Follow the TbT cast through the journey of putting on a full-scale musical productions! Read about highlights, challenges, and prayer requests throughout rehearsals and performances!
It’s exciting to see all the pieces come together in the show, including costumes! Photo Credit: Galen King
“The highlight of this week was seeing the scenes I’m not a part of in Act 1. It’s so exciting to see this show come together, and to see my friends develop their characters.”
There is no shortage of dancing in The Music Man! Photo Credit: Galen King
“The highlight of my week was learning some of the dances in two of the numbers. I really enjoy dancing with the cast, and the dancing that we learned was very enjoyable. Although it was a bit difficult to master, once completed, it was very satisfying to dance together.”
– Challenges –
Mastering the music in this show is hard, but fun work! Photo Credit: Galen King
“The most challenging part of the week was working on mastering the Pick-A-Little song. It is very fast-paced and requires thinking ahead and precise articulation. It is difficult to maintain the volume throughout while controlling my breathing, but together we can do it!”
Whether new to dance or a seasoned pro, lots of rehearsal will help everyone look great onstage! Photo Credit: Galen King
“The most challenging part of my week would have to be learning some special dances. I have never been a dancer before, and it is challenging, but at the same time fun to learn.”
– Looking Ahead –
Cast members watch one another rehearse! Photo Credit: Paloma Parker
“I am most looking forward to continuing to see the show come together. We have practiced so many scenes separately, so I am excited to put everything together.”
The guys in the quartet love singing together. And they sound fantastic!
“I am looking forward to having the whole quartet back again and being able to practice/learn new songs. The harmonies give me chills, and I love singing and hanging out with the other three guys.”
WANT A SNEAK PEEK OF THE QUARTET SINGING?CLICK HERE!
– Service Spotlight –
Everything in a show is a team effort. Photo Credit: Galen King
“I have seen the cast love and serve each other so well this year. Whenever not in rehearsal, I constantly see the cast help one another with any dances, blocking, or harmony they might be struggling with. Our cast has been so practical in our love for each other, and it is so encouraging!”
– Prayer Request –
The older cast members have a great deal of influence on the younger ones. Photo Credit: Galen King
“This week, I pray that the older and more experienced CYT kids will be good role models and leaders for the younger ones. They are looked up to a lot, and they have more influence than they imagine.”
CHRISTIAN YOUTH THEATER (CYT) STARTED IN 1981 IN SAN DIEGO AND HAS GROWN TO BECOME ONE OF THE LARGEST YOUTH THEATERS IN THE NATION. CYT IS DEDICATED TO DEVELOPING CHARACTER IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS THROUGH TRAINING IN THE ARTS AND BY PRODUCING WHOLESOME FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT, ALL OF WHICH REFLECT JUDEO-CHRISTIAN VALUES.
Our cast asks God for help to put on a good show at every rehearsal! Photo Credit: Emma Ho
“The highlight of rehearsals was being able to spend time in a large group with a lot of loving Christians.”
Anyone on stage at any point is vital to telling the story!
“My favorite part of rehearsal was when we went through the gym scene…Although not all of us had lines during this scene, we all played a major part. I am very excited at the amount of work that we have done, and am excited about the final product!”
– Challenges –
Precision dance moves are never perfect at first! Lots of practice required! Photo Credit: Paloma Parker
“Today all of the Pick-A-Little Ladies were working on a dancing part in the song Shipoopi and there was one part where we had to cross lines WHILE moving our arms. I kept hitting my fellow Pick-A-Little Ladies. It was funny, but was really challenging for us, because hitting someone in the face is NOT something you would want to do on stage. However, practice makes perfect!”
CYT rehearsals are a lot of fun. but also a lot of work! Photo Credit: Yadira Laguerre
“The most challenging part so far were the long music rehearsals.”
– Looking Ahead –
Several of our youngest cast members learning their part in Seventy-Six Trombones! Photo Credit: Galen King
“I’m looking forward to adding the dancing in the run of act one, and seeing it all come together.”
This cast certainly knows how to have fun together! Photo Credit: Galen King
“I’m looking forward to seeing old and new friends at our next full cast rehearsal!”
– Service Spotlight –
We are blessed to have a cast that excels at supporting and loving one another! Photo Credit: Galen King
“Everyone is always so supportive here, clapping after every scene and if I mess up, I feel completely comfortable, for I feel like CYT is one big family.”
Students of all ages befriend one another at CYT! Photo Credit: Paloma Parker
“Today, one of the younger kids was struggling to move a piano bench to where it was supposed to go. Two other people noticed this and took action to help her out. Similarly, I saw people showing a caring attitude during lunch. Much of the cast was willing to share food (it was mostly candy, but still that is very nice). Everyone has become friends and everyone is willing to show gratitude towards one another.”
CHRISTIAN YOUTH THEATER (CYT) STARTED IN 1981 IN SAN DIEGO AND HAS GROWN TO BECOME ONE OF THE LARGEST YOUTH THEATERS IN THE NATION. CYT IS DEDICATED TO DEVELOPING CHARACTER IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS THROUGH TRAINING IN THE ARTS AND BY PRODUCING WHOLESOME FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT, ALL OF WHICH REFLECT JUDEO-CHRISTIAN VALUES.
“Thank you so much everyone who made this the best week of my life. Thank you to everyone who loved on me and encouraged me…Thank you everyone who came and supported me and my friends. Thank you everyone who made me feel like I was in heaven for a few days. I love you guys so much. Thank you for being the best cast and friends ever. So much love to everyone who was a part of this. Thank you most especially to the Lord. This was absolutely perfect.”
The cast rolls with laughter as Maurice describes the Beast.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Daniel
“Today was our last performance and it couldn’t have gone better. I had the chance to go out during intermission and had kids taking pictures with me and telling me I was their favorite character. I loved it! Thanks to all the people who came out to see me and all the cast members I got to know so well. I love you all.”
There was no shortage of smiles on or off stage!
Photo Credit: Jeremy Daniel
“What a week! Thankful for friends…who never fail to make me smile”
Who wouldn’t want to be a part of the singing and dancing fun again!
Photo Credit: Jeremy Daniel
“The last two shows were awesome and I had so much fun! So sad that it is over, but I’m happy that I have made new friends and will be a part of the CYT production next year. I LOVE CYT!”
The full Beauty and the Beast cast!
Photo Credit: Jeremy Daniel
“So grateful for this amazing cast! I love you all so much and hope to see you again someday. May God continue to bless each and every one of you!”
Beauty and the Beast was a truly magical experience!
Photo Credit: Jeremy Daniel
“I can’t believe it’s over! …This was the most fun experience I have ever had!”
“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I have being”
CYT NYC’s theater arts training classes begin again this fall!
Learn more about the CYT family & fun at WWW.CYTNYC.ORG!
“Christian Youth Theater (CYT) started in 1981 in San Diego and has grown to become one of the largest youth theaters in the nation. CYT is dedicated to developing character in children and adults through training in the arts and by producing wholesome family entertainment, all of which reflect Judeo-Christian values.
“Beauty and the Beast” cast members exploring the theatre!
Photo Credit: Paloma Parker
“The highlight of my day yesterday was exploring the theater and getting used to the new space. I really enjoyed seeing the stage and set with friends. Seeing everything (lights, props, set, costumes…) come together is very rewarding, and very exciting.
Tech students building Maurice’s contraption in class.
“The highlight of tech class has been the amount of interactive work we’ve been doing. I was never bored. We were always building, and learning. So ultimately doing the work and helping out has been the best part!”
– Challenges –
Our beautiful theatre space for the run of “Beauty and the Beast”!
Photo Credit: Paloma Parker
“The most challenging part of the day was probably filling the space both verbally and physically. It is a larger, grander space than what we are used to, so we have to adjust and make everything we do a little bigger… and a little louder.”
Our Tech Crew still smiling after a long week in the theatre!
Photo Credit: Kyong Parker
“The most challenging part of tech class has been how long we have class for. They are long and hard days. Even though they’re long they are fun!”
– Looking Ahead –
All details of this show require lots of work. Everyone that’s a part of it has been stretched!
Photo Credit: Paloma Parker
“I am really looking forward to putting on this show. The cast, crew, and creative team have been working hard to put on the best show that we can, and I believe it is going to be great. I personally have been challenged to step out of my comfort zone, and I pray that we will reap the rewards of our work come this weekend.”
Tech Crew, cast & parents all hard at work painting the set!
“Since it’s tech week, I’m looking forward to practicing run crew and painting for the rest of the week. It should be really fun!”
– Prayer Request –
This cast has become a team that strives to help each other give their best!
“I pray that we would all stay very healthy! I pray also that we would have high energy, and drive from the very first note of the opening all through the last chord in the show. I pray we would work together and feed off of each others energy, and that we would be very much in the moment, not afraid of what we look like or sound like, but that we would really deeply feel our character in our gut. I pray that people coming to the show would see that we work for God, and that we would glorify Him through our performance on and off the stage.”
“Christian Youth Theater (CYT) started in 1981 in San Diego and has grown to become one of the largest youth theaters in the nation. CYT is dedicated to developing character in children and adults through training in the arts and by producing wholesome family entertainment, all of which reflect Judeo-Christian values.
The angry mob prepares to attack the Beast in his castle!
“The highlight of the day was being able to see the musical numbers that we have been practicing in their final state. The new steps that we learned for the ‘Mob Song’ added more power to the performance and it made it seem complete.”
The final pose of a fun-filled and fast musical number!
“The highlight, for me, was practicing ‘Gaston’ (the musical number). It’s fun, fast-paced, and there is a lot of action!”
– Challenges –
The full cast singing through the ‘Finale’ all together for the first time!
“The most challenging part of the day was figuring out how the ‘Finale’ goes. I am one of the four people who goes in the first group for this song and they sing higher than the middle group (which is what I am normally in). It can be a bit challenging to try to sing high like them but I think that the song sounds better this way.”
Our cast members navigating voice changes, have done so beautifully!
“I think that the hardest part was the singing, but only because I generally switch between two octaves, because my voice is changing.”
– Looking Ahead –
The full cast singing their hearts out! What a powerful sound!
“I am looking forward to singing all the songs that the NYC cast are part of and to practice more before we have the next full cast rehearsal!”
Practice doesn’t stop at rehearsal, but continues individually. This week our Belle got to work with Hilary Maiberger who toured as Belle nationally and internationally!
“I’m looking forward to continuing to work on my solos. There is one song I find fun because it sounds like an evil cabaret. I find myself singing it quietly everyday.”
– Service Spotlight –
This cast is continuously serving one another, regardless of age & background!
“I was taking a chair on for the Gaston scene and another cast member saw that I was struggling. She helped me put the chair in its spot that was across the room. It was great to have that assistance finishing the scene change!!”
– Cast Testimonial –
One pair of siblings in the cast. Everyone’s become family, though!
“This cast is like family (well, some castmates actually are family). We all laugh with each other during practice, and everyone is willing to hold hands (trust me, in school, that’s a really big step) when we pray.”
Christian Youth Theater (CYT) started in 1981 in San Diego and has grown to become one of the largest youth theaters in the nation. CYT is dedicated to developing character in children and adults through training in the arts and by producing wholesome family entertainment, all of which reflect Judeo-Christian values.
The cast enjoying each other’s company during some rehearsal downtime.
“The highlight of the day was being around my friends and getting to laugh with them and work on the show! There’s no one else I’d rather be working with!!!
The cast intently watches as they see some new scenes rehearsed!
“The highlight of the day was being able to see some of the castle scenes performed. They made me feel really excited about the show!”
– Challenges –
Each dance move requires great concentration to precisely execute.
“The most challenging part of my day was continuing to work on choreography and memorizing which foot goes where at which time.”
At any given moment many parts of scenes and songs are being rehearsed!
“The most challenging part of the day was leaving! I wanted to keep practicing so I can know my parts better.”
– Looking Ahead –
It is exciting to see parts that were rehearsed separately get integrated into a scene!
“I’m looking forward to seeing the other cast in NYC because we don’t get to see them often and when we combine all parts of the show it won’t feel like the choreography is missing something.”
Observing some of the cast begin to work in costume!
Photo Credit: Paloma Parker
“I am looking forward to seeing what it is like to perform with my costume on. I think it will be fun!”
– Service Spotlight –
The cast seeks to help each other out in all parts of the rehearsal process
“One of the older girls in the cast was very kind and helped me find the right pages in my script so I could keep track of the new song we were learning.”
– Prayer Request –
A cast that enjoys rehearsing with one another makes for a great environment!
“I am grateful for an amazing cast and pray that everyone is enjoying it as much as I am. I pray that everyone stays healthy and happy so we can have the best show ever!”
Christian Youth Theater (CYT) started in 1981 in San Diego and has grown to become one of the largest youth theaters in the nation. CYT is dedicated to developing character in children and adults through training in the arts and by producing wholesome family entertainment, all of which reflect Judeo-Christian values.
Some truly wonderful friendships have developed at rehearsals!
“The highlight of the day was reviewing the choreography for a couple of my favorite numbers, along with seeing the other cast members. Every week I impatiently wait for CYT rehearsal because I love the people I’m surrounded by while there.”
Our cast is always acting, creating small scenes together throughout the production!
“The highlight of the day for me, is the acting. I find it so much fun to see everyone working together to make the show come to life!”
– Challenges –
It takes a lot of effort to stay in character and keep track of lyrics, music and movement!
“The most challenging part of the day was definitely remembering all of the choreography, lyrics, and harmonies for each song that we’ve learned so far.”
“The most challenging part is probably the dancing. I love it, and once you get it, it is really fun, but learning all of the dance moves is very hard. Only because dancing and I don’t really naturally click.”
– Looking Ahead –
The cast anticipates seeing parts of the show that have been rehearsed behind closed doors!
Photo Credit: Paloma Parker
“In the coming rehearsals, I am looking forward to watching all the pieces of the show come together to create a wonderful performance that has been tirelessly worked on by the cast and directors.”
Every actor’s part is specific and contributes to the full picture!
“I’m looking forward to seeing the whole play come together. Because the more we practice, the better we’ll be. And so far, we are already, pretty practiced!”
– Service Spotlight –
Belle reads a story to some of the younger actors during the opening scene.
“The girl playing Belle has really been an example to all of us. Not only does she look, and sound, like Belle, but she acts like her too. And even though, I’m only 11, and people are way older than me here, she treats me, (and all the other kids) like they are as old as her!”
– Cast Testimonial –
Directing requires lots of patience, dedication, and at CYT a knack for having fun!
“Overall, I would say that our cast greatly exemplifies the session theme (focusing on the heart rather than outward appearance), and I’m very proud of the thoughtful family we are. Aside from the cast, though, I’d like to acknowledge how well the directors of CYT exemplify Christ-like qualities through their dedication and hard work each week. I admire the patience, focus, and leadership they maintain while also fooling around and being silly with us during rehearsals.”
Christian Youth Theater (CYT) started in 1981 in San Diego and has grown to become one of the largest youth theaters in the nation. CYT is dedicated to developing character in children and adults through training in the arts and by producing wholesome family entertainment, all of which reflect Judeo-Christian values.
“The highlight of my day at CYT was when we rehearsed “Be Our Guest”. It’s a very complex number, so any cast who can pull it off is impressive to me. But this incredibly talented group isn’t just pulling it off; so far, the performance has been beautiful and SO exciting! I can’t wait for everyone to experience the final product.”
Sneak peak at stacks of colorful costumes for our Villagers!
“The highlight for me from last week’s rehearsal was being able to see and try on both of my costumes for the show! It really makes it start to come alive when I see all the costumes and can picture the many beautiful, colorful costumes filling up the stage and helping each character come alive.”
– Challenges –
There are lots of fun, fast-paced dance moves in “Gaston”!
“One of the biggest challenges for me, has been learning the choreography of “Gaston”. It’s quite fast-paced, so we have very little time to think about each move before continuing onto the next one. However, I notice significant improvements every week, so I have no doubt that it’ll quickly become one of our best songs.”
At rehearsal in NJ cast members sing along while running choreography.
“The most challenging part of rehearsal is having to be able to sing clearly and project while dancing at the same time! I have often performed as a dancer on stage and a singer in a group but this is my first time doing both simultaneously. I am loving it!”
– Looking Ahead –
Cast bonding!
Photo Credit: Paloma Parker
“I’m so excited to see my fellow cast members; they’ve been such a joy to work with and I feel really lucky to get to interact with them every week. We’re only a few weeks in, but a strong bond has already developed throughout the whole cast!”
The cast enjoying every minute of the rehearsal process together!
“This week – I am looking forward to fellowshipping with other kids who enjoy performing arts as I do and am eager to learn new choreography and songs.”
– Service Spotlight –
Cast members of all ages collaborate in rehearsals!
“One of the dancers in the show has been amazing at graciously going through the choreography with anyone struggling to remember it. I’m so grateful for her!”
– Prayer Request –
CYT creative team members pray with the cast at the start of rehearsal.
“My prayer request for this entire season is that we will focus during rehearsals, be aware and learn quickly, and most of all, that we will glorify the Lord with ALL we do!”
– Cast Testimonial –
There is never a shortage of mid-rehearsal laughter when the CYT family is together!
“This is my first time being involved with CYT, so at first I was not sure what to expect. I love musicals but have never been in one outside of school. I thought that not being in CYT’s past musicals might have been a downside. However, it turns out that even though I didn’t know these people from before, they were so friendly and nice and they gladly welcomed me into the CYT community. I am very happy that I am part of this musical and that I have created amazing friendships through it!
Christian Youth Theater (CYT) started in 1981 in San Diego and has grown to become one of the largest youth theaters in the nation. CYT is dedicated to developing character in children and adults through training in the arts and by producing wholesome family entertainment, all of which reflect Judeo-Christian values.
“My favorite part of the rehearsal was trying on the costumes for both a villager and a saucer. It was really fun and I thought that the 18th century style looked cool!”
To get the perfect sound the cast has to study their music!
“The highlight of the day was definitely singing my duet with another girl in the cast. We have a short little song where we are comforting Belle, and when we were singing it the harmonies just clicked and our voices blended really well. It sounded beautiful! I’m so excited about how it will sound as we keep working on it!”
– Challenges –
The wolves get a little silly as they play with their characters!
“The most challenging part of the day for me was staying in character when we were going through scenes. I love that CYT is such a fun and friendly environment, but sometimes it can be hard to get totally into character. When I see my friends doing crazy accents and being totally over the top for their role, I just want to break down laughing. Unfortunately, the script never says I’m allowed to break down laughing, so I probably shouldn’t.”
Putting everything together requires lots of repetition!
“In my opinion, the hardest part of the day was learning new steps for “Be Our Guest,” perfecting the ones I knew already – and singing while doing it.”
“In the coming weeks, I’m looking forward to developing my character and relationships. Half of acting for me is connecting with the other characters and eye contact, but when none of us have our lines memorized and are trying to figure out where to move while we’re talking, it can be hard to fully get into it and really connect with other characters. I’m excited about developing my character more as I get more comfortable with her.”
Students begin to learn choreography for “Human Again”
“This week, it was my job to see who brought their script, pencil, and water before rehearsal started. It was so much fun though, because everyone I talked to engaged in a conversation and was asking me how I was, how my week was, etc. It’s so amazing having such a sweet cast to practice with!”
– Prayer Request –
Time to get off book!
Photo Credit: Paloma Parker
“One prayer request I have for the show is that everyone, the leads and the kids in the chorus, will memorize all the lines, all the songs we need to sing and any dance steps that go with it.”
Christian Youth Theater (CYT) started in 1981 in San Diego and has grown to become one of the largest youth theaters in the nation. CYT is dedicated to developing character in children and adults through training in the arts and by producing wholesome family entertainment, all of which reflect Judeo-Christian values.
“The highlight of the day for me, was being able to see all of my friends. It was the first full cast rehearsal and I had so much fun getting to meet some of the cast members from NYC and to continue to grow my friendships with the NJ cast members. I also loved seeing everything come together. We have so much of a show already!”
A busy town in motion around Belle in the opening number.
“The highlight of the day was blocking the opening number Belle. It was really quite exciting coming up with my own movements and interactions with different characters. If things weren’t particularly working out correctly, the teachers would help us. It all flowed so smoothly.”
– Challenges –
Cast members of all ages interacting at rehearsal.
“The most challenging part of the day was remembering that I am one of the role models. As much as I want to chat and have fun with my friends, I have to remember that we are having rehearsal and that the younger kids are watching my actions when everyone is given directions.”
Lumiere invites Belle to “Be our Guest”!
“The most challenging part of the day was memorizing the Be Our Guest choreography. There was one part that tripped all of the “flatware” up, but after reviewing it several times, we finally caught on! ”
– Looking Ahead –
Cast members from NJ & NYC getting to know one another!
“I am so excited to learn more choreography and staging and music! Costume fittings are coming up and I am super-duper excited for that too. Of course, I am also excited to see my friends again.”
Dancers hard at work learning choreography.
“I am most looking forward to learning new choreography for Be Our Guest!”
– Service Spotlight –
“I’ve seen a substantial amount of hugs and helping. It warms the soul to see individuals edifying, complimenting, and just enjoying the company of one another.”
– Prayer Request –
“It would be great for all of us to pray for cooperation during rehearsals. It is so much fun that we sometimes want to talk with our friends instead of paying attention. We want this to be a great show!”
Christian Youth Theater (CYT) started in 1981 in San Diego and has grown to become one of the largest youth theaters in the nation. CYT is dedicated to developing character in children and adults through training in the arts and by producing wholesome family entertainment, all of which reflect Judeo-Christian values.
tbtcast.news.blog 