REGISTRATION FOR FALL CLASSES OPENED JULY 13, 2026, at 8:00pm. 
CLASSES ARE IN SESSION AUGUST 3 - OCTOBER 6
Classes are subject to change based on enrollment.


CYT’s class sessions are designed to offer students performing arts classes at every skill level in drama, voice, and dance.  Along with those classes, specialty theatrical opportunities such as makeup, film, and stage combat classes may also be available during the year. Enrolled students are not required to audition for a show, and may just participate in a class.

Our Fall and Spring Sessions consist of a 10-week session, with weekly classes offered at two locations. Our Winter term consists of stand-alone Master Classes focusing on various aspects of the performing arts. Students are encouraged to try different classes in each session to broaden their performing arts training.  There may also be pre-requisites needed in order to enroll in certain classes.  Classes without enough participants may be cancelled.

Classes for students ages 8-18 are two hours long.  The Our Gang class for students ages 5-7 runs for 90 minutes.  All classes culminate in a showcase performance where each class presents a mini-performance of what they learned over the previous 9 weeks.

Current Classes:

Class: Age: Chapter: Location: Day: Time: Start: End:
Acting the Song 12-18 Tucson
(Fall 2026)
Christ Church United Methodist Tue 6:00pm - 8:00pm Aug 04 Oct 06
An Actor's Toolkit 12-18 Tucson
(Fall 2026)
Christ Church United Methodist Tue 6:00pm - 8:00pm Aug 04 Oct 06
Broadway Jazz 12-18 Tucson
(Fall 2026)
Faith Community Tucson Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Aug 03 Oct 05
Broadway Voices Central 13-18 Tucson
(Fall 2026)
Christ Church United Methodist Tue 6:00pm - 8:00pm Aug 04 Oct 06
Character Creation Central 8-12 Tucson
(Fall 2026)
Christ Church United Methodist Tue 6:00pm - 8:00pm Aug 04 Oct 06
Lighting Design & Technical Theatre 12-18 Tucson
(Fall 2026)
Christ Church United Methodist Tue 6:00pm - 8:00pm Aug 04 Oct 06
Make-up Design and Effects Central 8-12 Tucson
(Fall 2026)
Christ Church United Methodist Tue 6:00pm - 8:00pm Aug 04 Oct 06
Make-up Design and Effects NW 12-18 Tucson
(Fall 2026)
Faith Community Tucson Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Aug 03 Oct 05
Musical Theatre Dance 8-12 Tucson
(Fall 2026)
Faith Community Tucson Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Aug 03 Oct 05
Scene Study 12-18 Tucson
(Fall 2026)
Faith Community Tucson Mon 6:00pm - 8:00pm Aug 03 Oct 05

Northwest Classes

Monday Evenings
  • Ages 8 - 18:  6:00pm to 8:00pm
Faith Community Church
2551 W. Orange Grove Rd
Tucson, AZ 85741

Site Coordinator: Monica Hardcastle

Class Cost:  $250

Session Dates

Fall 2026
First Night of Class, Parent Orientation, and          
Mini-Audition Workshop:  August 3, 2026
Bring A Friend Night: August 10, 2026
Class Showcase:  October 5, 2026

Winter 2026/2027
Master Class Series at Central Location Only
 
Spring 2027
First Night of Class, Parent Orientation, and
Audition Mini-Workshop:
 February 8, 2027
Bring A Friend Night:  February 15, 2027
Class Showcase:  April 12, 2027

Central Classes

Tuesday Evenings
  • Ages 5 - 7:  6:00pm to 7:30pm
  • Ages 8-18:  6:00pm to 8:00pm
Christ Church United Methodist (CCUM)
655 N Craycroft Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85711

Site Coordinator:  Alissa McKaig

Class Cost:  $250
Our Gang Class:  $175 (ages 5-7)
Winter Master Classes Cost:  $200
(Must attend 4 of the 6 offered classes)

Session Dates

Fall 2026
First Night of Class & Parent Orientation and
Mini-Audition Workshop:
  August 4, 2026
Bring A Friend Night: August 11, 2026
Class Showcase:  October 6, 2026


Winter 2026/2027
Master Class Series Schedule:
November 17, 2026
December 1, 2026
December 8, 2026
December 15, 2026
January 5, 2027
January 12, 2027


Spring 2027
First Night of Class & Parent Orientation and
Mini-Audition Workshop:
  February 9, 2027
Bring A Friend Night: February 16, 2027
Class Showcase:  April 13, 2027

Financial Assistance

We give consideration for scholarships to help offset the cost of classes and productions for families that meet Title One Full Meal guidelines. Please visit the scholarship page for full details, deadlines for submission, and online application form.

Current Teachers:

Amber Lackmann

Amber Lackmann is a theatrical hair, makeup, and wig designer with experience creating productions for CYT Tucson, Arts Express Theatre, Saguaro City Music Theatre, Inner Voice Studio, and other local theaters. She is passionate about helping students discover makeup as a creative storytelling tool while building confidence, creativity, and stage-ready skills. Her fun, hands-on classes encourage young artists to think like designers and bring unforgettable characters to life.


Lydia Henderson

Lydia Henderson (previously known as Lydia Zadareky) has 20 years of dance training and 5 years of teaching experience, she brings passion and dedication each class. Lydia has proudly choreographed 5 after school musicals for Marana Middle School helping young performers grow in skill and confidence. Her goal is to create a positive, uplifting environment where students can discover their love for movement, build strong character, and shine brightly on stage.


Michael Rhodes

Michael Rhodes has been with CYT Tucson since 2010, when he joined the artistic team as music director for “Annie”. Since then, he has been involved with some incredible productions including James and the Giant Peach, Newsies, Little Mermaid, Shrek, Seussical, and Matilda. Michael holds a Master's degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Arizona; he considers himself well-rounded with a history of collegiate involvement with Astronomy, Physics, and Humanities. Michael also holds an Associates degree in computer science, and works full-time in the field of cybersecurity. Michael considers CYT his extended family, and is excited to join the artistic staff for his 16th season with CYT-Tucson.


Sarah Chico

Sarah Chico is a professional singer and actor here in Tucson. A cool fact about her is that in 2016, she competed nationally in The Jimmy Awards for her role in Aida. She's done several shows within the community but most recently she was Betty Jean in "The Marvelous Wonderettes" with SAPAC. Sarah is going to Pima Community College for her Associates in Fine Arts and while she isn't currently in any stage productions, her love for the arts has never truly kept her away from the Tucson performing arts community, which is why she is so excited to teach this class!


Sean Hazen

Sean Hazen is a Tucson native who has been acting professionally for 10 years. He studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, earning an Associate's Degree in Theatre. While in New York, Sean accumulated multiple acting credits in theater and film, along with a playwriting credit. In 2020, Sean returned home to Tucson and has been continuing to accumulate acting credits at Invisible Theatre, Arts Express Theatre, The Gaslight Theatre, and The Rogue Theatre. Sean is excited to help foster and inspire the next generation of performers!


Stephen Kaczynski

I have been involved with CYT Tucson since 2011 in a variety of volunteer roles. For the last 12 years, I have been involved primarily with stage lighting, and I currently assist a variety of community theater and TUSD productions with lighting design and other stage tech. I get tremendous joy helping productions come to life on stage in the most interesting ways possible, and during the Technical Theater class, I plan to share that joy with the students, opening up new pathways they can follow in theater.


Taylor Thomas

Taylor Thomas loves teaching theatre! She has previously taught at Live Theatre Workshop and currently acts as the Music Director for the Gaslight Theatre’s Gaslight Youth Melodrama. She joined CYT's family in the Fall of 2025. In addition, she is also the co-costume designer at the Gaslight Theatre and has performed as a swing for their productions since 2019. She hopes to inspire each student to find their voice.