About

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.

Build the Future of CYT Baton Rouge

CYT Baton Rouge has established an endowment which is the first step to enable us to build, operate, and maintain our very own performing arts campus!
Learn about our Endowment Fund and Building Program

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.)
National Safety Scene page

Current Staff Members:

Tonja Rainey

Tonja is the Artistic Director and co-founder of CYT Baton Rouge. She holds a bachelor degree from USL (1994) with an emphasis in education and dance performance. In 2013, she and her husband, David, founded Christian Youth Theater Baton Rouge so their three daughters could also grow in their love for the arts. She continues to be inspired by CYT kids and CCT adults as they grow in their gifts and talents. Tonja plans to continue working with CYT as long as the Lord will allow. She's grateful and honored to be part of what God is doing at CYT Baton Rouge.

Rebekah Knight

Rebekah holds a B.A. in Theatre from Louisiana State University. She began acting at 8 years old, and has been pursuing theatre arts ever since. A passionate storyteller and energetic acting coach, Rebekah seeks to bring out the best in people through theatre arts. She is delighted to serve on the CYT Baton Rouge staff as the Assistant Artistic Director and HYPE Advisor!

Mandy Louviere

Mandy is the CYT Baton Rouge Show Coordinator. As a former stage manager and skilled technical hand in the Opera/Musical Theatre Department at Southeastern Louisiana University, Mandy has a true passion for theatre. Mandy also enjoys homesteading adventures with her husband of 20 years, David, and their 4 children as well as bringing creative visions to life whether in baking, crafting or event planning in her church and community. Mandy is overjoyed to be on staff with CYT Baton Rouge as Show Coordinator.

Ashley Ardoin

Ashley is the Class Coordinator for CYT Baton Rouge. She is a wife and mother of five, three of whom were part of CYTBR for three years. She was Props Production Team Leader for six shows and discovered the joy in working with a team to build impactful productions. Ashley has a passion for family and building community and is excited to be a part of encouraging CYT students in their gifts.

David Rainey

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

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 Member Application and Questionnaire

Board of Directors Positions Open


Currently, we have openings for these positions:

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
Board Position Descriptions