- When will the website's "Photos" area be updated?
At this point, we have literally thousands of photos to go through. A new website design is also being worked on, and the photos are an integral part of that update.
- When will the next session's class and show information be listed?
Class and show information will be displayed on the website when the session brochures are mailed out, or when all counties' brochure pages have been converted to web pages and uploaded to the website.
- I have a thirteen year old who is interested in CYT. Although she doesn't have formal drama experience, she enjoys creating dramatic videos with her friends and has a very nice singing voice. Should I sign her up for the 12-18 year old acting class, or would it be better to put her in a class for beginning actors (8-11 years old)?
You can look at her goals and at what makes her excited about a particular CYT class to help you decide. If her goal is to be cast in a CYT musical, she might consider taking a class to help round out her skills. For example, if dancing is her weakest area, a dance class will help her incorporate movements into her audition. If her goal is to do what she loves, she should choose the class that most appeals to and excites her. The age range for the classes is firm .. however, she need not sign up for a younger class simply because she feels she is a beginner. If there are no class prerequisites, she can enroll in any class for her age. There are kids entering our program at every age. For specific questions, calling the Area Class Coordinator is a good idea.
- My children are interested in taking an acting class but it is very difficult to get them to a class after school because of my schedule. Will you ever have Saturday classes?
Our performance rehearsals are scheduled on Saturdays (and weekday evenings as well), so Saturday classes wouldn't work for our program. Our summer camps might be an option for your children if the after school times are too difficult. Many families choose this option.
- I have no acting experience, however, the only acting class for my age is the advanced acting class, which has a beginner class as a requirement. What should I do?
We do offer beginning acting classes for older students usually once a year. Keep an eye on our class schedules when they are posted each semester. Also, if you can't achieve an advanced class's recommended prerequisites because of age, we will allow you to take the class.
- Does a child need to be in a class in order to audition for one of your shows?
To be eligible to audition for a CYT production, students age 8-18 must be enrolled in a class in that county.
- I am trying to find acting classes for my 5 year old daughter, can you help?
We will be offering 5 year old summer camp this summer, so she can look forward to that!
- I lost my booklet that tells when the auditions are. Where do I find that information?
Check the information for each county listed on this website, under the Classes menu. We put a link to information about the current session's production, including audition information, at the top of the page as soon as it becomes available.
- Your classes have already started for this session. Do you take students at a pro-rated fee to join after the classes have started?
It is difficult for students to join once a semester is well underway, as plans and casting for the end-of-semester Showcase are likely well-formed. As a blanket policy, we do not pro-rate late registrants.
- Are the classes at less than capacity if the web page doesn't state the class is "full"?
A class may be full even if the website does not state that fact. While we strive to keep the website up-to-date, registrations sometimes come in so fast, the website falls behind. The best way to find out if there is still room for your child in a class or >not is to call the office and ask.
- How old do you have to be to be a Class Aide?
Our aides must be at least 16 years old, and our teachers must be at least 18 years old to teach.
- Are there any prerequisites to enroll in summer camp?
No, there are no prerequisites, except a desire to have a great time of learning and fellowship with kids from all over the Chicagoland area!
- We have a young child who is very demonstrative and we are seeking out a Christian environment for her to develop her talents. Do you have programs for children under 6 years old?
During the summer we do offer summer camps for children 5 years of age and up. For those under age 5, we unfortunately don't have the resources to give the care and attention they would need to really benefit from their CYT experience.
- Where do I find prices for classes on the web site?
From the website's main menu, choose the Classes pull-down menu, and then choose the county in which you are interested in enrolling your child. The list of classes for the current semester will appear. At the top of that page, there is a link leading to registration information and online registration. The registration page contains complete details on class locations, costs and registration deadlines.
- How can I get karaoke songs?
Click here to jump to our Auditioning Tips web page, which has a list of sources for music at the bottom of the page.
- Is the summer camp for high schoolers for students finishing grade 9 or going into grade 9?
It's for students going into 9th grade.
- My daughter is fifteen years old and has a bent for acting. Presently she is taking voice lessons. Can she still be considered for one of your classes and productions?
CYT classes are open to all students ages 6 thru 18, so your daughter should fit in just fine. We have three semesters of classes, in the Fall, Winter and Spring.
- I wish to work tech or backstage on one of the shows, but do I need to take one of the classes to do so?
It's hard to know up front whether or not there will be enough interested CYT students to fully staff all of the backstage and tech positions that a show may require, but current students do take priority. Your best bet would be to send the Area Coordinator an email about your interest in working for the show. You will be contacted if your help is needed!
- Why am I being asked to "log in" to the CYT website?
We're constantly building new functionality into the CYT website, in order to make using it easier to use for you and for our staff. By identifying yourself to the website with your your own private user id and password, the website can pre-load information such as names and addresses from our records. This will make entering information such as student registrations much easier, as much of the information will already be entered. Be sure to keep the website up-to-date with any changes that might be occur! Requiring a "strong" id and password helps ensure that your family's information is always protected.
- When will we know who gets in productions ---- and who doesn't? Is there some link that shows us where to go??
When shows are cast, we will put a link directly to the cast list on the home page of the website. A link is also added to the show's web page. The home page link will stay for a few days, and then be removed as other news or information gets added, but the show page cast list link will remain for the duration of the show.
- I am 12 years old and am very shy. I can act but am not a good singer. I reeeeeeally want to try. Any confidence boosting tips?
If you are an actor use that in your audition, focus on your strengths for your first audition. Many good actors actually are shy in real life, but for some reason when they get on stage, they light up. Maybe that is true for you too? In terms of auditioning, we have a 1 minute to shine policy for auditions that allows actors that don't feel comfortable with singing to do a dance routine or a an acting bit (comedy bit or monlogue is usually what is done). Of course, when you choose not to sing in an audition, you won't be considered for singing roles. But there are plenty of acting roles in the musicals we do which are mostly musical comedies.
- What if my child can't sing or dance, should they still audition?
The answer is yes. There are three points that should be made:
- Although we only do musicals, there are almost always roles available for non-singers or dancers. To be cast they would need to have really good stage presence or have some specific skill relating to the show such as comic timing, gymnastics, juggling, etc.
- Remember also that everyone has to start somewhere. Most of our students don't start off with amazing skills, those are developed through training and maturity. Most 8 or 9 years or beginners of any age can't sing or dance well because they just aren't yet there developmentally.
- Auditioning is just as important to the learning experience at CYT as being in classes. By auditioning for a minute in front of a crowd, students are able to face the biggest fear that most adults have: public speaking. So we encourage students to audition whether they are "ready" or not. in doing so they face their fear and are ready for even bigger challenges as a result.
- My 11 yr. old daughter enjoys being on stage and has taken 2 drama camps at our church. She doesn't sing very well but does enjoy acting. Must you be able to both sing and act for your productions?
CYT is looking for Kids with a desire to learn. 99% of the students that come through the program have an area or two that is a weakness. For example, some come with good acting instincts but need vocal and dance training. Some come with dance training but need vocal training and help developing their stage presence. We encourage kids to get involved at whatever level there are at. One of the reasons we have the statement "Developing character ... one stage at a time" is that everyone is in the learning process. Whether they are a great singer or not, isn't the point. Encourage your child to audition using the skills and gifts they do have and then also encourage them to train in the areas that are a weaknesses through either a CYT class and/or in other training programs.
- If a parent does not have 20 hours to spend on a committee, can a fee be paid in place of voluntary work?
Our desire is to be a family-oriented organization, with parent involvement, so we don't have a fee as an alternative to participation on our show committees.
- What is a Family Day performance?
In all of our show runs, we select one show to be a "Family Day" performance, and we reduce the ticket price for that one show as an incentive for families to come and enjoy an evening of entertainment together.
- Do you plan on doing a play that is not a musical?
CYT currently only produces musicals. This allows for the most optimal number of students to participate.
- If my daughter auditions will she get a part no matter what?
We try to cast as many students as we can but we are rarely able to cast everyone that auditions due to space and production limitations.
- If you get a Call-back for a part in a show, and you don't get the part you got a callback for, does that mean you are still in the show no matter what, just for a different part?
Receiving a callback for a role does not guarantee a role in the show. Likewise, if you don't receive a callback it doesn't automatically mean you are not cast in the show.
- What are the boundaries you look at when choosing shows for CYT?
Our mission statement defines CYT's commitment to producing wholesome family entertainment. If there is a play which, overall, does reflect our values but has some content that is questionable then we will make appropriate edits to make it suitable for families.
- Does our student get 1 free ticket to a performance?
Each CYT student gets one ticket to one performance at all counties active during the session that the student is enrolled in. However, please keep in mind that if your child gets a part in the play or works on the backstage crew, they will not be able to see the show they are in.
- Why are there no CYT locations in my area? There are no locations close enough for my children to participate.
CYT does not take the initiative to plant programs. We wait for the right timing and for the right parents, who view CYT planting as their ministry, to step forward and say "We are willing to do whatever it takes to bring CYT to our community."
- Do you have to be a Christian to participate in CYT?
CYT is open to all kids. We welcome students of all backgrounds and beliefs while holding to Judeo-Christian values as our foundation and practice.
- How does one obtain a refund for a class that is paid in full, before class starts?
Call the CYT office to make arrangements for refunds. A processing fee will apply.
- Your classes start so early! How can a child get to a 3:30 class when most schools don't get out until 3:30?
Most of our classes actually start later than that. Some of the schools we have classes at have arranged with us to provide additional CYT classes that begin immediately after their school day ends, to eliminate any transportation or supervision requirements. These programs are thus geared mainly towards students of that school, plus any others who can make it at that time (for example, home-schoolers). Students who attend other schools can come to the regular class times, if possible.
- Are background checks done on your instructors / teachers?
Yes, it is our policy to perform background checks.
- Can you do an audition with another person?
We do not allow duets in auditions but have had, on occasion, a second person in the background helping if the song called for it. For instance, a girl singing "Mr Postman" could have someone come into her audition, deliver a letter that she can sing about, and then leave. Be careful, though; such things can often be more of a distraction from the audition than they may be helpful to it.
- Why is there a ticket contest minimum of 10 sales for cast members?
CYT productions are a huge, collaborative effort. So much goes into every show – from material expenses like costumes, lights, theater rentals and performance rights to expenditures of time and talent by everyone involved, right down the line. Our goal in committing to be part of such an endeavor is reflected in our mission statement: to produce quality, wholesome family entertainment and to reflect Judeo-Christian values through training in the arts. We want all of this hard work to pay off in a product we can be proud of and an experience that we find edifying ... and we want to be able to continue to make this program affordable and financially solvent. In order to accomplish that, we all must work together and respect each other's contributions.
We all know that inflation affects everyone. We have tried to think of ways to keep up with inflation and still avoid raising fees. Our production fees, ticket prices, and tuition fees are still the lowest for CYT branches across the nation. In order to keep fees low, we depend on ticket sales to generate revenue. The most efficient and economical way to sell tickets is through our ticket contest. When every family participates, we save ond marketing and promotional expenses. Also, because the ticket contest generates advance sales, we have the advantage of having a better estimate of our final audience numbers. This helps in planning for program printing and high-selling shows that may warrant adding a performance. We also like that we can offer our own families the best seats in the house by taking their orders as early as the first rehearsal.
We do appreciate that every family involved in a CYT production gives so much. The commitment to any quality family experience often includes sacrifice and hard work. Learning how to make that commitment, see it through, and reap the benefits is something that we teach our children by modeling it ourselves. Thank you for participating with others through CYT and developing a fine example for our community of what collaboration can accomplish with God's grace.
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