Amanda has been in the theater world for over a decade, and has spent a lot of time both on and off the stage helping and being a part of many different productions. She previously spent time with CYT Chicago, and is beyond excited to start her time with CYT Dallas. When not working on musicals, Amanda loves to kick back with a good book, spending time with her dog, and looking for ways to be more involved in her church. Hebrews 4:16!

Amelia McInnis is thrilled to be teaching for the first time at CYT Dallas and to serve as the camp director for the first two weeks of camp. A full-time high school theatre teacher in Georgia, Amelia is a proud graduate of Columbus State University's Theatre Education Program. This marks her first summer with CYT, and she is eager to bring her passion for theatre and education to the camp community. In addition to teaching, Amelia is a talented director. This year alone, she has directed two musicals—Finding Nemo Jr. and Spamalot: School Edition. Amelia's work in children's theatre has been instrumental in shaping her approach as both an educator and director. She is excited to bring her experience and enthusiasm to CYT Dallas and looks forward to creating something special with her students and fellow artists.

Emily West is from Fort Worth, Texas, and began her dance training at Epicenter for the Arts under the direction of Michelle Brogan. During this time she was able to tour around the nation, performing and assisting classes with the faith-based convention Dance Revolution. Emily graduated in the spring of 2024, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in modern dance and Entrepreneurship minor from Point Park University. During her time at Point Park, she performed works such as Twyla Tharp's Sweet Fields, Paul Taylor’s Company B, Martha Graham’s Prelude to Action, and Rennie Harris’ Exodus. Additionally, Emily was able to work creatively with guest artists such as Jess Hendricks, Norbert De La Cruz, and Candace Brown. While training at Point Park, she had the opportunity to study various genres of dance under Garfield Lemonius, Jason McDole, Kiesha Lalama, Jesse Factor, and Marc Spaulding. In the fall of 2023, Emily made her choreographic debut in the Student Choreography Project with a piece entitled I Still Dream About You. During her summers Emily expands her training at organizations such as Orsolina 28 in Italy, the Institute of Contemporary Dance in Houston, and Zion Dance Project in Dallas. In addition to performing, Emily has had the opportunity to teach and assist dance classes at various studios/schools nationwide. Since graduating, Emily is thrilled to continue her performance career, joining 6 o’Clock Dance Theatre as a first-year Company Member in October 2024. She is also very excited to continue exploring various teaching and choreographic endeavors with studios and theaters in the DFW Metroplex.

Katie Laymon is trained in competitive and contemporary vocal styles including pop, studio style, jazz, gospel, opera, classical theater, contemporary Christian worship, Musical theater, and more. She started singing & taking lessons at Four years old and has spent her life mastering multiple vocal styles and techniques. Katie has been an active vocalist for 30 years. She has sung in churches, houses of prayer(s), and conferences as both a Worship Leader and Background Vocalist. Her competitive and stage training was received at the Orpheum Theater in Memphis, TN, and the Germantown Performing Arts Center. She has also participated in productions with Birchman Baptist and Prestonwood Baptist and in-studio vocal work/credits. Katie has been a full-time vocal instructor at Christ for the Nations in Dallas Texas since 2016. In addition to teaching 50 students a semester, she is also the Producer and assistant director of the CFNI Advanced Performer Showcase. In her words "We are not in ministry because of our gifting. We are created to worship and to use our gifts in ministry. This calling is lifelong, day in and day out”.