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Executive Artistic Director
Meet Tyler, a passionate advocate for young people and the arts. Over the past decade, he's traveled across the globe, from the US and Canada to Australia and South Africa, performing and teaching. After honing his craft in community, regional, and professional theater, he founded CYT Dallas and now serves as the National Operations Lead for CYT National, overseeing 20+ branches nationwide. He's also a live event Experience Director, Producer, and Creative Director, working with a wide range of companies. Tyler's mission is to inspire students to use their talents to glorify God, championing young artists, and building a brighter future for the arts!
Managing Director
Shannon is excited to be a part of CYT Dallas growth and mission showing people Jesus through theater. She has over 25 years experience in strategic management and event planning. She also has worked with middle school and high schoolers for over 10 years in the coaching capacity. She enjoys working with youth sharing the gospel with them in a real way. She has been married to Dr. J Mahoney for over 30 years and each year is counted as a joy - he is her biggest encourager and supporter. Together they have three (now four) children -Noah and daughter-in-law, Tamara and grandson Colt, daughter Erin and their youngest son Josh who is a CYT Dallas alum.
Director of Production
Kate Gesch holds a bachelor’s degree in Arts Management and Musical Theatre from Eastern Michigan University, where she also stage managed for the Theatre and Dance departments. Prior to joining CYT Dallas in 2016, her professional resume included Stage Management for the Undermain Theatre in Dallas, Dance Studio Management for the Peter Sparling Dance Company in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Box Office/Front-of House Management for the University of North Texas Department of Dance and Theatre. Kate has served CYT Dallas in multiple roles including Managing Director, Production Stage Manager, MainStage Director, Teaching Artist, and Camp Director.
Director of Operations
Resident Costume Designer
Costume Design is so much more to me than putting clothes on bodies; it is my art of storytelling. Through it, I consider character and movement, mood, and setting to bring concepts to life, convey resonating truths, and create understanding.
We can often forget about the beauty of this life - costumes remind us. We get so busy we forget to laugh - costumes stimulate us. We all want to feel alive - costumes pull at our heartstrings. There is joy to be possessed, laughter to be had, and empathy to be embraced. My goal in life is to tell a meaningful story filled with Truth, time and time again. Paint and fabrics are my words. A love of humanity is my storyline. Costuming with a Purpose is my title.
Program Coordinator
Rebekah Williford is a Dallas native whose early love for the stage brought her to the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts in New York City where she graduated as the valedictorian for the class of 2019 with a degree in Film & Television Performance. She began performing from a young age, dancing from age 5 to 18 in a variety of styles: ballet, tap, jazz, modern, & contemporary. In 2016, she attended an acting workshop that lit a match to pursue theatre. By 2017, Rebekah had earned a scholarship to attend the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. Since then, she has worked on both film and stage projects. Short films include: “Mr. String”, “The Door”, “Dream Catcher” and “Eve Was Star”. Stage credits include “Towards Zero” with Richardson Theatre Center. When she isn’t spending time on her own projects, Rebekah is leading and teaching others how to take ownership of the stage. When Rebekah has time off, she can be found next to a pool with a good book or spending time with her husband, son, and puppy.
Chapter Coordinator
Meet Shannon, a mom to 3 (Lillian, Adelyn, Greyson) and wife to David. Her oldest daughter, Lillian, found her home at CYT Dallas in early 2020. Watching CYT Dallas do everything possible to keep these kids growing, connected, and thriving during such a difficult season sold Shannon on the organization. Since then, she has been involved with CYT Dallas on many levels. Starting out as a mom volunteer, to costume parent lead, to show coordinator, and now to Chapter Coordinator. Shannon is passionate about the mission and community at CYT Dallas. She enjoys exercising, spending time with her family, dating her husband, and watching her kids discover and grow in their passions. Her weaknesses include chips and guacamole, adopting too many pets, and binge watching shows with her oldest daughter way past both their bedtimes.
*Also, if you're wondering, her last name is pronounced Bish-in-o
Camp Director
Kate has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from Valdosta State University. She has loved performing and being in front of people for as long as she can remember. Her favorite part about theatre is being able to create dynamic characters that convey emotions and stories that may be difficult to feel on one's own. Kate has also worked in various youth camps over the past few years as a counselor and program director. She has a heart for working with kids and gently guiding them to live more like Christ. When she is not running around at camp or hanging out with her friends, Kate likes to read and knit, and she has been teaching herself how to sew. She is beyond excited to be a part of the CYT team and be able to help kids create and tell stories.
Bookkeeper
Susan is a graduate of Coe College, a small college in Cedar Rapids, IA, with a major in Business Admin/Accounting. She enjoys putting these skills to work overseeing small businesses and ministries with their books. She is a veteran home-school mom, retiring after 27 years of home educating. Originally from Wisconsin, Susan and her husband Pat have 6 kids, 10 grandkids, and enjoy camping, family activities.