What is CYT?
CYT is an after-school theater arts education program for kids ages 6-18, offering classes in the McHenry, Lake, Kane, DuPage and Northwest Cook County areas. Three sessions are conducted each year, beginning in the fall. Week-long summer camps are offered in all regions as well. CYT offers students an opportunity to develop their talents, interact with friends and learn to be a positive member of their community.
Toward the end of each session, a fully-staged musical production is presented for a run of up to two weekends. Students ages 8-18 currently enrolled in the session have the opportunity to audition for the show. CYT utilizes local churches and schools for classes and productions. Although CYT may conduct classes in a church, it does not maintain a specific church affiliation. However, those involved in CYT at the staff and teacher level must understand CYT's Statement of Beliefs and reflect its Values and Objectives in their work.
Since it's founding in 1981 in San Diego, California, CYT has grown to be the largest Youth Theater in the nation. There are many branches across the country providing training to thousands of students every year.
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. All CYT staff strive to be excellent role models.
CYT is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization which is funded primarily through its tuition, ticket sales and outside contributions. Since CYT does not own its 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.
How does CYT work?
CYT offers three sessions of theater arts classes for children to choose from throughout the school year, in the Fall, Winter and Spring, as an after-school activity. Each session consists of a ten-week period in which students take classes two hours per week as an after-school activity, covering such topics as Voice, Dance, Drama, Makeup, Set Building, Comedy, and Improv. Each class performs a “showcase” at the end of the session to show family and friends all that they have accomplished. Enrollment in our classes also provides students, ages 8-18, the opportunity to audition for the current production being produced for that particular session. Those students too young or those not cast are encouraged to participate in the production by, for example, being part of the backstage crew, helping to usher, playing in the band, etc. There are many ways to plug into a production. Parents of each student cast are required to serve on one of several production committees. Parents are asked to sign the audition form indicating their intent to commit themselves, as well as their children, to making the production a success.
In the summer, numerous summer camps are offered in all areas CYT serves. Fun and games mix with learning and growing as everyone prepares for a end-of-week showcase to entertain and delight family and friends.
CYT is a family-oriented organization dedicated to providing entertaining activities centered around the family. Without the support of each parent, it could not offer the high quality productions it does.
What is Christian about Christian Youth Theater?
CYT strongly believes in setting high standards - mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. CYT is not a church. It is a youth theater company that is committed to training students to put on quality theater with a Judeo-Christian world view. All faiths and denominations within CYT look past denominational lines and see kids as kids.
CYT Goals
1. Training children in the performing arts.
2. Building leadership skills.
3. Developing a sense of community and fellowship
4. Providing positive, godly role models for students.
