Classes

Class Registration opens Monday July 22nd

CYT Dallas Fort-Worth offers classes over the course of three sessions during the school year: Fall, Winter, and Spring. Weekly classes last for two hours and run for ten consecutive weeks. A variety of classes are offered in drama, voice, dance, and specialty classes that vary per session. Most of the classes are small to ensure personal attention and growth. At the end of a CYT session, students will come away with improved skills in the area of emphasis. During the last week of class, a high-energy showcase is presented by each class to demonstrate to other students, family, and friends what they have learned.

Enrolled students, ages 8 – 18, have the opportunity to audition for a CYT Broadway-style musical! Younger students may serve as ushers at CYT shows, and students ages 10 and up may work on a backstage crew.

Classes may include but are not limited to:
  • Wiggles (Ages 4-5)
  • Our Gang (Ages 6-7) 
  • Dance/Movement
  • Drama 
  • Voice
  • Musical Theater
  • Auditions and Callbacks 
  • Comedy and Improv 
  • Technical Theater; such as Makeup, Set Design, etc.
  • Stunts and Combat.
Classes are held once a week for two hours, and run for ten consecutive weeks. During the tenth class week, a showcase is presented in which each class performs a brief prepared presentation, showcasing what they have learned over the session. Every CYT student participates in the Class Showcase!  

I cannot even begin to describe the impact that CYT has had on my life. There I was, welcomed with open arms, despite all of the flaws I thought made me so undesirable.

Alexandra Gandy, CYT Student

Current Teachers:

Anthony McClure

Anthony McClure is a Dallas,Texas singer/songwriter. His love for music sprouted when he started playing the cello at the age of ten. He has pushed himself to always advance the gifts that God has given him by teaching himself how to play the piano, guitar and vocals. He has been called to help other artist, musicians and anyone that wants to advance their own career in the entertainment industry. Anthony enjoys traveling, hanging out with family and friends and graphic design. Anthony also works at C3 Trinity Dallas as the Media Director and a Manager for local musicians. He has completed his Masters degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University.

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!

Dana Taylor

Dana Taylor holds a degree in vocal music from West Texas A&M University and has worked as a high school and middle school choral director for 30 years. She has also done masters level study in vocal pedagogy – specific to the adolescent voice. Along the way, she has music directed many high school musicals as well as directed and choreographed for show choirs. She has sung professionally in Santa Fe and New York and appeared in DFW theatres such as Lyric Stage in Irving, Garland Summer Musicals in Garland and was thrilled to be in the regional premiere of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with Uptown Players. Dana currently is the voice instructor at McKamy Middle School in Flower Mound and also teaches voice and piano in her home studio. She is a judge for UIL choir competitions, a local high school musical awards program and serves as a frequent accompanist for choirs and musical auditions.

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!

Elizabeth Jernigan

Elizabeth Jernigan has a B.S.Ed from Northeastern State and has Masters coursework in theatre from the University of Northern Colorado. She has been a theatre educator for over 23 years in both middle and high school. During that time she advanced to Area twice and advanced “The Caucasian Chalk Circle” to Region. She has directed the Northwest School District middle school musical three times and has twice led her actors in winning the First place at Scarborough Fair. Elizabeth has studied under Larry Silverberg and the True Acting Institute. She believes students can become true actors at any age. Elizabeth privately teaches, coaches and has developed a middle and high school theatre curriculum that is aligned with the National standards. Her material is housed at teacherspayteachers.com.

Tyler Hutchinson

Tyler Hutchinson is originally from Indianapolis, IN where he not only studied musical theater but also performed in community and professional theater. Tyler's CYT story started as a teacher for CYT Indy where he taught a variety of classes. After a number of position within the organization, Tyler became Artistic Director for CYT Indianapolis. He served in this position until God called him to move to Dallas, TX where he founded CYT Dallas-Fort Worth. Tyler is excited to see all that God is doing through CYT DFW!

Teachers

A CYT Teacher’s mission is to train and instruct students in such a way as to promote the development of character, self-esteem, and confidence. CYT teachers are qualified and experienced in the area in which they teach. They have been trained in the CYT methods of instruction and agree with the CYT values and outcome goals.  All CYT teachers have been background checked and adhere to our CYT Mission and Values. Our teachers truly care about their students and provide a constructive and fun environment for them to learn.

If you are interested in teaching, please email your cover letter and resume to dallas@cyt.org.

Showcase

Parents, friends, and relatives are invited to attend CYT's Showcase performance on the last day of classes, free of charge! Showcase is the grand finale of each session of classes, at which every class develops a presentation of the material and skills 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! CYT is currently teaching over 50 different curriculum in a variety of musical theater areas. Please note these classes vary per session.