CYT is a one of a kind organization in that it accepts kids just as they are, and not only includes them but builds them up through encouraging them to do things that they never thought they could do – the confidence and self-esteem that this instills in them is priceless.  The topping on the cake to all of this, is it is done through a Christ centered atmosphere.  This is what I really love about CYT – is that it gives all the credit to Christ and makes Jesus and His efforts the central focus.  I don’t think there is another organization in the valley that offers this.  God is blessing CYT and it is an honor to be a part of it. 

Allison Hatch

Allison Hatch is excited to share her love of theatre with CYT Phoenix students! She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Acting and has worked across the country in roles ranging from performer to educator to arts manager. Allison has directed several youth productions and taught acting and audition intensives for students of all ages. She previously toured Colorado schools as part of Kaiser Permanente's educational theatre program before working at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Today, she serves as the Director of Patron Experience at The Phoenix Theatre Company. Allison's love of Shakespeare began in high school when she played Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and she is thrilled to introduce a new generation of students to the humor, magic, and timeless storytelling of one of her favorite plays. When she's not at the theatre, she's a devoted animal lover and proud dog and bunny mom.

Anna Mettes

Anna Mettes is a graduate from Grand Canyon University after receiving a B.A. in Theatre and Drama. She has trained in dance with a variety of companies such as The Dance Shoppe AZ, Center Dance Ensemble, Ballet Arizona, Grand Canyon University, The Phoenix Theatre Company, and Ballet Theatre of Phoenix. She has also worked as a dance teaching artist for Valley Youth Theater in Phoenix, Arizona. Favorite choreography credits include You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Arizona School for the Arts), Matilda, Jr., Shrek, Jr., Seussical the Musical, Jr. (Valley Youth Theater), The Spongebob Musical, and Big Fish The Musical (Grand Canyon University). She also has an extensive acting resume, which includes Mad Hatter the Musical (World Premiere - Herberger Theater), Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins, and Countess Andrenyi in Murder on the Orient Express (Ethington Theater). Anna also recently returned to Arizona after 2 years in Illinois, where she worked on shows such as The Wedding Singer (Holly), Head Over Heels (Philoclea), and Gypsy (Choreographer).

Elise Carpenter

Elise is a CYT alumni currently attending Grand Canyon University. She is thrilled to be teaching Our Gang this session!

Elise Palma

Hello! I'm Elise Palma, the Artistic Director at CYT. As a director and teaching artist, I have the utmost love and dedication for the talented kids at CYT. It brings me immense joy to pour my heart into nurturing their growth, both on and off the stage. I believe in the transformative power of theater and its ability to provide a safe space for self-expression and personal development. Together with our team, I am committed to creating captivating productions while infusing character development into every aspect of CYT. I am grateful for this opportunity to lead and inspire these remarkable young performers. Let's embark on this artistic journey together!

Elizabeth Cook

Elizabeth has a deep passion for Theatre Arts and is proud to be a part of CYT Phoenix. She has a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Theatre Education and taught in the public schools for many years before leaving the profession in 2010 to be a full-time mom. Elizabeth has worked professionally as a stage manager, prop master, set designer, and lighting designer. Since joining CYT, she has become a 8 time Zoni-nominated lighting designer and rediscovered her love of teaching students all aspects of theatre production. Elizabeth has two beautiful daughters and has been married to her husband for 18 years. She is a homeschool mom, and loves to quilt and tend to her rosebushes.

Gabrielle Martin

Gabrielle Martin is a senior at Grand Canyon University going for her BA in Theatre. She has been involved in theater since she was 5 years old and has loved every minute of making this her passion. Acting has allowed her to express herself on and off the stage. She is so excited to get to work with kids, helping them pursue their passions in acting also while glorifying God with their art!

Hosannah Adams

Hello! My name is Hosannah Adams and I am a senior at Grand Canyon University pursuing my Theatre for Secondary Education degree! I have grown up performing and have always loved the aspect of theatre that requires immense feats of teamwork to bring so many elements together to tell a beautiful, cohesive story. As I have grown in my faith and understanding, it is so wonderful to see that we are all part of a story in an even grander scale throughout time and history - one of God’s plan for redemption of people through His Son! Theatre is such a unique way to bring stories of redemption and hope to the people around us, reflecting the truth of the greatest Story. I am thrilled to be teaching this class, and I look forward to working with you!

Jacob Currie

Jacob is a CYT Phoenix alum, who has stuck around to teach the next generation for the last 5 years. He briefly studied theater and dance at Grand Canyon University, and continues to perform and choreograph at a professional level. He is grateful to remain a part of the CYT community, where he can encourage young performers to grow in their craft and their confidence.

Jami Kratz

Jami Kratz is so excited to be teaching at CYT, although her picture might not show it :) She is an energetic, ambitious, bubbly senior at GCU who will graduate with a BA in Theatre Education. She grew up doing theatre within the valley and enjoys all aspects in theatre including being an actor, improviser, scenic designer, electrician, carpenter, and director. She loves teaching her passion to students and getting to bring up the next generation of theatrical artists! As an actor, some of her favorite credits include: Harriet in Emma (Arizona Christian Theatre), Snoopy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (MoezArt Productions), and Miss Lark/Chimney Sweep in Marry Poppins (Ethington Theatre). As a scenic designer, she most recently designed for CYT’s production of Shrek the Musical, and last spring her design of Ethington Theatre’s Ada and the Engine took her to nationals for the KCACTF. She can’t wait to see what God has in store for this season!

Kristin Bleger

Michelle Powers

Michelle is thrilled to be teaching improv at CYT Phoenix! She started performing improv almost 10 years ago and has performed in improv shows all over the country, including in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Illinois, and now Arizona! She is also an alumna of CYT herself, performing with CYT Indy where she grew up, so she is extra excited to be coming back to this wonderful community! She can't wait to share her love and joy for improv with the next cohort of performers!

Rebecca Hendricks

Rebecca’s goal as an educator and flutist in Phoenix, Arizona is to share the love of music and dance through equipping her students to become independent, passionate artists. She holds the woodwinds professor position at Arizona Christian University and teaches at Purely Dance. She also teaches private lessons and performs with Scottsdale Philharmonic. Her extensive background in dance and music performance as well as her faith in Jesus is what fuels her creative teaching. She is so excited to be merging both dance and music into one class at CYT! She believes as Christians, we have the biggest reason to be excellent in the arts. We are creating, not to make our name great, but Jesus’ name great!

Sydney Laffitte

Sydney Meyers is a recent graduate in Vocal Performance from Grand Canyon University who grew up doing CYT. She has been teaching private voice lessons for five years as well as performing around the valley. She is so looking forward to teaching the students and glorifying God through theater! Crowns for Jesus! Sing for the King!