Welcome to Christian Youth Theater Dallas!

CYT Dallas began in Flower Mound, Texas, in 2016. However, as a part of a national organization, its roots go back to 1980 when Paul and Sheryl Russell first founded CYT in San Diego, California. There are now 21 branches across the U.S.!

Since its opening in 2016, CYT Dallas has grown exponentially. Each year consists of three ten-week sessions: Fall, Winter, and Spring. These sessions involve after-school classes in theatre arts and the opportunity to audition for and perform in a Broadway-style musical or work behind the scenes on the tech crew. Additionally, CYT offers a Summer session full of camps, workshops, and other opportunities.
CYT Dallas has earned a reputation in the Flower Mound/Lewisville area for its high production quality, tight-knit community, and focus on Christ. 
 
Our Mission Our Values
 
Our Programs Our Team

Our Mission

Christian Youth Theater develops character and creativity through quality theater arts training that brings families and communities together while reflecting Jesus.

We often hear people say “It’s just different here.” We believe Jesus is that difference. Our purpose and calling is deeper than theatre. Hear it in the words of one of our founding students, Faith Rachaner.

Our Values

  • Character over competition: Our intentional focus is on knowing Jesus and becoming more like Him. We earnestly desire growth in love for God, in the knowledge of His love for us, and in a humble life that pours out love towards others.
  • People over programs: We exist for our communities: those we know and those we have yet to meet. We love God, and we love and value His people for who they uniquely are and not just what they can do for our organization.
  • Service over spotlight: We believe in serving others in sacrificial and tangible ways. We exist for opportunities to know and see needs and to meet them as the body of Christ. We see leadership through the lens of servant leadership, as best demonstrated in the person and work of Jesus. 
  • Excellence over ego: We value giving God our first and our best. Excellence is our simplest expression of giving back to God the gifts and talents with which He has blessed us. We don’t seek perfection as a means of outward praise but excellence as a form of worship from a heart of gratitude and diligence.

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CYT Dallas Program Calendar

"You will not find a more promising, thoughtful, generous, talented, encouraging, and quality children's theater group! CYT Dallas is theater with a higher purpose!”


CYT Parent

Classes

At CYT Dallas, we believe that education and training are the cornerstones of every successful performing artist. Our comprehensive programs, including Trimester Classes and Studio Classes, provide students aged 3-18 with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to excel in drama, voice, dance, technical theater, and more. Through intentional classes and personalized attention, we ensure each student receives the guidance and support needed to grow and thrive. Our commitment to high-quality education prepares students not only for the stage but also for a lifelong appreciation of the performing arts. Join us and build a strong foundation for your artistic journey!

Camps

During the summer, CYT Dallas offers a variety of programming for all ages that build performance skills, self-confidence, and teamwork. One-week day camps are open to ages 5-12, and are designed to be a fun and energetic immersion into the world of musical theater. Camp days are jam-packed with team activities, worship and devotionals, and rotations through drama, dance, and music classes. Camps conclude with an energetic showcase for family and friends. CYT Teens ages 15-18 can apply to intern at camp, serving their community while learning valuable leadership skills and having a blast. Summer Stock Camp is a two-week intensive for ages 8-14 to get a taste of being in a CYT mainstage show. Campers will be cast in roles, learn vocals and choreography, and perform a junior production with sets, props, and costumes! Summer at CYT is all about fun, friendships, and theatrics. Camps are a great yearly tradition for your child!

Shows

Enrollment in CYT classes provides students ages 8-18 the opportunity to audition for the current production. CYT Dallas produces one to two Broadway-style musicals each session (Fall, Winter, and Spring). Cast members grow rich skills and deep friendships through weekly rehearsals, tech week, and performances. Students who want to be part of the show without performing can participate on the backstage crew. CYT shows are an excellent source of entertainment for the whole family and are a great way to introduce children to the arts at a young age!

Additional Programming

At CYT Dallas, we intentionally cultivate community and encourage spiritual growth through worship nights, girls and guys bible studies, and other community events. Another highlight of the CYT year is Teen Retreat, an overnight camp for CYT students ages 13-18. Centered on praise, worship, prayer, and daily devotions, this week focuses on spiritual growth.

I was blown away by the level of the productions put on by CYT.


CYT Patron

Current Staff Members:

Tyler Hutchinson

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!


Kate Gesch

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.


Rebekah Guidroz

Director of Operations
Rebekah Guidroz, a Texas A&M University graduate Class of ‘02, comes to CYT with 7 years experience in the nonprofit sector, including a gratifying stint at The Houston Zoo, as well as 7 years owning and operating a successful small business, and 7 years teaching preschool at a local church. You may have seen Rebekah in other off stage roles such as Costume Lead and on stage as a Pick-a-little Lady in CYT’s community performance of The Music Man. She brings with her a heart for ministry and servant leadership, a faithfulness to ambitiously execute a well managed vision, and an abundance of joy for organized chaos that is Christian Youth Theater.


Cassie Chisum

Director of Education
Cassie Chisum is the holds a BA in Theatre from Harding University, where she directed, stage managed, and acted in a variety of productions. She is now the Education Director at CYT Dallas. She served as the Education and Outreach Director at Theatre Arlington in 2023 and 2024, where she oversaw classes, camps, a traveling children’s theatre troupe, and many other grant-funded programs in partnership with AISD. She also served as the camp director for CYT Dallas’ summer camps in 2022 and 2023, and directed shows like School of Rock, Finding Nemo Jr., and Big Bad The Musical around DFW. Cassie loves building character and confidence in youth through theatre, and in her time off she enjoys hanging out with her husband Jayce and dog Baylor over a good cup of coffee.


Molly McKinley

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.


Jared Thornton

Resident Carpenter
Jared has 20+ years in Fine Arts and a long career in the local DFW Arts Industry. In 2020 he joined CYT (as a parent volunteer initially) and hasn’t looked back since. His experience in visual arts, project management, and fabrication has translated well to the set design process and the execution of those designs for the CYT stage.


Shannon Bicheno

Production 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


Rebekah Williford

Education 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.


Kate Zerbian

Costume Technician
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.


Our Board of Directors:

Sybil Mulokwa

Chair

Sybil Mulokwa is an accomplished user-centered design leader who loves to push boundaries and find strategic advantages for her clients and customers. Her design career spans Intuit, Alkami Technology, Chase, and most recently, her role is serving as Vice President of Customer Research and Testing at Baylor Scott and White.


Dave Holden

Treasurer

Dave Holden is a seasoned Sales Director with over 25 years of experience in the industry. As a servant leader, he is passionate about helping people achieve their goals in both their professional and private lives. Dave thrives on the challenges of learning new things and takes great satisfaction in a job well done. His extensive experience and dedication to personal and team growth make him a valuable leader in any organization. Dave's commitment to excellence and continuous learning sets him apart in the sales field.


Diana Henao

Secretary

"Born and raised in Chicago, I made the leap to Texas thirteen years ago, where I've cultivated a rich life with my loving husband and two incredibly talented boys. My journey as a mother and an active member of the CYT (Christian Youth Theater) community has been nothing short of a blessing, spanning six enriching years. Witnessing our family flourish within this amazing community has been a source of joy and fulfillment. When I'm not cheering on my youngest during CYT productions, you can find me in the stands, proudly supporting my oldest as he competes in marching band competitions. I enjoy listening to audiobooks, playing indoor soccer and traveling the world with my family. "


Anthony McClure

Member

Anthony McClure is the founder of CYT and has been instrumental in the organization since its inception. His dedication to serving the community in various capacities led him to join the board, where he shares his extensive knowledge and commitment. Anthony is also the Senior Media Services Engineer for Baylor Scott & White Health The Heart Hospital. His expertise and leadership in both his professional and community roles highlight his dedication to making a positive impact. Anthony's commitment and experience make him a valuable asset to CYT and the broader community.


Shannon Stakes

Member

Shannon Stakes has spent the last 20 years working in the exciting field of Human Resources. Her career path has taken her in many different directions, resulting in a diverse skill set. She has served in a leadership role with a large California non-profit, navigated the exciting world of outsourced HR where she served as an advisor and strategic partner to the leadership teams for 30+ companies all over the country and most recently as the Director of People & Culture for a successful biotech company based in San Francisco.


Tim Groves

Member

Tim Groves is an accomplished and commercially astute Senior Global Human Resources Executive with extensive experience in leading innovative HR solutions that align with business strategies. He excels in building, empowering, and motivating multicultural teams by creating a shared vision and setting realistic goals. Tim has primarily served as an HR Business Partner, leading large-scale, complex organizations in all aspects of HR, including succession planning, talent acquisition, compensation strategies, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, change management, and employee relations. His expertise spans three different industries, both domestic and international, and he has managed both union and non-union workforces across functions such as manufacturing, supply chain, and engineering. Tim's strategic mindset and comprehensive HR knowledge make him a valuable asset in executive talent management and mergers and acquisitions.