Christian Youth Theater (CYT) is an after-school theater arts education program for children ages 6-18.  Founded in 1981 by Paul and Sheryl Russell in San Diego, CYT has grown to be the largest children's theater program in the nation.  There are currently 9 branches in 21 different areas stretching across the country from San Diego to Richmond to Spokane to Atlanta, providing training for thousands of kids. CYT’s mission is to produce quality, wholesome, family entertainment and to reflect Judeo-Christian values through training in the arts. CYT is committed to the highest ethical, moral, technical, and artistic standards of excellence. Instructors are professionals who are qualified in teaching and/ or performing. All staff and instructors must understand our mission statement, values and objectives, and goals.

1. Training children in the performing arts.
2. Building leadership skills.
3. Developing a sense of community and fellowship.
4. Providing positive role models for students.

CYT is a non-profit, educational 501(c)(3) Virginia Corporation. Funding for the organization is primarily through tuition, ticket sales, and outside contributions. Financial assistance or partial scholarships are available for those in need.  CYT and is a licensee of CCT/CYT (Christian Community Theater), located in San Diego, CA.  CYT Richmond has been operating for the past 5 years with an extremely positive influence on the community.  Kids and families LOVE it. Since CYT does not own classroom or production facilities, the organization relies on local community centers, churches, and/or schools in which to operate.  Although we often use church locations, Christian Youth Theater is not affiliated with a particular church or denomination and welcomes kids of all faiths.

What Does CYT Offer:

CLASSES: CYT offers three 10-week sessions during the school year - Fall Session, Winter Session, and Spring Session. Children ages 6-18 may select one theater class per session.  The cost for a 10-week session is $160 per student. A sibling discount is offered (second child $145, third child$130).

We offer a variety of classes (core classes in drama, voice, and dance, plus specialty classes  which vary from session to session).  CYT offers small classes (usually 12-14 students) with adequate supervision both inside the classroom (teacher) and outside the classroom (CYT area coordinator). Each class lasts for two-hours and runs for 10 consecutive weeks.  During the 10th class week, a high-energy "SHOWCASE" is presented by each class for the other students as well as family and friends. Every CYT student participates in the showcase.

Classes currently meet in Richmond on Mondays (4:15- 6:15pm) at Cambridge Baptist Church (on Gayton Road) and on Tuesdays (2 SESSIONS 4:30 -6:30 pm and 6:45-8:45 pm) at West End Presbyterian Church(on Quiocassin Road across from Regency Mall in the old BEST Product’s Building.) We now offer classes in Fredericksburg as well on Mondays and Thursdays (6:30pm-8:30pm) at Chancellor Baptist Church.

Week-long musical theater day camps are offered in several locations around theRichmond area.  Past themes have included “Circus of the Stars”, “Swing Kids”, “Survivor”, “Give My Regards to Broadway" and "Newsies".  Information regarding summer camps is available in January with registration beginning February 1.  The cost for day camp is $195 per child (includes t-shirt and snacks). Teens ages 14-18 look forward to our week-long, overnight TEEN CAMP in August at Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center in Lynchburg, VA.  Cost is $350.

CYT is a family oriented organization dedicated to  providing entertaining activities centered on the family. As such, parents of each student cast in the production are asked to serve approximately  20-hours on one of several Production Committees.  Without the support of parents, CYTcould not produce high-quality, community-pleasing shows.  Parents are the backbone of CYT!

For more information call the  CYTthe Office at (804) 778-7979 or go to their website.