Current Classes:

Class: Age: Chapter: Location: Day: Time: Start: End:
Acting for Kids 8-12 San Antonio
(Fall 2023)
Fellowship of San Antonio Thu 6:00pm - 8:00pm Aug 31 Oct 12
Acting for Kids 8-12 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Thu 4:30pm - 6:00pm Aug 24 Oct 23
Advanced Musical Theater for Teens 13-18 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Mon 6:30pm - 8:30pm Aug 21 Oct 23
Ballet for Kids 8-12 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Thu 4:30pm - 6:00pm Aug 24 Oct 23
Ballet for Teens 13-18 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Thu 6:30pm - 8:30pm Aug 24 Oct 23
Conquering Callbacks (Bridge) 12-16 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Mon 6:30pm - 8:30pm Aug 21 Oct 23
Hip Hop for Kids 8-12 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Mon 4:30pm - 6:00pm Aug 21 Oct 23
Hip Hop for Teens 13-18 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Thu 6:30pm - 8:30pm Aug 24 Oct 23
Improv for Teens 13-18 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Mon 6:30pm - 8:30pm Aug 21 Oct 23
Intro to Tech 13-18 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Mon 6:30pm - 8:30pm Aug 21 Oct 23
Musical Theater 11-18 San Antonio
(Fall 2023)
Fellowship of San Antonio Thu 6:00pm - 8:00pm Aug 31 Oct 12
Musical Theater Dance 10-16 San Antonio
(Fall 2023)
Fellowship of San Antonio Thu 6:00pm - 8:00pm Aug 31 Oct 12
Musical Theater for Kids (Monday) 8-12 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Mon 4:30pm - 6:00pm Aug 21 Oct 23
Musical Theater for Kids (Thursday) 8-12 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Thu 4:30pm - 6:00pm Aug 24 Oct 23
Musical Theater Voice (Bridge) 11-15 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Thu 6:30pm - 8:30pm Aug 24 Oct 23
Our Gang 4-7 San Antonio
(Fall 2023)
Fellowship of San Antonio Thu 6:00pm - 8:00pm Aug 31 Oct 12
Our Gang 4-7 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Thu 4:30pm - 6:00pm Aug 24 Oct 23
Our Gang - 101 Dalmatians 4-7 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Mon 4:30pm - 6:00pm Aug 21 Oct 23
Reader's Theater 13-18 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Thu 6:30pm - 8:30pm Aug 24 Oct 23
Stage Makeup for Kids 8-13 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Thu 4:30pm - 6:00pm Aug 24 Oct 23
Voice for Kids 8-12 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Mon 4:30pm - 6:00pm Aug 21 Oct 23
Voice for Teens 13-18 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Mon 6:30pm - 8:30pm Aug 21 Oct 23
Voice Overs and Commercials 8-12 New Braunfels
(Fall 2023)
The CYT Blackbox Mon 4:30pm - 6:00pm Aug 21 Oct 23

About

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 one and a half to 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 that they've learned.

CYT registration fees cover the whole session. We think that's pretty cool! Sibling discounts are also applied on multi-sibling registrations. The session calendar can be found as a pdf at the top of this page. 

Showcase

Parents, friends, and relatives are invited to attend CYT's Showcase performance on the last day/evening of classes, free of charge! Showcase is the grand finale of each session of classes, at which every class makes a 5-8 minute presentation of something they have learned and rehearsed during the session. Don't miss the action!

Curriculum

CYT offers a wide variety of classes, and they all enable students to gain valuable theater arts training, develop confidence and make friends! Our curriculums are developed by teachers, directors, and performers both at our local branch and from CYT Inc. These classes vary per session and are modified depending on the class.

Some of our classes include:
Wiggles and Giggles - An Introduction to the arts (4-5)
Our Gang - Theater Basics for Kids (6-7)
Acting 101 (8-12)
Voice for Kids (8-12)
Musical Theater for Kids (8-12)
Tap for Kids (8-12)
Hip Hop for Kids (8-12)
Voice for Teens (13-18)
Theatrical Street Jazz (13-18)
Shakespeare for Teens (13-18)
Off the Top of Your Head - Improv (13-18)
CYT Players - A One Act style acting class (13-18)
Set the Stage - an introduction to theatrical design (13-18)

Teachers

A CYT Teacher (or as we call them, Teaching Artist) has a mission is to train and instruct students in such a way as to promote the development of character, self-esteem, and confidence. Teaching Artists  are qualified and experienced in the area in which they teach. Many of them actively performing and working in the performing arts industry, or working as educators outside of CYT either in the education system or in dance studios, private studios, and more. They have been trained in the CYT methods of instruction and agree with the CYT values and outcome goals. All our Teaching Artists at CYT have been background checked and adhere to our CYT Mission and Values. Our Teaching Artists truly care about their students and provide a constructive and fun environment for them to learn!

We strive to not just teach theater arts skills in our classes, but life skills through the arts. All of our instruction is tailored to the students in our classes, and each instructor brings something different to the classes we offer. No two CYT classes will ever look the exactly the same!

FAQ's for Classes

How do I register for a class?
Set up a Family Account before you register for classes!
  1. Click on the "person" icon at top right corner of our website (to right of "DONATE" on any page).
  2. Click on "NEW ACCOUNT" in the pop up window.
  3. Fill out the information required, with the parent's info first.
  4. To add a child to the account, click on the +Family Member button.
If you are already have a Family Account, then (while logged in) follow these steps:
  1. Register for Classes- Go to the "Classes" page
  2. First select your "Student's Age"
  3. Click on the Class Name of your choice
  4. Click on the "Register Now" button
  5. Select the family member that will be in the class.
Are parents allowed to sit in during classes?
While we love to have parents involved at CYT, classes are closed. This is for several reasons. Some students do not perform well with parental supervision, and other students sometimes get nervous when another related parent is in the room. We also want the Showcase performance to be an awesome surprise for you and your family! If you feel like you need to sit in on a class for any reason, please contact our Class Coordinator.

What should we expect on the first day of class?
When you arrive, you'll be greeted by our staff and our HYPE team! We'll make sure we have you registered in the right class, then all parents and students will head into our Main Studio Room for a brief welcome meeting before the students head to class. If it is you first time in a CYT Class, one of our HYPE Students will be available to answer any questions and help your student feel at home! Our Class Coordinator will send out an email with specific instructions for the first night of class, so be on the lookout for that!

What does my child need to bring to class?
A water bottle, a pencil, closed toe shoes, and good attitude are all good things to have! If your child needs anything specific to their class (especially for dance classes) you should receive an email from your instructor detailing what you need.

What is the refund policy?
Refunds are not issued once classes begin. Classes cancelled two weeks before start date are subject to a $25 cancellation/processing fee. For any questions, please contact our Managing Director at md@cytsanantonio.org

I've already registered for a class, but I want to switch to a different class. Is that ok?
We are totally fine with students moving to another class. HOWEVER, any requests to move to another class must be submitted and approved two weeks before the class begins. If you need to switch classes in that two week time period, a $25 fee will apply.

Current Teachers:

Bailey Garner

Bailey Garner is excited to be working with your kids this session! Her love of music started when she joined the Texas Children's Choir. As a four year member, she had the incredible opportunity to perform at both the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and Carnegie Hall in New York City. With CYT she developed her skills in musical theater and found her calling. With performances in 7 CYT shows, her skills have really grown. She has also stepped behind the curtain as the stage manager for many of our shows as well. She has a passion for working with the little one both at CYT and First Baptist Kids Academy where she is the music teacher. She thanks God for for second family here at CYT and the opportunity to share her love of theater with others.


Bobby Tschoepe

A native Texan, Bobby Tschoepe is recent graduate of Texas Lutheran University receiving his Music Education degree with Vocal Emphasis. Bobby has performed in many environments, including church dramas, choirs, and several worship teams, including his home church, Northpoint. Bobby is currently an active performer at the Magik Theater in San Antonio and has also been seen at the The Public Theater of San Antonio (Newsies as Crutchie) and has also recently performed at the Zilker Hillside Theater in Austin in The Little Mermaid (Jetsam) & Shrek the Musical (Pinocchio). As a CYT alumni, Bobby has been in shows including Peter Pan Jr. and Seussical the Musical, and he has assisted with several seasons of CYT shows in multiple capacities, including directing, choreography, music, green room, tech and backstage crew. He enjoys helping kids develop the gifts and abilities God has given them. Bobby looks forward to working further with our awesome CYT students and parents this year, and looks forward to an awesome season of classes and shows! Psalms 92 and 103


Cally Norris

RN and mother of 6


Claudia Martinez

Claudia is so excited to be teaching this session here at CYT! Having a passion for theatre and dance, she’s been performing since she was 13. Claudia is an alumnus of CYT, with four years of classes, shows, and wonderful memories she holds dear to her heart. Claudia recently earned her Associate of Arts in Teaching and is attending the University of the Incarnate Word to pursue a degree in elementary education. Claudia has been teaching and assisting dance classes for over 5 years in the Schertz area. She is so honored and very excited to help kids here at CYT find their true character on and off stage, and to show them you can bring glory to God in everything you do!


Devon Zukowski

I'm a mother of 3 and wife to Joe! I have a vocal performance degree from the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor and LOVE jazz and blues and musical theatre! I sing on the praise team at FBCNB. I'm so glad to be back teaching at CYT and to have my son and daughters try out for shows! We love our CYT family and think this is a very special safe place for kids to learn theater skills, music and dance. I have been the musical director for Aladdin Jr., Annie Jr. and Frozen Jr. and have also been the Director for The Little Mermaid!! Next up my whole family will be involved with CCT's Beauty and the Beast! We love CYT!


Elizabeth Tkacik

I am a devout Christian and Theatre lover. I did my first show when I was in middle school and haven't looked back ever since! I have an extensive background in music, including a vocal performance minor. When I'm not doing music, I am a Dean of Students at an elementary school.


Heather Stamper

Heather Stamper has a B.A. in Theatre, and has performed over the last 30 years on stages and screens in New York, Los Angeles, Texas and a few spots in between. She is passionate about her work with adults and youth, creating honest and dynamic performances, and bringing out the very best in actors, regardless of their experience level. She directs with passion, leads with vision, and fosters an environment that encourages the exploration of talent, building on their strengths, and adjusting for their weaknesses all while developing characters with depth, humor and raw sincerity. A huge proponent of how theater benefits people with greater confidence and superior communication abilities, Heather also believes in the power of community and connectedness that theater offers, especially at CYT and CCT. She and her husband have been married 19 wonderful years and they have two sons, Tim and Eli. On stage some of her favorite experiences have been Eliza in My Fair Lady, Maria in Sound of Music (twice!), and leads in both The Mikado and The Threepenny Opera. Psalm 104:33: “I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”


Jeremiah Jordon

Jeremiah is so excited to be teaching at CYT again this session! He has taught at CYT the past three sessions, has aided the choreographer for CYT's production of Shrek, and most recently choreographed Fame Jr., CYT's Summer Intensive Production. Jeremiah has taught dance all over the state of Texas and has a passion to help students grow.


Jessica Appleford

I have always been a lover of the Arts! Growing up, I was involved in many productions and singing groups inside and outside of school plus church. In college I studied at Fresno State for a Liberal Arts degree to become a teacher and I have a minor in Children and the Arts. I have taught elementary school and currently I am at the middle school. As a family we all love to sing and act. Favorite musicals include Les Miserables, Sound of Music, Mary Poppins and Wicked! I am excited to be teaching at CYT and help students develop their gifts! "Everyone deserves the chance to fly" ~Elphaba (Wicked)


Lyndsea Woodall

An alumna of CYT Houston, Lyndsea was so inspired by her many years spent with CYT, that she decided to pursue music full time. She received her degree in music education with a Classical Voice emphasis at Texas State University. She works full time as an elementary music teacher and voice teacher to students in the New Braunfels area. In addition to teaching, Ms. Lyndsea performs regularly across Texas with both the Texas State Chorale and VocaLibre. She has also performed in various musical theater productions and operas, including the title role in Massanet’s Cendrillon (Cinderella), and The Sound of Music (Maria von Trapp). Outside of Texas State, she has won several awards through the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) including being named a finalist in Classical Voice and winning 1st place in Musical Theater. She was named teacher of the year at her school in 2021.


Mary Tschoepe

Mary is blessed to be the wife of Steve and the mother of Bobby and Tim and the mother-in-love of McKenna. She has been teaching in some capacity for 37 years. She became a part of the CYT family in 2013 when Bobby joined Encore as a performer and has been a behind the scenes partner ever since, supporting the endeavors of Bobby leading and Steve performing. Mary is thrilled and honored to join the team as an instructor this session. Mary began her teaching career in the inner city of San Antonio until Bobby was born and then homeschooled until both sons graduated. She currently teaches at a 1 day homeschool academy called Kaleo, tutors several students, and ministers to the littles of Northpoint Church. She is excited to sow into the kids of CYT the truth that God has created them with talents and abilities and a calling to glorify Him. Ephesians 2:10


MelRae Ambs

MelRae is excited to take on a new role at CYT/CCT in teaching sewing and technical theatre classes. Bringing excellence to these supporting elements is rewarding and essential to telling the story! A mom of 8, former speech & debate director, with a tech background (lights, sound, computer), MelRae and her family have been a part of several CYT shows and have served in many capacities, including costuming, specialty prop building, lighting, and LED Panel design.


Nikki Marquez

First and foremost Nikki is a lover of Jesus, a wife to Tony, and a mother to her 2 boys. Nikki has been an instructor for over 10 years in the San Antonio community and in March 2023, she attained a dual bachelor of education and Special Education. Such classes as Shakespeare, Improv, and theater makeup, with some CORE & STEAM subjects, are her staples. She has been blessed to come from a theater background in her formative years with various roles as an actress, and assistant director, and worked for stage crew in such shows as Romeo & Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Grease. Nikki was also a proud member of her level 2 Jazz choir and won state 2 years in a row and participated in drill and color guard teams. She has sung on her local churches' worship teams and ran the praise team for kids' church which included minimal dance. Most recently she was able to join the cast of Beauty and the Beast (summer 2023) and Seussical (summer, 2022) and had a blast! Nikki takes every opportunity to be involved with the arts and supports her son Caedmon in all he is involved with at CYT!


Robyn Werner

Robyn is so excited to be returning as a teacher for another session! She has been married for 15 years and is the mama to five amazing kids. She first started studying musical theatre in high school at North East School of the Arts in San Antonio and went on to study musical theatre at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas. In recent years, she was Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast in Midland, TX and in both CCT’s Sound of Music (Sister Berthe) and Suessical (Bird Girl) She enjoys working with children and is currently a preschool teacher at First Baptist New Braunfels. She has loved being apart of the warm, welcoming community here at CYT and loves that her children are apart of it too. Ephesians 3:20


Saundra Decker

Saundra Decker began her dance and performance journey (a long time ago) at the age of 6. She was a competitive dancer, twirler and singer throughout her childhood accumulating over 100 national titles as well as over 1,000 awards for her performances. She graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in Theater Arts and a minor in dance. She was crowned Miss West Virginia in 1987 and competed at the 1988 Miss America Pageant where she received a non-finalist talent award and the Cavalier Talent Scholarship award. She was co-owner and instructor of Performer's Academy in San Antonio, Texas, a studio providing ballet, jazz, tap and baton twirling for all ages for over 10 years. As a choreographer, Mrs. Decker has also coached numerous State Champion colorguards for high schools in Texas and surrounding states. She homeschooled her daughter, Cassidy Decker for 9 years and has loved giving her the opportunities to grow and blossom with her God given gifts and talents. CYT has been a second home to Saundra and her family and she is more than excited to help her CYT students to learn, grow and become proficient and expressive in their dance skills.


Valerie Lietz

An Illinois transplant, Valerie, Marty, her husband of 27 years, and her four children have made their home in New Braunfels since 2010. With a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Valerie has been teaching instrumental and vocal music for over 30 years. Valerie directs the three choirs at Grace Preparatory Academy, teaches privately, and sings on the worship team at her church. At CYT, Valerie has musically directed numerous main stage productions and summer camps and directed the 2021 production of Shrek. She loves investing in the lives of the young men and women at CYT, encouraging them to develop their God-g0iven gifts. Valerie would like to thank her family for supporting her on this journey, and the almighty God for His hand of grace and mercy!