Mission & Values


Christian Youth Theater develops character and creativity through quality theater arts training that brings families and communities together while reflecting Jesus.
 
  • Character over competition
  • People over programs
  • Service over spotlight
  • Excellence over ego

What is CYT?

Christian Youth Theater (CYT) is an after-school theater arts training program for students ages 4 - 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 Baton Rouge is a non-profit 501(c)(3) 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 ten-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.

CYT Baton Rouge is a licensed affiliate of CYT, Inc. CYT is the largest youth theater program in the nation, with programs across the country. To learn more about CYT and to find out how to start CYT in your city visit www.cyt.org.

Safety Scene

CYT is committed to putting safety first at all times. The Safety Scene program is a CYT National initiative that goes well beyond background checks in its work to prevent, detect, and respond to physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse in CYT programming. 
 
Any act of abuse is unacceptable and stands counter to CYT’s beliefs. CYT is committed to maintaining a community where all participants can work and learn together free of harassment, misconduct or abuse of any kind, including verbal, emotional, physical and sexual.
 
Explore our National Safety Scene page to learn more! (The link below takes you off of our website and to the National site.)

Current Staff Members:

David Rainey

David is the Managing Director and co-founder of CYT Baton Rouge.


Tonja Rainey

Tonja is the Artistic Director and co-founder of CYT Baton Rouge.


Allison Barraco

Allison is the Class Coordinator for CYT Baton Rouge.


Angela Pitts

Angela is the Show Coordinator for CYT Baton Rouge.


Rebekah Rainey

A CYT Alumnus, Rebekah holds a B.A. in Theatre from Louisiana State University. Rebekah is a passionate storyteller and energetic acting coach, seeking to bring out the best in people through the performing arts. She is delighted to be part of the CYT Baton Rouge community as the HYPE advisor and CYT@school program coordinator.


Board of Directors


If you would like to serve on the CYT Baton Rouge Board of Directors, then please fill out the Board Member Application and Questionnaire.

Board of Directors Positions Open


Currently, we have openings for these positions:

Treasurer

Standing O Society Committee (Chair and Members)

Fundraising Event Committee (Chair and Members)

To learn more, please click on the "Board Position Descriptions" link below