Regan has been involved with CYT since she was five years old. She has performed in seven shows across numerous chapters. When Regan is not working as one of CYT-Chicago's Costume Manager, she can be found serving on directing teams, teaching classes, taking classes, and attending as many live theatrical performances as she possibly can. She has a passion for history, especially the aesthetic aspects, which lends itself well to her costuming position. She has been working with children for as long as she can remember. Her heart's desire is to see every child come to know and love Jesus. Regan believes that God can use anything and anyone to show us His love---including theatre. Hearing a beautifully composed song, watching the triumphs and struggles of a character, or even seeing the details of a costume piece reminds us that God has individually given us all talents and passions. We can choose whether we use those for His glory or not. CYT has a passion for making sure children have a community to grow those talents and passions for His glory.

Sharon started her CYT journey by attending day camps at a young age. By 2005 she was hooked after finding her people in the community at CYT. She participated in all sorts of CYT classes, with Project Dance being her favorite. Before graduating, Sharon performed in 19 CYT shows and 1 CCT show. Since graduating CYT, Sharon has taught multiple classes and has been on 16 CYT directing teams and counting. She now works as the Production Manager at the main office in Cary. The CYT community has played such a large role in her development and growth throughout the years both on and offstage. It's become a passion of hers to be able to pour back into the community that gave her so much. Her desire is that the students at CYT will be challenged in their skills, character, and faith while being molded into the performer and disciples that God created them to be. She prays each student receives the same type of love, encouragement, and growth she received and continues to receive to this day through her involvement at CYT.

A former CYT student, Josiah Payne performed in 11 productions from 2001-2005. Upon graduation, Josiah began teaching dance and stage combat classes and and worked as a choreographer and fight coordinator on several CYT shows. He was involved in the creation of CYT's Project Dance program in 2008 and was the coach for the Lake County chapter for 2 years. Josiah left CYT in 2010, pursuing a BFA in Theater/Dance Performance at Northern Illinois University, with which he graduated in 2013. He spent 9 seasons performing in a variety of roles at Six Flags Great America and has been a guest artist with Illinois youth Dance Theater, Rockford Dance Company, and Dance Center North. Josiah recently joined CYT's Main Office Staff as a Sets Warehouse Manager and is excited for the opportunity to return to teaching and to share his love of theater, dance, and combat with a new generation of CYT students.

Hi! I’m Melissa and I have been teaching and directing with CYT since 2022. I am a homeschooling parent of 7 awesome kids, and I have served as a parent volunteer for the past 11 years. I have been involved in many different choirs and smaller ensemble singing groups, and I also teach private voice lessons. I’m looking forward to many more wonderful seasons with CYT!