Alyssa Bourque

Alyssa Bourque is a dancer, singer, teacher, and theater lover! As a CYT alumni, she has shared the CYT stage many times and had the opportunity to return as a performer in CCT's debut show, Godspell. Alyssa has a BFA in dance, and is currently raising her son, Judah, and dancing as often as she can! She loves to throw pottery and rock climb with her husband.

Bekah Branton

Bekah has been a part of CYT for the past 6 years. She has had the opportunity to serve as many different rolls on past production teams. Bekah has had the wonderful privilege of directing CYT's Frozen Jr and Finding Nemo Jr. Her favorite place to be is behind the glass on a headset calling show cues as stage manager or walking down Main Street with a dole whip in her hand and Mickey ears on her head in Walt Disney World. Bekah loves to be the organizer of chaos, she adores homeschooling her children, and playing board games with her friends and family. She has been in many stage productions herself and holds a degree in education. Bekah can also be found teaching epic classes at CYT.

Chanler Landon 1

Chanler is 21 years old and attends Southeastern Louisiana University for Nursing. Some of Chanler’s favorites shows she has performed in include Sound of Music (Maria), Tuck Everlasting (Dancer), and Hunchback of Notre Dame (Esmeralda). She would like to thank the artistic team for giving her this opportunity and her cast for making this such an enjoyable experience! She is overjoyed for you to see the show and hopes you’re ready to “watch what happens!”

Donna Iverstine

Donna love theater and has worked with various theaters in many ways. She has directed CCT's Godspell, as well as CYT’s Lion King, Jr., Tuck Everlasting, Tarzan, Peter Pan, Shrek the Musical, Mary Poppins, and Beauty & the Beast. She also serves as a CYT instructor teaching Acting, Dance, Improv, ASL, Stunts/Combat, etc. She is the Improv Team coach. For her day job, Donna is an acting and improv coach which she enjoys seeing actors and dancers, young and old, grow in their God-given talents and giftings. Donna has performed with various theater groups and companies, and she currently serves as director for Timbrel Dance Company.

Jeff Elliott

With a background in Industrial Design, Graphic Design, and 3D Animation, Jeff’s largest role at CYT has been creating sets and working backstage during CYT productions. Over the years his involvement has expanded to include assistant directing High School Musical, directing Rapunzel, and performing in the CCT production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He has been truly blessed to work with this talented team and these amazing kids to bring you this exciting show. Mary Poppins holds a very special place in his heart and many cherished memories for his family. His prayer is that God will be glorified and you will be blessed by this performance.

Joanna Gill

Greetings! My name is Joanna Gill and I am super excited to be a part of the CYT family. Kids have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember! Not only do I have a Master's Degree in Education, but I have also been a children's pastor, as well as, an elementary school teacher. The Lord called me to help shape young kids lives and I look forward to doing just that, at CYT!

Leigh Ann Landon

This is Leigh Ann Landon’s second stage production with CCT- the first being last summer’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Leigh Ann loves to work with CYT students as a teacher in voice and music classes and was the Music Director for the Winter 2024 CYT production of Anastasia. Leigh Ann would love to thank the directors for letting her be a part of such an amazingly talented cast and her Father in Heaven for allowing the blessing of CYT/CCT into her life.

Melissa Beatty

Melissa has a passion for teaching youth theatre. She grew up doing theatre with The Drama Room and with DSACT in her hometown of Denham Springs. She has taught preschool music classes, as well as directed and assistant directed multiple musicals over the years. She joined the CYT family 3 years ago and has taught CYT youth acting classes and youth musical theatre classes. She was the assistant director for CYT's The Lion King Jr and made her CYT director's debut last fall with Charlotte’s Web. She loves sharing her passion for theatre with the youth of CYT. She believes that God had gifted each child with special and unique gifts and loves helping children discover and grow those gifts. She is so honored, humbled and grateful to God for allowing her the opportunity to share the gifts He has given her with CYT!

Nikki Hall

Nikki is a classically trained professional vocalist, actor, and dancer. She has experience in many different styles of singing and performance such as musical theater, choral, opera, pop, country, rock, gospel etc. She has been a voice teacher and audition coach for 11 years and has been in stage productions at Theater Baton Rouge and Ascension Community Theater. Nikki is currently the lead singer for the band “Press 1 for English”, and leads worship at Fellowship Church in Ascension where she’s been a member since 2005. In addition to performing, she was a middle school teacher for 9 years and a preschool teacher for 5. She looks forward to combining her love for performance, teaching, and Jesus to help students learn and grow in their talents and faith.

Rebekah Rainey

A passionate storyteller, Rebekah received her B.A. in Theatre from LSU. She is an energetic acting coach and loves helping kids develop their potential. She has directed several shows for CYT, most recently Anastasia. Some of her favorite past acting credits include Godspell (Disciple), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Narrator), and Shrek The Musical (Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy). Most days you can find Rebekah at a local coffee shop, listening to music and working for CYT! She is grateful to the Lord for this unique creative community.

SHELLY CHOPPIN

Stephanie McCandless

Mom to Emery (14) & Charlie (16). Married to Andy. Dog mom to Biskit (6). Some of my credits include Radio City Rockette, LSU Golden Girl, Talent in Equity Theater musicals in several U.S. cities, dance school owner & teacher, musical theater choreographer at University Lab School for high school & elementary musicals.

Taylor Wingate

Taylor Meng Wingate is the Education Coordinator and House Manager for the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. Outside of the Columbia, she is a theatre artist and educator who has directed, taught classes, and hosted workshops for various theatres in the local area. She has spent the past three and a half years teaching in the classroom. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Education from the Mississippi University for Women. She is blessed to work with and be a part of the CYT/CCT Baton Rouge community!

Teresa Whitaker

Teresa is honored to be choreographing her first CYT show. She has choreographed two CCT shows including Godspell and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Dancing with this amazing group has been Supercali…you know the rest! She performed as an LSU Golden Girl for 4 years and danced professionally for Merv Griffin Enterprises. She owned Elite Dance School with her sister and enjoys choreographing musicals, a local Mardi Gras Ball, and teaching Musical Theater Dance for CYT. "I can do all things who Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Tristian Sholar

Tristian is ecstatic to be joining his brothers and sisters on the CCT stage again, but this time in the mean streets of New York! His past credits Include CCT’s Hunchback of Notre Dame (Quasimodo). ACT’s West Side Story (Tony) and the Little Mermaid (Eric). He wants to thank Jesus Christ for the endless blessings in his life. Also, his family and friends who drive him to chase this theatre dream! Now sit back relax and get ready to seize the day, and maybe cry a little!