jonah Mendoza

Jonah Mendoza is a professional actor / singer / creative based here in Houston, TX. Jonah has been in several Professional Regional Theatre and Professional Summer Stock productions around the country, as well as making his Actors Equity National Touring debut in 2023. You may also recognize Jonah from his long standing presence in the Houston Community Theatre circuit, starring in various productions back in 2021-2022. In addition to his stage experience, Jonah also has professional experience being in front of the camera where he made his Streaming Television Debut on Amazon Freevee / Prime. Jonah has been a part of CYT for a few months, serving as the Professional Intern and Assistant Director for a few productions. Jonah is beyond excited to share his knowledge and professional experience of the Theatre industry to help mold future performers and to aid them in honing their theatrical craft.

Julie Broussard

I am blessed to teach Our Gang for CYT Houston East. I am a child of God, mother of three beautiful girls and wife to Aaron. I have spent my childhood singing, dancing and performing in school and church productions. At an early age, I knew that I was called to work with children. I earned a B.A. in Human Development and Family Studies, a M.A. in Psychology, and am a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE). I have also previously worked as an elementary school teacher. It is my goal to teach with a loving heart, inspire creativity and encourage children to reach their full potential.

Lindsay Elgin

Lindsay Elgin is a returned CYT voice teacher and a professional choral singer in the Houston Area. She has sung with the Kingwood based a cappella choir Evōk and was a part of the choir that sang backup for Josh Groban. Community and church ensembles are her favorite and speciality. She has been in three community theater productions with The Players Theater Company. Working with the Owen Theater was her lead into working with CYT. She started with CYT in the Spring of Lockdown in 2020. During her CYT sabbatical she has produced and performed in a musical review of Stephen Sondheim's greatest hits, graduated from Houston Christian University with a Bachelors of Music, completed her first year of teaching middle school choir in Aldine ISD, and is leading her church’s youth choir. She is happy to be working with CYT again and is excited serve Christ through song.

Liz Curtin

Liz Curtin graduated from Sam Houston State University with a BFA in Theatre Arts and Secondary Education. Liz has performed in various roles in professional and community theatre in NYC, London and Houston, as well as work in commercials and voice overs. Ms Curtin began her teaching career at Jersey village high school, and has taught English and theatre at Cy Falls high school, Tomball High School, and St Anthony of Padua Catholic School. “My greatest joy is watching my students bloom into confident and passionate performers. In my experience, the kids who fear the spotlight the most are the ones who bask in the pure joy of the it once we work to conquer that fear!”

Melanie Miller

I am a CYT alum and I am overjoyed to be teaching this session! I have been taking piano lessons for 12 years and voice lessons for three and a half years. I have also worked with children for 8 years in many capacities, from volunteering in Sunday School to teaching music. I cannot wait to continue my teaching journey by working with my favorite organization and with my favorite people!

Michael Toller

Michael is the worship pastor at Covenant Baptist Church and a self-proclaimed tech-nerd. Michael’s family has been involved with CYT since 2022. His wife and children have participated in classes and shows, while he has contributed in sound production. Michael's background includes leading choirs for both children and adults, as well as serving as a worship pastor in churches across Arkansas, Illinois, and Texas over the last 25 years. He holds a Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in Voice/Church Music from Ouachita Baptist University. While at OBU he worked as stage manager and light and sound engineer for multiple productions including My Fair Lady, Into the Woods, and Carousel. Michael is passionate about teaching the next generation how to serve the Lord with their gifts, and eagerly anticipates teaching and engaging with the talented students at CYT.

Morgan Yovanovich

Howdy! I’m Morgan and am thrilled to be teaching classes for CYT! I’ve participated in dance, to include ballet, tap, jazz and partner dancing, since the age of 4 and in musical theater productions since the age of 12. I found my real theater family after moving to Texas my freshman year of high school and joining CYT where I participated in 17 productions throughout high school. My hope is that all students at CYT will be blessed with the same joy, friendships, love of theater and growth in faith that I’ve experienced here!

Paula-Beth Toller

Paula-Beth is so grateful the Lord led her family to CYT! She became involved in the arts as a young child, and being deeply impacted by the teachers in her life, Paula-Beth knew from an early age she wanted to be able to share her love and knowledge of music with others. Before relocating to the Houston area, Paula-Beth served as the Vocal Director for Stars Theater Company in Bedford. She has also directed children’s choirs throughout Texas and Illinois, has over 25 years experience as a private music teacher, and holds a BA in Music with an emphasis in Piano Performance. Her focus on musical instruction is to encourage students to reach their highest potential in a fun and energetic environment while learning they're never too young to use their gifts for God's glory. While she loves performing on stage, her favorite roles in life are that of wife and mom. She serves alongside her husband in ministry, and all four of their kids are involved in CYT. Paula-Beth is thankful for the outlet that CYT provides her to be able to combine her love for the Lord with her passion for the arts.

Royce Reid

Royce is an alumnus of the CYT Houston program who was involved from the time he was 8 years old through his age-out show, Anastasia. He has served as a CYT camp counselor for many years, and he is excited to bring his years of drama experience to the current CYT students!

Sarah Yeates

Sarah Yeates holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Houston Christian University. With an emphasis in studying opera and high brow choral performance, she has a passion for teaching the language of music. Sarah has been blessed to be a part of numerous operas including being cast as Susannah in Le Nozze di Figaro for the Brancaleoni International Music Festival in Italy. She has also won first place in multiple vocal competitions including first place in the NATS Texoma classical competition. Now, after three years of teaching private voice and piano, Sarah is excited to teach her first vocal classes with CYT, an organization that was pivotal in giving Sarah the confidence to pursue a career in music!

Stacey Brednich

Hello! My name is Stacey Brednich and although I am originally from Alabama, I am happy to call Texas my home. I have two degrees in education and spent around 15 years teaching in a mix of public and private schools. I even had the honor of teaching a year in Uganda. I have had the honor of directing Beauty and the Beast Jr and James and the Giant Peach, as well as, coordinating many CYT productions in the past! I love the values of CYT and the Christ centered community it provides for students. Theater is a true joy and I am so excited to give your little ones a glimpse into the stage!

Stacy Hamsher

I have an Masters of Arts in Speech Communication and Theatre from Arkansas State University. I have been a part of many theatre productions but my favorite roles were Gwendolyn in The Importance of Being Earnest, Babe in Crimes of the Heart and Luciana in Boys from Syracuse. I am excited to share my love of theatre with my four children and all the children in CYT.

Ziggy Bernard

Ziggy was in CYT for five years, involved in shows such as The Music Man, Alice in Wonderland, and High School Musical (twice!). Ziggy has a deep passion for all things that involve theater, but especially character building and thusly bringing those characters to life. When not on stage, Ziggy enjoys learning new songs on the piano, drawing, and teaching. Their ultimate goal is to give back what CYT has given them; joy, friendship, and laughter!