Current Teachers:
Carlo Aceytuno
Originally from Los Angeles, CA, Carlo now lives in Dallas, TX where he is a local fight director, action choreographer, and consent educator. He has studied both Martial Arts and Stage Combat for over 20 years. In addition to being a father of three, Carlo is co-founder of the stage combat organization SCDallas, LLC. He has been recognized by the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) as an Advanced Actor Combatant and as proficient in Theatrical Firearms Safety. Carlo is also on staff with Intimacy Directors International as the organization's Membership Coordinator. His range of work, both performance and choreography, has been seen on The History Channel, the Hollywood Bowl, the House of Blues, Dallas Winspear Opera House, and more. "I am super excited to have found an opportunity to use my gifting to teach your student! Thank you CYT for this blessing!"
Cheryl Ablon
Cheryl Ablon is a creative, energetic, and loving educator. She recently retired after teaching 38 years with Lewisville ISD. She has taught First Grade, Developmental First Grade, Kindergarten, and Early Childhood. She has 2 children and 4 grandchildren, and has lived in Lewisville since 1970. You may have met her as an assistant Den Mother for Cub Scouts, a Girl Scout Leader, a PTO officer, or a Lifetime PTA member. Cheryl feels very blessed to be able to start a new chapter in her life with such an outstanding organization! Sign up today for Jungle Boogie with Miss Cheryl and Our Gang!
Elise Dolan
Elise Dolan is originally from Rockford, Illinois. She has trained in various types of dance including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Modern. Prior to moving to Dallas, she danced at Steps to Grace Dance Academy and performed with their ensemble team for 7 years. Elise was involved with CYT Rockford and performed in musicals at her high school and a community theater. She trained and toured the country with Ingredients Dance Company from 2010-2012. She has also been teaching dance for 6 years at A Time to Dance Studio in Hickory Creek, TX. Elise has loved being back with CYT this last year and has had the honor of choreographing their first four shows! She is always thrilled to get the chance to instruct other dancers on how to grow in their movement and technique and to help them learn what God has called them to do with their gifts and talents. And most importantly how to worship God in everything they do! She loves being apart of the CYT family and is excited to continue to watch it grow!
Michele Thrasher
Michele Thrasher has been in love with the theatre since she was a little girl. Being on stage is what makes her feel alive, and she feels her adoration for the stage and gift of performing in front of people is a gift that the Lord has blessed her with. She enjoys making people laugh and excels in comedy and improv. She wants to use her talents to make much of the Lord and loves encouraging students that that they can be strong artists and have strong faith, believing you do not have to compromise what you believe in order to excel. She has traveled nationwide with the Christian company, Clear Vision Drama Company, and has performed with Dare to Share in front of audiences as big as 10,000 as a part of their drama team. She has performed alongside big name Christian artists such as Propaganda and Shane and Shane. She has also been the spokesperson for The Container Store in their Facebook Live Videos. When she is not acting she enjoys drinking copious amounts of coffee and exploring nature with her husband.
Stesha Barkley
Stesha Barkley has been very passionate about music since she was a young child. At only three-years-old, she and her father practiced harmonizing skills with a guitar. Eventually, this little girl would transform into someone who went on to college for music and was a part of five live recordings, participated in internships, and became the vocal leader of a ensemble that toured the US and traveled to countries, such as Brazil, to sing and teach in a conference in the summer of 2018. She is excited to use the gifts God has given her to teach others. She is blessed being a part of the CYT family.
