b'CHARITY OF THE MONTH MatildaCHRISTIAN YOUTH THEATERT heres nothing like watching aaffects them for the rest of their story come to life before yourlives. As Emma, an alumna eyes on stage. CYT Phoenixsays, CYT and the people I (Christian Youth Theater) is amet there made me who I am local performing arts education non-profit located intoday. Without them, Id still be that girl who was too North Phoenix that does just that. Part of a nationalscared to stand up for herself or go for the things she organization that originated in San Diego over 40wanted. Cory, another alumnus says, CYT taught years ago, the Phoenix branch is one of over 20 acrossme the power of teamwork and has created lifelong the country. CYT came to the Valley in 2005 andfriendships that I will cherish forever. over the last 18 years has provided kids and their families with a place to thrive not only in the arts andCYT provides leadership opportunities for older performing, but also in the development of life skillsstudents through participation in HYPE (High and community. The latter is a unique facet of CYTSchool Youth Pursuing Excellence) which trains themTarzanand is what makes participation for kids and theirto serve in the community, mentor younger students, families so impactful. and be mentored in leadership. This is also one of the most valued aspects of CYTs programmingthatCYT MainStage shows are a true family affair, From an arts education perspective, CYTskids of such a wide age range (8-18) in a show castwith parents, grandparents, and even extended programming is comprehensiveand fun! Classes areare really integrated. The youngest cast members arefamily working as a team to create sets, costumes, offered in the after-school time window during threewelcomed and mentored by the older ones and overand other artistic elements of a show as well as an sessions each year. Kids ages 4-18 can experiencetime grow into those older kids themselves, payinguplifting backstage environment and hospitable lobby training in everything from acting, dance, singing,it forward by mentoring the new students. Its anexperience. Working alongside professional artists and more. Specialty classes have included stageencouraging cycle and very visible example of kidsand directors, CYT families create a community make-up design, 3-D puppet and costume design/ learning to love their neighbors. where kids and their families collaborate to create construction, and Improv. Along with classes, CYTsomething extraordinary to enrich their lives and offers kids enrolled in each session the opportunityIndeed, the core values of CYT Phoenix build up kidsdelight audiences. to participate in MainStage, a Broadway-stylein ways well beyond delivering a stirring monologue performance opportunity. The Spring 2023 MainStageor performing a perfect tap number. Families whoThere are many ways to get involved and support production is Seussical the Musical. CYT Phoenixexperience the CYT community can expect to find: CYT Phoenix. One of the easiest is to come to a show shows are performed in professional theater venues Character over competition and experience it for yourself. Summer Camp is around the Valley and delight audiences and critics People over programs right around the corner with four different weeks of alike. Shows regularly receive ariZoni Theater Award Service over spotlight day camp for kids to immerse themselves in theater, nominations including Best Overall Production. Excellence over ego new friends and fun. The annual fundraising gala is April 15th at the Holland Center in Cave Creek CYTs staff of Teaching Artists are gifted educators,These are lofty goals, to be sure, but ones that CYTand promises to be a fabulous night of food and striving to provide kids with class and rehearsal timePhoenix takes seriously. When enfolded into theentertainment to support the program. Visit CYT each week that engages their creativity, promotes aperforming arts, these values create a culture andPhoenixs website for information about these events love for the arts, and builds personal character thatenvironment that can be counter to what kids andand much more! their families experience in other youth activities and organizations.cytphoenix.orgWilly Wonka and theCYT Phoenix strives to create a family Chocolate Factory environment where every child whoEmail: info@cytphoenix.orgcomes in the door feels valued andInstagram: @cytphoenixwelcome. Performing and creating aSeussical the Musicalfantastic show experience on stage and, May 5-14, 2023 for patrons then becomes a vehicle forat the Mesa Arts Centersomething greater. LightningThief62 April 2023'