Christian Youth Theater (CYT) Kansas City treasures diversity, and has always been about giving ALL students the opportunity to fill that space with something meaningful while sharing it with others.

Our HEART program (Helping to Encourage Awareness and Recognition in Theater) is a full inclusion program that provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in classes, shows and camps.

Students registered in the HEART program attend classes and take part in summer camps free of charge! HEART students also audition for and participate in CYT's Broadway-style musicals, performed to more than 25,000 patrons annually! They are accompanied by students without disabilities in a supportive environment encouraging awareness and learning for all participants.

Every single heart matters to us!

For all HEART program inquiries:

Josie Strickler (director)
913.782.7778
strickler.josie@gmail.com

Heart Brochure

Watch the video here

The Down Syndrome Guild honored CYT's Josie Strickler, HEART program director, today on World Down Syndrome Day. Josie was recognized with a Commitment to Excellence in Down syndrome award along with 20 other recipients throughout the Kansas City area. World Down Syndrome Day is held on 3-21 representing the three copies of the 21st chromosome that cause Down syndrome. CYT is grateful to Josie for her outstanding work, the blessings she has bestowed on ALL CYT families with the HEART program, and for her dedication to helping HEART students excel in theater. Please congratulate Josie!