Teacher Biographies

Gina Milbourn – Artistic Director, CYT KC

Gina received her BFA in Theater from Texas Christian University and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She was a member of Westport Ballet Theater and has directed at Camp Center Stage for six years and at CYT since its opening in Kansas City. Gina has directed many CYT productions including Aladdin, Seussical, Joseph, Annie and The Wizard of Oz.

Ben Auxier – Instructor

Ben is currently a sophomore at Avila University working toward a dual degree in Acting and Film& Digital Media. He has been involved with CYT since 2003. In 2006, he and his KC North teammates took first place in the "CYT National Improvathon". Ben received the title of All-Star Player during this competition. This past year he coached the KC North team to another "CYT National Improvathon" victory with fellow CYT alum Kendrick Martin.

Sam Barboza - Instructor

Sam has been involved with CYT since it's emergence in the Kansas City area. She is thrilled to teaching with a group that is so near and dear to her heart! Actively involved in CYT, she has taught music for CYT day camps for the past 5+ years and during high school performed in productions like /Joseph.../ (the 2003 production and the Folly)/, Beauty and the Beast, Scrooge, Annie, Robin Hood, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown!,/ and /Little House on the Prairie./ A /very/ recent graduate of Missouri State University, Sam earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and has spent the last few years developing her passion for performing. On the Missouri State stage she was seen in productions of /How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Little Women: The Musical, Zorro, Grand Hotel, /and /HMS Pinafore (concert version)./ In the summer of 2006, Sam trained in a 3-week intensive study program with the Broadway Theatre Project, an intense "Broadway Bootcamp" which immersed its apprentices with extensive training from some of today's top professionals.

Minnie Beechner – Instructor

As far as CYT goes, this summer was my first experience with the thrill of teaching the drama classes for the Prince of Egypt camps. This fall will be my first time teaching acting and improv. Regarding teaching, I have taught in Kansas public schools for the last ten years. The majority of that time has been elementary with the last 2 years teaching 7th graders! Ever since I can remember I have been invovled in theatre at some level, I competed in high school, was in a few productions in college and then priveleged to serve at my local church in their drama ministry. I am currently a member of the oh-so-funny Argon Ship improv group (with Jeff Yarnell at the helm).

Shannon Boyter - Administrative Assistant, Instructor

Has been performing on some level since she was 3, whether dancing, singing or acting. She attended Abilene Christian University where she had the privilege of working with guest director Shuna Kanter of Voice Theatre-New York on Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure. Favorite roles include Kate Keller All My Sons, Lina Lamont Singin’ in the Rain, and Corey Bratter in Barefoot in the Park. Although her study has mainly been rooted in Stanislavski, while living in Nashville Shannon had the pleasure of studying the Meisner technique with Vali Forrister, co-founder and artistic director of Actors Bridge.

Shannon loves performing and hopes to continue to hone her skills, but would like a profession in the arts management field. She lives in Overland Park with her best friend of 10 yrs. and is active in her church community.

Laurie Brower – Instructor

Laurie has performed professionally for many years. From her appearances in 'The Great Passion Play' in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, to singing with a music group which put in 10 years at Silver Dollar City, to playing/singing on the Bluegrass Circuit, Laurie has used her degree in music well. She is now the stay-home mom to 5 children, sings and plays with her church's praise team, and gives voice and piano lessons in her spare time.

Nancy Chipchase – Instructor

Nancy graduated from the Grand Rapids School of the Bible & Music (a long time ago!) She has taught kindergarten, third and fourth grades, and homeschooled her five children. In CYT, she started out teaching, moved into music and show directing, flipped over to area-coordinating and is now happy to be starting the cycle all over again! Nancy's passions include music, walking with her husband, reading aloud, writing, gardening, playing football, and kids - to God be the glory!

Ashley Cline-Instructor

Ashley started her life on the stage very young and has been passionate about performing for many years. She finds herself very fortunate to be able to have explored so many different aspects of performance including 12 years of dance, nine years of piano performance, five years of technical theater, and dozens of plays and musicals. Her passion is choreographing and directing musicals for young adults. This fall will be her first experience with CYT and she is very excited to begin teaching and meeting all the wonderful people in this theater. She hopes to have many more opportunites to share her love of thetheater and music to so many more people and is grateful that CYT is allowing her the opportunity to do this! "You are not here to find yourself... You are here to create yourself."

John Cleary – Instructor

John has been involved in CYT since 2003 as a performer, stage hand, and tag-along.  He is thrilled to be able to return to the group in a new capacity.  Student at UMKC, he has had a chance to perform in multiple college theater endeavors as well as some community and professional theater companies.  Most recently he assumed the role of King Henry VIII at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival and is currently scheduled to perform with Padgett Productions 2009-2010 season.  John has a great love for theater and especially CYT and is so excited to be able to give back to such a wonderful group of kids.

Erin Coleman - Instructor

Erin is very excited to be joining the CYT staff this year!  Erin graduated from William Jewell College with a Vocal Music Education degree in 2004.  She taught in the schools for 2 years and now teaches voice privately and through her church.  She has been involved in, and continues to be part of various musical theater productions throughout the community, including shows at Leawood Stage Company and the Jewish Community Center.  She considers it a great privilege to share her passion for music and theater with the students at CYT!

David Cross (a.k.a. "B-boy Remote") has been breakdancing for over 4 years. He has received two National titles and has two second place titles with his dance team at The National Drill and Dance Competition. He is also a part of GX International and tours with them around the world. He gives God all the glory for what he is and will become.

Alyssa Couturier – Private Voice Instructor

Alyssa Couturier graduated in May 2004 from College of the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance with a Theater minor. While at College of the Ozarks, she performed in numerous recitals, concerts, and musical productions. She has played the roles of Milly in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, Cinerella in Into the Woods, a storyteller and kangaroo in Children of Eden, and Kathleen in All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. After college, Alyssa traveled with Wings of Morning, a music ministry team that travels all over the United States and oversees. While on Wings, she had the opportunity to sing 2-3 concerts a week with five other singers. Alyssa is newly married and new to the Kansas City area. She is excited to be involved with the wonderful ministry of Christian Youth Theater.

Kathryn Davis – Instructor

Kathryn is a graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho, and, having grown up in Virginia, is delighted to find herself in the fabulous Midwest! Kathryn received her Vocal Performance degree after a long history of performances, ensembles and music classes throughout middle school, high school, and college. She relishes in the challenge and art of performing and in bringing fantastic experiences to others through music! Favorite credits include the Witch in Humperdink's Hansel and Gretel and Marty in Grease.

Kelly Demo - Instructor

Kelly’s first theatre production ever (that didn’t involve her stuffed animals and neighborhood kids) was in 7th grade in Topeka, Kansas. On opening night she got the chicken pox. Undaunted, Kelly went on to perform in dozens of school and community productions throughout her youth.
At the University of Kansas Kelly got her degree in Theatre with a concentration in Children’s Theatre. There she assisted in several studies looking at the links between theatre and language acquisition. She also ran several summer drama camps.
However, God was calling Kelly in a different direction. She left KU and served in West Africa for a year where she realized God was calling her to the priesthood. Upon her return she met Gar, whom she eventually married. Both Gar and Kelly entered seminary and three years later both were ordained Episcopal clergy. Kelly has since then served in a congregation in Lawrence as well as working for the diocese of Kansas and Arkansas as youth directors. She has directed many youth productions in the various churches in which she has served.
Kelly is currently a chaplain at Marillac (a youth treatment facility), an iterant preacher for Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, a bereavement counselor for SIDS Resources, freelance writer and mother to two practically perfect children.
She is very excited to merge her love of God and her love of theatre through CYT.

Julie Ewing - Instructor

Julie studied Film and Theater at The University of Iowa with an emphasis in directing. She was a founding member of "No Shame Theater" and the first undergraduate to receive the prestigious Barry Kemp Award for her work as Production Stage Manager for the 1988 Iowa Playwrights Festival. After her time at Iowa she returned to the Kansas City area where she worked independently in video and film production. She was a Production Coordinator on the National Wal-Mart account and helped write and produce the feature length film "The Spirit of the Season" starring Ernest Borgnine. Julie has worked for the American Heartland Theater, Theater For Young America, Barn Players, OCTA, Bell Road Barn, Theater in the Park and most recently for the Jewish Community Center Season. She has served on the board of local theaters and been a patron of the arts most of her life. Before making the decision to stay home with her growing family, she worked as the Artistic Producer at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. Her favorite role though is that of wife to Paul and mother to four boys. During the summer months her family operates Living Waters Canoe Ministry.

T.J. Erickson - Instructor

I am very excited to join the CYT clan! I just got involved in the Fall session and the first class I taught was Improv Jr. Now, I'm really excited to come back and teach both the older and younger classes. I've been involved with theatre since about 8th grade. I enjoy both acting and the technical aspect of theatre. In college I played Ariel in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, and Borden in PLAZA SUITE. I had much more experience in technical theatre like; lighting design, lighting crew, stage manager, scene shop employee, and much more. I'm very excited to start work in a community theatre group, and can't wait for all the new opportunities and people I'm going to meet!

Robin Erisman - Instructor

Robin has been working with preschool and elementary age children for 20 years.   She has substituted, as well as taught Sunday School and Children's Church.  She co-directed the Children's Ministry at Raintree Community Church for the last five years and helped assist with the church plays and programs.  She is currently working on Children's Outreach Ministry as well as homeschooling her two daughters. 

Amy is preparing to teach her 3rd CYT class and was very blessed to teach for many of the CYT camps (High School Musical) throughout Kansas City in the summer of 2008. She will be Assistant Directing Beauty and the Beast for CYT East and plans to direct in the near future as well.  Raised by a vocal music major, singing was ever-present in her family. After discovering that theater/acting was her passion she studied Speech and Drama at the University of Missouri-Columbia , participating in both plays and musicals for University productions as well as student-directed theater. In addition, she has lead worship at church for many years and participated in many church dramas. Amy is married to the wonderful, David Loethen and is the mother to 3 terrific kids.   Amy is thrilled to share her experience in a Christ-centered program such as CYT.

David Loethen – Instructor

David is excited to be teaching again for CYT! He taught the “That’s Entertainment” class for CYT-East with his wife Amy, in the Spring of 2008 and had a wonderful time. As far as education, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. At the University he served 4 years in Marching Mizzou and was a UMC dancer. He currently sings in a worship band at his church and has made four mission-based trips to Poland to teach English and build playgrounds at an orphanage. He is the father of 3 and his entire family loves CYT!

Evan Lovelace -  Instructor

Evan is thrilled to be now teaching at the place that helped him build a strong foundation in theatre, dance, and in his relationship with God! Evan first started his run with CYT nine years ago where he played Franklin in CYT's first performance of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, and came back a few years later where he played the Genie in Aladdin, which will always be his favorite part. Evan has worked with many community and professional theaters in town serving as a choreographer and performer. He has also received top intensive training while studying with Broadway Artists Alliance in New York, and now serves as a dance captain and returning intern. He has been taught and work shopped by top NY performers and Tony award winners including Kelli O' Hara, Norm Lewis, Sutton Foster, and top casting agents and directors. Evan will be traveling to Florida to attend Palm Beach Atlantic University with a full performance scholarship in the Fall to double major in Education and Dance.


Lydia Maglich - Instructor

Lydia Maglich is originally from Ohio. She has been pursuing various forms of dance for the past 16 years and moved to Kansas City in 2005 to further her training with Dramatic Truth Ballet Theatre. Although she has a strong background in classical ballet, she has come to love all sorts of movement and the different expressions that each one brings. Lydia loves to tell stories, loves to play a character and loves to be dramatic - especially with dance. She has been teaching and choreographing for the past eight years and desires to impart her love for movement to her students.


Alan Manning – Music Director

 Blessed to have: Best Wife—Barb; Best Kids—Ryan; Autumn & Maggie; Best Dog—Ginger; Best Occupation—Worship Leader; Best Piano—Yamaha C3; BestSchool—MU (Fight Tiger!); Best 1974 Photograph; An opportunity to music direct the “Best After-School Theater Program in America—CYT Kansas City!” Seriously, (and all that came before was serious) I have done over 20 shows with CYTKC and it’s awesome to work with the directors, the cast and the parents! Music, Kids & Jesus all in one bundle…any questions?   You can’t get enough of this! See you there!

Kelli Hahn Morford – Director

Kelli studied theatre at the University of Nebraska in Omaha and has appeared on stage and on screen (both big and small) all over the United States . She has been teaching children for over 10 years and has been performing all her life. Kelli believes in the benefits of studying the performing arts to develop character and encourage confidence in young people and that class should be both fun and informative. She loves instilling a passion for theater in her students and looks forward to many wonderful seasons at CYT!

Christine Moritz – Instructor

Christine has been working with young people for the past 5 years in many different capacities, including piano teacher, cheerleading coach, and co-director of dozens of musicals with her husband of 4 years, Jeremy, during their year long tour with Prairie Fire Children's Theatre. Christine is incredibly proud to be a part of CYT.

Jeremy Moritz – Instructor

Jeremy is pleased to get to work again with the CYT East students.  He has a BFA degree in Musical Theatre, has been performing improv comedy off-and-on for about 9 years, and really enjoys teaching the tricks of the trade.  Jeremy sends his love to his wonderful wife Christine and three delightful kids.

Mindy Moritz – Instructor

Mindy has participated in over 50 musicals; playing everything from chorus girl to leading lady. She has a passion to perform, but an even bigger passion to teach. She's choreographed and directed numerous shows for CYT and other educational theatre companies. Mindy has taken dance for over 13 years. She has taught tap, jazz, ballet, and swing both traditionally and privately. After graduating high school, she was a musical theatre major in college, then recently finished a Christian Leadership Academy in Colorado Springs . She is delighted to be back in her hometown teaching for CYT.

April Okken – Choreographer, Dance Studio Instructor

April has studied dance since she was in preschool. She received a BS in Math and a minor in Dance from Missouri State University. While attending Missouri State, she was a member of the Sugar Bears Dance Team. As a Sugar Bear, she danced in Spain, at the Macy' 2001 Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the National Dance Competition at Walt Disney World which aired on ESPN. April has also performed in Las Vegas, 1996 Summer Olympics, and Theater in the Park's Singin' in the Rain. She also choreographs for high school musicals and dance teams. April choreographed Seven Brides for Seven Brothers for TTIP and won the Demi Award for Best Choreography for the 2009 season. April loves teaching at CYT!


Nathan Reeves- Music Director, Instructor

Nathan has been teaching classes and music directing for CYT since 2006. He grew up in the Kansas City area, earned his Music Education degree and teaching license from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk!), with additional graduate work at Midwestern Seminary. Nathan has served in music ministry roles at various churches, and enjoys teaching and music directing for CYT so very, very much. His next show will be his tenth for CYT.

Ramsey Self - Instructor, Choreographer

Ramsey is currently an Undergraduate Student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City studying in the field of education, in hopes to become an elementary school teacher. She has been a dance instructor for the past 4 years. She is currently an instructor at Patty Beller Dance Studio specializing in jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. She has taught master classes and done choreography for the nationally known Olathe North Eaglettes, the California Trail Golddusters, and Byrd’s Dance Studio. Ramsey has taken master classes from artists such as Tyce Diorio, Brian Freidman, and Mia Michaels. She is also a former member of the nationally accredited UMKC Dance Team. As far as theatre goes, she has been involved since age 10. Ms. Self has been in many shows including West Side Story, Roger’s and Hammerstien’s Cinderella, and Once on This Island. She also just recently choreographed All Shook Up at CYT’s Middle School Summer Camp. Ramsey has been in choral groups, barbershop quartets and in solo competitions for over 8 years. She attends the United Methodist Church of The Resurrection and has a very special place in her heart for Christian Youth Theater.


Randy Schott - Instructor

Randy has a B.A. in Music Theory from Seattle Pacific University, an M.M. in Choral Conducting from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and additional graduate work through North Park Seminary, Chicago, IL.  He served as Assistant Conductor of UMKC’s Heritage Chorale, touring to New York, New England and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Randy has operated a private voice studio for 15 years and currently has 50 students.  Additionally, he serves as a staff conductor at Johnson County’s ‘The Theatre in the Park’, conducts clinics in area schools, and serves as Director of Olathe’s Trails West Barbershop Chorus.  For more than 20 years, Randy has served as a Worship Arts Pastor in California and Kansas.  Ministry pursuits include major artistic productions, recording projects and travels to Central and South America and the Russian Far East. 

Jim Shelton – Director

Jim has been teaching and directing with CYT since 2003. He has more then 15 years of dance, voice, and dramatic training and has had the opportunity to perform for many years both here in the U.S.A. and abroad. Jim has a B.A. in Communications and Broadcast Production from Eastern Washington University. Jim and his wife have two teenagers who are very active in CYT and at California Trial Jr. High. He and his family currently attend Olathe Bible Church, in Olathe Kansas. Jim loves musical theater, and having the chance to share, teach, and lead both the young and the young-at-heart at CYT is truly a blessing.


Janette Siirila

Janette graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Belhaven College where she studied under Ravenna Tucker, Stephen Wynne, Britta Wynne, Cynthia Newland, Laura Morton and many other wonderful teachers. During her college years, she performed a variety of works by faculty members and guest choreographers including Thera Ward and Steve Rooks. She furthered her education with summer intensives at American Ballet Theatre and the American Dance Festival including master classes with David Howard, Leslie Brown, Gerri Houlihan, David Dorfman, and Lisa Race. In addition to her dance studies, she has worked on technical crews for Pilobolus, Martha Graham Dance Company, Jose Limon Dance Company, and Paul Taylor Dance Company as a stagecraft apprentice at the American Dance Festival in 2008. In the summer of 2009, she produced her first dance show, Seeing, in the Minnesota Fringe Festival. She currently dances with Storling Dance Theater.

Elizabeth Smith

As a former CYT Alumni, Elizabeth is so thrilled to be teaching for CYT. She has been in many musicals and also had the opportunity to music direct some shows. She loves to sing and was the vocal music teacher at a private school for 3 years. She is excited to help kids grow and develop the gifts and talents that the Lord has given them.

Lana Taylor – Music Director

Lana was one of the founders of CYT-KC and has worked as an area coordinator, vocal instructor, camp director, music director and show director. She has loved pouring her heart and soul into CYT and watching God bless this ministry with so many wonderful students and staff members. She graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University. She is married to Dan, "a CYT widower," and has two teenagers who have grown up in CYT. Lana's theme song is "Walkin' on Sunshine" and it is her joy to spread that sunshine at CYT!