Current Staff Members:
Aleece Root
Executive Artistic Director
Carol Engelhardt
Executive Managing Director - Carol found CYT in 2008, when her oldest of four children went to CYT summer camp and then auditioned for his first show. Carol enjoyed mentoring children as backstage chair and camp coordinator as well as meeting parents as house chair prior to joining executive leadership. She is thankful for the opportunity to use her financial and management experience to serve the CYT community that has positively affected her family. Her prayer is that the families she serves will be better equipped ‘to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.’ (Micah 6:8)
Sharon Didier
Production Manager
Kristen Schinkel
Bookkeeping Manager - Kristen has worked in customer service since 2001, first working at American Hawaii Cruises, then for Kohl’s, and now for CYT. She loves working for an organization that has such an impact in the lives of children and getting the chance to interact with parents on a daily basis. Kristen attended McHenry County College, and has a Travel/Tourism degree. She loves reading, walking and hanging out with her family.
Regan Rohde
Costume Manager — 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, attending as many live theatrical performances as she possibly can, and watching things that make her cry. She has a passion for history, especially the aesthetic aspects, which lends itself well to her costuming position. Regan truly 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 kids have a community to grow those talents and passions for His glory.
Garrett Wells
Sets Warehouse Manager
Alec Kinastowski
Technical Manager - Alec is thrilled to continue the collaboration with CYT Chicago. He has been immersed in the technical entertainment industry for over fifteen years and obtained a BFA in lighting design from The Theatre School at DePaul University. Since then, he has refined his aesthetic through lighting, sound, and scenic design endeavors for a countless number of productions and theatre companies all over Chicagoland including The Metropolis, Big Deal Production, The Devonshire Playhouse, Bravo, Wishing Star, Highland Park Players, St. James Productions, Schaumburg On Stage and many more. Alec is also the owner of Kinasthetics, Inc., a supplier of lighting and audio products, services, and installations for all facets of the entertainment industry with a portfolio all of its own.
Kathryn Johnson
Marketing Manager
Josiah Payne
Sets Warehouse Assistant
Cindy Yach
Accounting & HR Specialist
Lora Negrete
Senior Coordinator - Lora first discovered CYT in 2011 as a teacher searching for a fine arts field trip for her 5th graders. Lora was so impressed with the show that she decided to take her 5 yr old daughter to the show that weekend! Her daughter fell in love with theater and the rest is history! Since then Lora has been the Marketing Lead, Day Camp Coordinator, Overnight Camp Coordinator, Class and Production Coordinator, and is now the Senior Coordinator! Lora’s whole family, including her 3 children and her husband, Manny, are now involved in CYT and they consider themselves lifers!
Julie Kohlieber
Graphics & Media Specialist
Trinity Sheridan
Costume Assistant