About | CYT Orlando

Welcome to Christian Youth Theater Orlando!

CYT Orlando is excited to launch in the Summer of 2026! However, as a part of a national organization, its roots go back to 1980 when Paul and Sheryl Russell first founded CYT in San Diego, California. There are now over 20 branches across the U.S.!

What Is CYT?

Christian Youth Theater (CYT) is an after-school theater arts training program for students ages 5 - 18. Since its founding in 1981 in San Diego, California, CYT has grown to be the largest youth theater in the nation. There are affiliates across the country training thousands of students a year. CYT Tampa Bay is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious and educational organization funded primarily through its tuition, ticket sales and outside contributions.

Because CYT does not own facilities for classes or productions, the organization works through the local community, utilizing classrooms and stages in churches, schools and local theaters. CYT is not affiliated with a church body, and people of all faiths are welcome.

CYT stands in the forefront in its commitment to the highest ethical, moral, technical and artistic standards of excellence. Instructors are professionals, qualified in teaching and/or performing, who must understand our mission statement, values, objectives and goals. All CYT staff strive to be excellent role models.

Every session (Fall, Winter and Spring) CYT offers theater arts classes for children as an after-school activity. Each local program conducts three nine-week sessions throughout the school year, teaching drama, voice, dance and a broad spectrum of specialty theatrical workshops at weekly two-hour classes. Enrolled students have the opportunity to work behind the scenes, or audition and perform on stage in a Broadway-style musical performed for the community.

Our Values

Character over competition: Our intentional focus is on knowing Jesus and becoming more like Him. We earnestly desire growth in love for God, in the knowledge of His love for us, and in a humble life that pours out love towards others.
People over programs: We exist for our communities: those we know and those we have yet to meet. We love God, and we love and value His people for who they uniquely are and not just what they can do for our organization.
Service over spotlight: We believe in serving others in sacrificial and tangible ways. We exist for opportunities to know and see needs and to meet them as the body of Christ. We see leadership through the lens of servant leadership, as best demonstrated in the person and work of Jesus.
Excellence over ego: We value giving God our first and our best. Excellence is our simplest expression of giving back to God the gifts and talents with which He has blessed us. We don’t seek perfection as a means of outward praise but excellence as a form of worship from a heart of gratitude and diligence.

CYT is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for every student. As part of a national organization, CYT branches are supported by an independent board of directors and a comprehensive safety system called The Safety Scene. This program provides training, policies, and resources to help prevent, recognize, and respond to physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse.

Safety at CYT goes beyond background checks. All staff and volunteers receive ongoing training and are held to consistent national standards, ensuring families can trust that safety is always a top priority.

Safety Information

Classes

At CYT Orlando, we believe that education and training are the cornerstones of every successful performing artist. Our comprehensive programs, including Trimester Classes and Studio Classes, provide students aged 3-18 with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to excel in drama, voice, dance, technical theater, and more. Through intentional classes and personalized attention, we ensure each student receives the guidance and support needed to grow and thrive. Our commitment to high-quality education prepares students not only for the stage but also for a lifelong appreciation of the performing arts. Join us and build a strong foundation for your artistic journey!

Learn About Classes

Camps

During the summer, CYT Orlando offers a variety of programming for all ages that builds performance skills, self-confidence, and teamwork. One-week day camps are open to ages 5-18 and are designed to be fun and energetic immersion experiences into the world of musical theater. Camp days are jam-packed with team activities, worship, and devotionals, and rotations through drama, dance, and music classes. Camps conclude with an energetic showcase for family and friends. Summer at CYT is all about fun, friendships, and theatrics. Camps are a great yearly tradition for your child!

Learn About Camps

Shows

Enrollment in CYT classes provides students ages 8-18 the opportunity to audition for the current production. CYT Orlando produces one to two Broadway-style musicals each session (Fall, Winter, and Spring). Cast members grow rich skills and deep friendships through weekly rehearsals, tech week, and performances. Students who want to be part of the show without performing can participate on the backstage crew. CYT shows are an excellent source of entertainment for the whole family and are a great way to introduce children to the arts at a young age!

Learn About Shows

Current Staff Members:

Brooke and Roger are thrilled to serve as founders of CYT Orlando. They have worked as professional sign language interpreters for over 20 years and especially love theatrical interpreting. Their passion for faith, family, and the arts led them to serve in theater ministry at their church for four years, writing and directing original productions. They also helped launch a family ministry, writing discipleship material for families to connect and adding creative elements such as improv, theater, and puppets to monthly family services. With two teenagers and a love for doing ministry together, their heart is to help young performers discover who they are in Christ and shine in the gifts He has given them.