About CYT Classes

CYT offers classes for students ages 4-18 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 ten 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 send their children to CYT classes to learn, and that’s exactly what they will do! At the end of a CYT session, your student will come away with a new or improved skill in the area of emphasis. During the last week of class, a high-energy showcase is presented by each class to show other students, family, and friends all they’ve learned.
 

A Look into our Specialty Classes: Foley/Voice Over

Scholarship Application

The purpose of CYT Phoenix's scholarship fund is to provide full or partial scholarships for one class to qualified applicants during one session at CYT Phoenix. Please note, scholarships are for class tuition only. We are happy to be able to provide scholarship opportunities for families in need through our scholarship fund!

Need ESA Attestation Form?

Did you know you can use ESA funds for CYT classes if you are homeschooled or in a private school? You can find the forms for this years sessions at the top of this page under PDF's.

Forms? What Forms?

Every season, students and volunteers need to fill out a new set of forms. These forms work for the whole season, so once you've filled them out you are good till next summer. Please have each individual involved fill out a Media/Liability Form, sign a commitment to character, and a transportation form. Volunteers background checks and training lasts for 3 years. 

Once filled out, please upload online before class begins. 

Current Classes:

Class: Age: Chapter: Location: Day: Time: Start: End:
10 Min Plays 8-12 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Fri 4:00pm - 5:50pm Oct 17 Dec 19
Ballet Technique Teens 13-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Sat 9:30am - 10:30am Oct 25 Dec 20
Ballet Technique Youth 8-12 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Sat 10:30am - 11:30am Oct 25 Dec 20
Beginner Tap Technique 8-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Tue 4:00pm - 5:00pm Oct 14 Dec 16
Contemporary Dance 12-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Tue 6:00pm - 7:50pm Oct 14 Dec 16
Golden Musical Theatre 8-14 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Tue 6:00pm - 7:50pm Oct 14 Dec 16
Intermediate Improv 13-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Tue 6:00pm - 7:50pm Oct 14 Dec 16
Intermediate Tap Technique 8-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Tue 5:00pm - 6:00pm Oct 14 Dec 16
One Act Play 13-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Tue 4:00pm - 5:50pm Oct 14 Dec 16
Our Gang (Ages 4-5) 4-5 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Sat 9:45am - 10:45am Oct 25 Dec 20
Our Gang (Ages 6-7) 6-7 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Sat 10:45am - 11:45pm Oct 25 Dec 20
Razzle Dazzle Jazz 8-12 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Tue 4:00pm - 5:50pm Oct 14 Dec 16
Revolting Children: Musical Theatre 8-14 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Mon 4:00pm - 5:50pm Oct 13 Dec 15
Sight Reading & Real World Vocal Callbacks - Kids 8-12 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Mon 4:00pm - 5:50pm Oct 13 Dec 15
Sight Reading & Real World Vocal Callbacks Teens 13-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Mon 4:00pm - 5:50pm Oct 13 Dec 15
Stage Makeup 13-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Fri 4:00pm - 5:50pm Oct 17 Dec 19
Teen Scene Study 13-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Sat 10:30am - 11:30am Oct 25 Dec 20
Wiggles & Giggles 2-4 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Sat 9:00am - 9:45am Oct 25 Dec 20
Youth Scene Study 8-12 Phoenix
(Winter 2026)
CYT Studio Sat 9:30am - 10:30am Oct 25 Dec 20

Drop & Refund Policies

Any class dropped after week 2 of classes is not eligible for refunding. If a class is dropped before that deadline, you will be issued a prorated refund or class credit. There are no class refunds for students who audition for MainStage productions, and elect not to participate in the show after casting. Please email our Managing Director, Haley Conte at haley@cytphoenix.org if you have any questions regarding drop and refund policies.

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. 


Emy, parent

Curriculum

CYT offers a wide variety of classes, and they all enable students to gain valuable theater arts training, develop confidence, and make friends! 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!

Teachers

A CYT teacher’s mission is to train and instruct students in such a way as to promote the development of character, self-esteem, and confidence. CYT teachers 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 teachers 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:

Elise Palma

Hello! I'm Elise Palma, the new 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!


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!


Haley Conte

Haley Conte holds a BS in Entrepreneurship with a minor in Dance Education, and an MPA in Nonprofit Management from Grand Canyon University. In addition to studying dance techniques and teaching principles, she had the opportunity to perform in GCU’s Ethington Dance Ensemble in works by both faculty and guest artists. Before attending GCU, Haley enjoyed dancing competitively and then furthering her training at Walkerdance Ballet Theater’s conservatory style program in North Carolina. She is trained in ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, and tap and has had the privilege of studying under master teachers in festivals and master classes at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts’, and Broadway Dance Center in New York City. In addition to multiple performance credits, Haley has been teaching dance and choreographing for 16 years. Haley is excited about teaching the next generation of artists and strives to provide an atmosphere in which her students are challenged to grow in their art form, as well as individuals.


Jenny Lynne

Dance to express not impress. The best thing you can be is kind. Expect nothing, be grateful for everything.


John Terpin

Hi! I got involved with CYT in high-school. Getting to develop a love of the arts in Christian community was an amazing experience. In addition to CYT I have participated in some local community theater and projects of friends and family. I love theater because it sits in the intersection of so many disciplines. At its best, it awakens and empowers the whole person of performers, and can bring together communities. I am currently working as a k-1 PE Coach at archway north phoenix.


Macy Spangler

Hello! My name is Macy Spangler and I am currently a senior at Arizona Christian University studying Music and Psychology. I believe that singing with others is one of the best things that you can do in your life. I love drinking coffee, having meaningful conversations and helping others to be successful at what they are passionate about!


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!


Ryan Ardelt

Ryan Ardelt is thrilled to be teaching at CYT this Fall! Ryan graduated from Grand Canyon University with a BA in Theatre and a minor in dance and has performed all around the valley. Some of his favorite credits include: Rolf in The Sound of Music (The Phoenix Theatre Company), Older Patrick and Ensemble in Mame (Arizona Broadway Theatre), Sammy Splitsole in Tappy the Elf (Tap 24.7), Albert/ Bill in Newsies (Hale Centre Theatre), and Mrs. Bumbrake in Peter and the Starcatcher (GCU). When he is not performing, Ryan also has a passion for teaching, choreographing, and composing. He has taught and choreographed at Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix, Actor's Youth Theatre in Gilbert, Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria, and several other studios and theaters. He can't wait to teach your kids and is looking forward to what the season has to bring!


Sydney Meyers

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!