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Teacher BiographiesGina 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. Sam Barboza - Director & Instructor Sam has been involved with CYT since its emergence in the Kansas City area and she is thrilled to teaching with a group that is so near and dear to her heart! Sam has had the pleasure not only teaching music for CYT summer camps and theatre classes throughout the school year, but she has also been blessed to go behind the directing table and work as the fight choreographer for East's production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast and Oliver!, assistant director for East's Honk! Jr., as well as the director for North's productions of Cinderella and The Legend of Pocahontas, all of which were incredible experiences. A graduate of Missouri State University, Sam earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre in 2008 and has spent the last few years developing her passion for the stage, performing regionally at such venues as the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, Timber Lake Playhouse, Ozark Actors Theatre, and the Olathe Community Theatre Association. On stage, some of Sam's favorite show/roles include: Curtains (Carmen Bernstein), Oklahoma! (Aunt Eller), Chicago (Matron Mama Morton), Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s Got the Will? (Marlene), A Funny Thing…Forum (Gymnasia), H2$ (Smitty), Little Women: The Musical (Marmee), and Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator). Sam is also an alumnus of The Broadway Theatre Project, a 3-week master intensive where she got to work with and perform with some of Broadway’s top choreographers, casting directors, and talent. Shannon Boyter - Director 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 in All My Sons, Lina Lamont in 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 and priviledge of studying the Meisner technique with Vali Forrister, co-founder and artistic director of Actors Bridge. Although Shannon loves performing and hopes to receive opportunities that continue to hone her own performance skills, she is happy to now be able to use the training she as recieved to serve on artisitic teams for CYT KC productions. She would love to one day work as a regional theatre's Company Manager or purse education to become licensed as a Christian counselor. She lives in old Overland Park with her best friend of 10 yrs. and is active in her church community the Gathering Network. Hannah Chipchase - Instructor Hannah has a deep love of singing, dancing, drinking coffee and being ridiculous. And all of course for the glory of God! She received her early training at the HADC homeschool program, and spent 6 years at CYT singing and dancing her way through over 20 shows. She also attended the Kansas City Ballet summer dance intensive and has choreographed for the KC Renaissance Festival. She is now dancing with the Dramatic Truth ballet company after having recently graduated from their school. Her passion is in choreography and she is very excited to share her love of Jesus and dance with the world. ?“Let light shine out of darkness,” 2 Corinthians 4:6
A million years ago miss Chipchase was a small CYTer. After 6 years in classes, shows and all around awesomeness, she had to move on to college. A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Jessie is an experienced filmmaker. In October 2011 she filmed a series of documentaries in New Zealand for the missions agency Biblical Ministries Worldwide. She has taught 7 classes at CYT and helped in heaps more. Who knows what the future holds? Only God. Jessie is excited to follow the lead of filmmakers like J.J. Abrams (MI:3, Star Trek), Christopher Nolan (The Prestige, Inception) and Julian Smith (Reading a Book, Red Eye Flashes Twice), and of teachers like Nancy Chipchase, Gina Milbourn and Caitlin Horsmon.
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! Anita Cordell- Instructor Anita Cordell resides in Kansas City as a VoiceOver, On Camera and Print Actress, and a Producer. She has been on stage nearly all of her life. In 2007, she began her film career and has been in over 25 local and Regional Commercials, including one recently for Hy-Vee with Chef Curtis Stone. She’s also worked in over 30 films, including the award winning INDIE films Bonnie and Clyde vs Dracula and Alpha, Bravo, Charlie. She also co-starred in Pitching Hope, which is set to premiere in the Fall of 2011 at the Gideon Media Arts Film Festival. Her proudest recent accomplishment is receiving a nomination for Best Actress for the Gideon Media short film contest in Living Waters, where she played the lead role, as well as co-produced the film. From 2008-2010, she was part of the recurring cast of the Three Time Emmy Award Winning show called The Steve and Kathy Show, produced in Kansas City, which also won 65 Telly Awards and held the No. 1 Nielsen Ratings for its time slot in two major markets. Also, since 2008, Anita has sat on a panel of judges for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to judge the Regional Emmy Nominiations for various markets. She has also helped cast in several local film projects. She is represented by Exposure, Inc., in Overland Park, KS; the Linda Layman Agency in Tulsa, OK, and the Jana VanDyke Agency in Atlanta, GA. Anita has a BA in Business and Marketing from the University of Kansas. She is married, has 3 beautiful children, a fish, and a bunny name Teeny. David Cross – Instructor Kathryn Davis – Music Director & 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. Theresa DeBrevi – Instructor 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 - Director & 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. Robin Erisman - Instructor Robin taught the Our Gang east classes all three sessions last year, and is excited to beteaching again this session. She has worked with preschool and elementary age children for over 20 years. Robin co-directed the Children's Ministry at Raintree Community Church for 5 years, and assisted with plays and programs. She has two daughters who have been in CYT for the last 4 years, and is currently home-schooling her youngest daughter. Meagan Flynn-Mesmer - Instructor Meagan is always grateful for the opportunity to work with CYT. A transplant from Los Angeles, Meagan is a film professional who works both acting in front of the camera, and producing and directing behind. She is a proud member of both SAG and AFTRA. She has appeared in films such as "Up in the Air" opposite George Clooney and the independent award-winner, "Last Breath." She is also an executive producer of web series such as "The Wingman" and "The Unreal Housewives" and short films such as "Adrift" and "Dog Tags." She graduated from Gonzaga University with a degree in Theatre Arts, and has won various awards in her field including a regional Emmy and being recognized as one of Kansas City's 20 In Their 20's by Ingram's Magazine. Meagan believes that theaterwas the starting point for so many of the wonderful blessings in her life and she enjoys sharing her love and passion for it with her students! Kaci Forsythe - Instructor Kaci Forsythe is a recent graduate of Benedictine College with a degree in Theatre Arts Management. After graduation she made the spontaneous decision to move to New York for the summer and did a little bit of work for an Off-Off Broadway theatre company. Kaci has directed Bell, Book, and Candle, Little Women, and Cinderella for the River City Community Players in Leavenworth. She has also directed and choreographed productions of Seussical Jr. and Aladdin Jr. for the Lansing/Leavenworth school districts. She has stage managed Deathtrap, I Hate Hamlet, Footloose, and Mixed Nuts.. Kaci has also been seen on stage in many plays including Kiss Me Kate, Lil Abner, Hello Dolly, The Music Man. Jenny Franz - Instructor Jenny is so excited that God has given her the opportunity to be a part of CYT! She was born and raised in Kansas and when she was 18 a theatre scholarship brought her down to Texas State. While at Texas State she got her BFA in Acting and found her love of Shakespeare. In college she studied at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Strafford England. She also did workshops with Aquila Theatre Company. After college she moved to Chicago to pursue acting and learn more about her second love, Improv. She took sketch writing and improv classes at Second City and Improv Olipics. She is happy to be back in her home town and can’t wait to share her passion for theatre with her students!
Juliana is thrilled to be back teaching with CYT! In addition to choreographing pastmusicals for CYT, Juliana has also taught music classes and music directed and choreographed CYT summer camp. She has studied dance for over 20 years and voice for over 15 years. In addition to performing with numerous honor choirs and elite choral groups, Juliana has graced the stages of many local theaters, as well. They include Starlight, Kansas City Repertory Theater, Kansas City Opera Company, Gladstone Theater in the Park, Shawnee Mission Theater in the Park, Liberty Theater Company, and Corbin Theater Company where she also served as choreographer. She is a former member of the William Jewell College Pom Squad where she also taught youth dance camps. Juliana loves working with youth and encourages their passion for all things MUSIC, DANCE, and THEATER! Eryn Hamer – Instructor Eryn has been performing in professional and community theatre for over 15 years. She has worked with the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, the Lyric Opera, the Kansas City Ballet, Starlight Theatre, the Missouri Repertory Theatre, the New Theatre Restaurant and the Kansas City Symphony. In community theatre Eryn has appeared with Meistersinger's Civic Opera, Theatre for Young America, Theatre in the Park and most recently principal roles with the Barn Players that have earned her critic's praise in the Pitch and Sun newspapers. Eryn earned her bachelor\'s degree in theatre and vocal performance from the University of Kansas in 2002. She received scholarships from the theatre and music departments as well as finalist recognitions in the Glen Miller Festival and Shooting Stars Competition. Eryn is very blessed to share her enthusiasm for theatre with the students at CYT. Teal Holliday – Instructor Teal is excited to be a part of the CYT family! She has had the opportunity of working with many directors in the Kansas City area. She continues to audition and work in and out of KC. After attending JCCC, Teal was guided into music theatre where she found her focus. Following her focus Teal was accepted in to the UCM Theatre Department on Scholarship. She has decided to take some time off to pursue her goals. She is looking forward to teaching and Assistant Directing. She hopes that she will be able to pass on the knowledge that was given to her to impact a new generation of young actors. John Hollan - Instructor John's first role in a musical production was playing Tweedle Dum in a second grade production of Alice in Wonderland. By his own admission, he's had the "theatre bug" ever since, dabbling with musical theatre throughout his life. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Church Music with an emphasis in Voice and Piano and has served as a Pastor of Worship for more than 25 years. Although his formal training has placed him on many stages as an actor, singer, and conductor, his guilty pleasure in recent years takes place behind the scenes, styling productions for the theatre. A self-taught designer, John is strongly skilled in makeup design, hair and wig dressing, and he finds particular joy in educating young actors and actresses about the use of makeup for the stage. He is married to Melinda, the love of his life for more than 20 years, and together they have three daughters, all of whom have inherited their father's passion for the stage. Lindsay James - Instructor Mezzo-Soprano Lindsay James is a native Arizonian who is thrilled to be working with CYT! Lindsay has earned her Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education from Harding University and a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from UMKC. Lindsay has sung in choirs, musicals, recitals, and operas for many years. Favorite credits include Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Marian Paroo in The Music Man, and Hansel in Hansel und Gretel. Lindsay is currently singing with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City Express program, which is an educational performance group that brings opera into the schools. Sharon Jeffus - Instructor Sharon Jeffus has a B.S.S.E. in Art Education from John Brown University and continued on in her studies to be certified to teach English from the University of Arkansas. She studied painting at Metropolitan in Denver and sculpting at Southern Illinois University. She has written over twenty books and has the internationally known company Visual Manna including Teaching Geography through Art, ABC's of Art and Lewis and Clark Hands On. Sharon wrote her first book in Amy Loethen – Director & Instructor 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 – Assistant Director & 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 - Choreographer & 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 - Choreographer & 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 – Director & 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! Christine Moritz – Director & 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 – Director & 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 – Director, Choreograpaher & Instructor
Mindy has been teaching for CYT for over 5 years. She studied tap, jazz, ballet and musical theatre all her life growing up. She has performed in almost 80 musicals! Currently, she choreographs and teaches in the Kansas City area. She has choreographed over 45 musicals! She loves the Lord and working with kids. She is grateful for CYT and her family and friends for their unending love and support, but most thankful to Jesus for giving her talents and outlets to use the gifts He has given her!
Janine Muck - Instructor Janine has participated in more than nine CYT musicals. She has helped with auditions, props, public relations, souvenirs, fundraising, and makeup. Her experience with kids also includes Girl Scouts, Sunday school, Awana, Youth Ministry, and youth and elementary age Christian camps. Janine and her husband Mike, of 24 years, have three amazing children of their own. Before kids, Janine worked for Southwestern Bell Yellow Pages in Sales, Sales Management, Hiring, and Training and Development for 14 years. She gradtuated from MSU in Springfield, Missouri with a Psychology Degree and she minored in Personnel Management. Janine is honored to teach "Our Gang" and to be a part of a Christ-centered organization like CYT! Sean Murphy - Instructor Sean is excited to be working with CYT. This summer he ran the Fight Workshop for Extreme Camp, and directed the fight scenes inPeter Pan. A retired police detective, Sean has also maintained his skill as a stage combat choreographer. He began training in 1976, and has been an instructor since 1984. You may have also seen him at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, where he's worked since 1980. He is currently the Director of Living History, as well as Captain of the Guard. Sean also serves as fight choreographer for several area high schools and community theater's, as well as stunt director for several independent films. Sean has qualifications through SAFD and AASSCC.
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'sSingin' in the Rain. She also choreographsfor high school musicals and dance teams. April choreographedSeven 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. He has music directed multiple shows for each area of CYT Kansas City. Ramsey Self - 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. Janette Siirila - Instructor 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 - Music Director 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.
Nicholas Suddarth
- Instructor
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! Anne Walker-Williard - Instructor Mezzo-soprano Anne Walker-Willyard is an active teacher, clinician and performer. Affectionately known to her students as "Dr. Anne," she teaches voice to all ages in her private studio, and is the creator & founder of "Loud and Proud," a workshop designed specifically for young children. Ms. Walker-Willyard enjoys the challenges of balancing studio teaching and choral conducting. She has served as a studio voice teacher at Arizona State University, Paradise Valley Community College, and Pace University. She has held conducting posts at The University of Chicago, Riverland Community College, Arizona School for the Arts, Temple Emanuel, and Grand Canyon Preparatory Academy. Ms. Walker-Willyard received both her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees at Arizona State University and her Bachelor of Music at Kansas State University. Shehas performed and taught across the country, and is happy to return to her native Kansas. She makes her home in Overland Park, KS with her husband, Paul, daughter, Violet, two dogs, Bruno and Mackie, and their latest addition, Millie Mew. Ricki Westfall - Instructor Ricki has been involved with children's ministry for nine years. Her previous involvement with young people also includes Jr. High Sunday school and ministry, Camp Fire Girls, youth missions trip to Mexico and Missionettes. She and her husband, Ron, have two amazing daughters and six wonderful grandchildren, four of which have been or are now part of CYT. She has worked at SMMC as a rehab technician for the last 27 years. It is her honor to work with the young children in a place that puts Jesus first.
Alyssa is so excited to be joining CYT as an instructor this semseter. Having caught the theater bug very early on in life, it has always been a joy being part of anything to do with drama and/or music. Alyssa had her first experience with CYT at the age of 8 and had the privilege of being cast in Kansas City's very first production of "Little House." She continued to stay involved in theatre throughout school, in various states, and some of her favorite roles include Lucy in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" and Cat in the Hat in "Seussical, the Musical." Having moved back to the Kansas City area this year, she couldn't wait to get involved in CYT again and is so looking forward to what this year has to bring. Jordan Williams - Director & Instructor I have been blessed to be involved in CYT as both a student and teacher. I started CYT at the age of 12, and knew immediately it was something I wanted to be a part of. I auditioned for my first show,Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoatwhen I was 14 and continued to perform in productions until I was 19. I graduated from Hannibal-LaGrange College in December 2009 where I majored in Communications and minored in Theater. While at HLG, I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of a troupe called New Edition. We traveled all over the midwest performing short sketches with a biblical message. In addition, I was able to teach Our Gang camps and be on the directing staff at middle school and high school camps for the past 3 years. I have had the pleasure to assistant direct two shows,Cinderella andSingin' in the Rain.I have loved every second of it and I hope to continue to pass on the values, traditions, and skills that CYT has taught me to the next generation of CYT'ers. Through many, many years of performing and teaching, Laure has always loved her private studio. She has taught at UMKC, KU and Avila University, as well as music directed for Holy Cross School, Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park, and Olathe Community Theater. |
