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Rocklin, Roseville Youth Take the State in Christian Youth Theater Productions

Jun 01, 2015 01:06PM ● By Style

Back L to R: Violet Champe, John Muller, George Muller; Middle L to R: Bianca Christiansen, David Bacon, Julianna Hollister-Fisch; Front L to R: Skye McNerney and Garret Ng - Photo by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group

Christian Youth Theater (CYT) Sacramento, holds classes in Roseville and Rocklin, and is an after-school theater arts training program for students ages 5-18. 

The local chapter started in the Sacramento area in 2012; the national group—which is currently the largest youth theater organization in the country—began in 1981 in San Diego. Their mission is to develop character in children and adults through training in the arts and by producing wholesome family entertainment. David Enns, managing director and local co-founder, says: “We are here to serve each other and our community.” 

The non-profit educational group is not affiliated with a church body, and people of all faiths, or those not affiliated with any faith, are welcome. As Wendy Hoover, artistic director and local co-founder, explains: “We are Christians doing theater; we’re not doing ‘Christian’ theater.” The organization’s repertoire offers guaranteed crowd-pleasers such as Annie, The Wizard of Oz and Disney classics like The Little Mermaid. “We bring wholesome, family entertainment that delights everyone—from Grandma to little kids,” Hoover says. 

CYT attracts kids from all over the region, including El Dorado Hills and Lincoln. “The talent pool in our area is really impressive,” Enns explains. “It’s fantastic seeing how theater impacts both the kids and the adults.” Along with the education and entertainment aspect, CYT also gives back to the local community by partnering with  another nonprofit for each show.

What would make kids (ages 5-18) happier than a summer day camp that lets them sing, dance and act their way around the world? This summer, CYT offers two weekly sessions of “Camp All Aboard” at Valley Springs Church in Roseville; and, for the older kids (ages 12-18), an ’80s-themed “Camp Awesome.” Both are set to take place July 27-31 and August 3-7. 

When the first summer session was offered, 60 kids participated. Fast-forward to 2015 when well over 200 kids will enjoy taking part in drama, voice, dance, specialty workshops and games. It all culminates in a performance for friends and family at the week’s end. 

Along with summer camps, CYT offers a regular program of presenting three high-quality productions each year. “People think they’re coming to see a kids’ play,” Enns explains, “[but] they leave the theater after having a professional theatrical experience.”  

CYT Tour Group

CYT has more than a dozen talented theater arts teachers who are highly skilled and great role models. “These mentors are passionate about their craft and the kids,” Hoover says, “and that enthusiasm really rubs off on the kids.” 

Having a child involved in any of the theater programs brings a myriad of life experiences and helps them build skills such as public speaking and increased confidence. The emphasis is on making sure everyone understands that their role in the production—whether the director, an actor or costumer—is valuable. “We are building a community,” Enns says. ”

-LeeAnn Dickson

For more information and to register for the upcoming camps, visit cytsacramento.org