What does Tucson say about CYT ?

Letters to the Arizona Daily Star

OPINION

Letters to the editor
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 04.07.2009

Christian Youth Theater is first-rate

My family and I were privileged to be invited to a performance of "Oliver" performed at (the University of Arizona's) Crowder Hall on March 21. The performance was put on by the Christian Youth Theater. The children who performed are all 18 and under. I have to say, I could not tell that the actors were children, and I could not tell that the children practiced less than 20 hours together. The acting was first-rate.
Having seen "Oliver" many times done by professionals and children, I must say that this group was the best I ever saw. I cannot wait until they put together another performance.

Mace Bravin
Tucson

OPINION

Your letters count
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 04.12.2009

Youth group learning leadership skills

Re: the April 7 letter "Christian Youth Theater is first-rate."
The letter writer couldn't have said it better. This group of children aged 8 to 18 learns cooperation and dependence on each other while putting together a play, learning wonderful values and life skills.
There is so much negative news about teens. I highly recommend you attend the next performance of Christian Youth Theater. They just finished a spectacular "Oliver" and recently "Narnia." The training these children receive will turn them into our next leaders. And these kids are just great.

Kathy Blicharz
Retired teacher, Tucson

What is CYT?

Christian Youth Theater (CYT) is an after-school theater arts training program for students ages 6-18. Since its founding in 1981 in San Diego, California, CYT has grown to be the largest youth theater in the nation. There are seventeen branches across the country providing training to thousands of students a year.

CYT Tucson is a non-profit, 501c3 fine arts organization.

The CYT program was brought to Tucson by Jon and Kathy Thuerbach, who had been directors for CYT in San Diego. It was opened in 2005, and completed its first session of classes with just 23 kids. The program has now grown to over 1000  involved in the program!  CYT Tucson produces five musicals per year and has three locations in Southern Arizona--NW Tucson, East Tucson and Sahuarita/Green Valley.

CYT classes offer many benefits and opportunities to the young people of the community. Training in singing, dance, drama, makeup, set building, accents and dialects, stunts and special effects are just some of the topics offered in three 10-week terms each year in each area. Classes, limited to 25 students, are taught by experience theater arts people--teachers, performers and professionals. Some of our current teachers began their careers as students in CYT classes. Just as important as the teaching of theater arts skills is the positive effect that theatrical experience and performance has on the self-discipline, self-confidence and self esteem of young people. Some CYT students go on to pursue careers in entertainment, but they all gain poise, experience, self-confidence and an appreciation for the arts that only comes from participating in a stage production. CYT offers young people an opportunity to keep busy, to learn, to develop their talents, to interact with friends and to be positive members of their community.

Employment Opportunities

CYT Tucson is now looking for the following to join our team:

Musical Theater/Voice Class accompanists
Advanced Drama Technique instructors
Specialty Class instructors (magic/illusionists, clowning, scat singing, etc)

Interested applicants should send cover letter, resume, and Job Application to the CYT office, ATTN: Kathy Thuerbach, kthuerbach@cyttucson.org. These positions are open until filled.