| Greetings!
We've got so much fun stuff happening right now: more awesome winter shows are up and running, planning for summer camps, spring classes, summer shows, and much more excitement coming down the road. Make sure you connect with us on our twitter, facebook and website so you can be the FIRST in the know! And don't miss a single winter show now playing!
 | | Great American Tall Tales, Rockford 11 |
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Now Open
| Check out all the great opportunities that are now available!
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A Note from Justin Parks
|  Justin, our Executive Artistic Director, recently wrote a note aimed at our CYT high school students considering their future paths. In it, he discusses the pros and cons of a theatre education, while sharing some of his own life experience and advice. You can read his entire note by clicking the link below: |
Alumni Update: Kristen Evensen
|  Kristen Evensen is a CYT Alum who participated in McHenry county and CCT's Grease. We caught up with her to hear a little about life, music, theater and life in the Big Apple.
Tell us what you are up to these days?
After graduation, I moved to Hershey, PA and performed at Hersheypark all summer, doing a family-friendly musical "Crystal Sneakers". When my contract ended, I drove to New York City, where I am currently living. My weeks involve auditioning, working, exploring the city, and planning an arts-based non-profit.
How do you like living in NYC? NYC involves a whole different pace of life, one that requires much more physical stamina than I was used to using every day. My first few weeks here, I slept so soundly because each day requires so much energy. There truly is nothing like it: the high-rises, the crowds, the theatre industry, Wall Street, the parks, the cuisine, and the opportunities. I feel so blessed to live here, to be immersed in culture, and to explore places I never thought I would explore. I simply love it!
What kind of education have you done since CYT? And what do you think you've enjoyed learning the most? Last May, I graduated from Illinois Wesleyan's School of Theatre Arts (a Broadway World "School in the Spotlight") with my BFA degree in Music Theatre. I highly recommend this program to anyone in CYT who wants to pursue the fine arts in college, while also completing their liberal arts education. The program takes the theatrical passion seriously and requires hard work, dedication, and the ability to multi-task, making one extremely prepared for the "real world".
If you could do anything in the future, what would be your dream? I honestly think I am still figuring out what exactly is my heart's desire. I know I want to use the gift of singing to touch lives, whether that is onstage or through writing my own music. If I could sing and serve for the rest of my life, I would be one happy girl.
What is your favorite show or role you've ever performed? Hmmm, this is a toughie. There is a tie between two shows. During my CYT years, I performed the Narrator role in "Joseph...Dreamcoat" and loved every minute of it. My senior year in college, I played Mrs. Smith in "The Bald Soprano", an absurdist play. I honestly did not think I would understand playing such a crazy character, but it turned out to be my favorite process.
What is a dream role or show? I would love to play Belle on Broadway in "Beauty and the Beast". Millie in "Thoroughly Modern Millie" is another one-I have always wanted to dance a huge tap number! For a straight play, Nora in "A Doll's House" or Kathy in "The Children's Hour".
How do you think CYT has influenced your life? CYT taught me that theatre is not just a hobby-it can be a profession, a calling. Without CYT and its professionalism, I would not have experienced the intricacies of the process so early on. From day one, CYT impresses the importance of giving glory to our Creator, and this was vital in forming a solid spiritual foundation for me. CYT offers a professional environment-but more importantly, it fosters enjoyment in our walk with God and many friendships. Some of my closest friends I met in CYT.
Tell us about your upcoming EP. "Work in Progress" is a singer-songwriter project I have been working on for about two years. I write the music for the piano and voice. Now that college is done, I have even more time to invest in writing music, expanding my piano skills, and searching the Bible for what God would speak through the lyrics.
Your website has some great songs, including some you've written. How did you get started writing songs? I started writing music in seventh grade. I ended up enjoying the process and got positive feedback. I did not write for several more years; but come sophomore year in college, the lyrics to "With You" were born. I found a local recording studio and have worked with them on all five songs. www.kristenleighevensen.com
Is it difficult being a Christian in the theater arts field? Yes. In the theatre industry, there is much opportunity for service-but also much opportunity for self-involvement and self-indulgence because YOU are the product. I find it is hard sometimes to separate my motives from Jesus' motives for me. Also, Romans chapter 14 talks about the faith of the weak and the strong-certain roles and acting choices are off-limits for me, but may not be for other people. Sometimes, this can be a challenge. Obedience is much more important than claiming a role.
What advice would you give to CYT kids who want to go into theater? Pray pray pray. And don't stop praying! If God has planted within you a desire to perform, then be confident that He will bring that desire to pass. But seek Him for guidance, every day of your life. Research, then, and find a college program that fits your goals and interests. Talk to people. Ask questions. Take summer performance opportunities away from home. Audition for regional theatres and at unified auditions. Humbly pursue your dreams.
If you could go back and tell your CYT self one thing, what would it be?
The most important thing you will gain from being involved with CYT is your deepened relationship with Christ. The roles are fantastic, the experience fulfilling and joy-producing. But remember who gave you these opportunities. Just as He is here now, He will be there every step of the way in the future.
What is one of the most important lessons you've learned about yourself while doing theater? Theatre and singing are not "who I am". They are merely things I do. I have learned the vital importance of understanding and embracing my identity in Christ, and not in the material things/successes/achievements of this world. 1 John 2:17 says, "The world and its desires will pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever". This is the Truth I have learned.
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Summer Shows: CCT/CYT
|  This summer, CYT is producing "Les Mis" at the Raue Center in Crystal Lake in July! (Students only 14-18) In addition, we are considering doing additional productions in a few areas for CCT: anyone ages 14 through adult. But we can't decide without your vote. We need you to COMMIT and MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! We need AT LEAST 75 votes to make it happen. Here's what you need to do:
1. Anyone ages 14-adult can vote.
2. We also need people to commit to helping on sets
and costumes.
3. Hit up the area of your choice on our facebook page
(or group- either one is fine).
4. Write your name and the phrase "I WANT TO
AUDITION!" under the show you're interested in.
5. DO IT NOW- time is running out to make your voice heard!
Under Consideration for CCT (14 to adult):
 | Lake/Kenosha
Gurnee area
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 | Aurora/DuPage/Kane
Batavia Area
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Top 10 Reasons
|  We've been loving that our Facebook newsfeed is being flooded with "Top 10 Reasons to See" different shows! Below are some of our favorites. What are YOUR reasons not to miss the winter shows?
Reasons to see Annie:
"There are 32 adorable little girls who sing their hearts out and bang on buckets. What's not to love about that?""The costumers have done an EXCEPTIONAL job on every single costume in the show!"
"We have a real dog. We have real snow. We have real fog."'
Reasons to see Oz:
"Let's face it....the set design is amazing for this show. Five back drops. Tornado sequence. Cute little munchkins etc etc....awesome show.
Reasons to see Joseph:
"You will be laughing & having a good time even before the show starts... ;DTrust me, you will be entertained more than you ever thought a show could entertain you. " Reasons to see Narnia:
"Narnia is one of the few shows where everyone gets to be a non-humanoid character, so visually this is one of the most epic costume and make-up shows that CYT offers!"
Reasons to see Aladdin:
"THE FLYING!! :D We are going to have a magic carpet...etc, genie, and other magical characters that will be legitimately defying gravity. nbd. just kidding it is a big deal! so buy your tickets now!" |
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Don't Miss Our Winter Shows.
Click on the show logo for tickets!
| Aurora:
Joseph & the Amazing...
Batavia High School PAC
1200 W. Wilson
Batavia, IL
Fri, Feb 17th - 7:00 pm
Sat, Feb 18th - 2:00 pm
Sat, Feb 18th - 6:00 pm
Sun, Feb 19th - 2:00 pm
Sat, Feb 25th - 2:00 pm
Sat, Feb 25th - 6:00 pm
Sun, Feb 26th - 2:00 pm
Kane: Annie Jr.
The Hemmens Auditorium
45 Symphony Way
Elgin, IL
Fri, Feb 10th - 7:00 pm
Sat, Feb 11th - 2:00 pm
Sat, Feb 11th - 6:00 pm
Sun, Feb 12th - 2:00 pm
Kenosha: Sound of Music
Reuther Auditorium
913 57th St.
Kenosha, WI
Fri, Mar 2nd - 7:00 pm
Sat, Mar 3rd - 2:00 pm
Sat, Mar 3rd - 6:00 pm
Sun, Mar 4th - 2:00 p
Lake: The Little Mermaid
College of Lake County
19351 W. Washington
Grayslake, IL
Thur, Feb 9th - 7:00 pm
Fri, Feb 10th - 7:00 pm
Sat, Feb 11th - 2:00 pm
Sat, Feb 11th - 6:00 pm
Sun, Feb 12th - 2:00 pm
Sun, Feb 12th - 6:00 pm
McHenry: Disney's Aladdin Jr.
Huntley High School PAC
13719 Harmony Rd.
Huntley, IL
Fri, Feb 17th - 7:00 pm
Sat, Feb 18th - 2:00 pm
Sat, Feb 18th - 6:00 pm
Sun, Feb 19th - 3:00 pm
Fri, Feb 24th - 7:00 pm
Sat, Feb 25th - 2:00 pm
Sat, Feb 25th - 6:00 pm
Sun, Feb 26th - 3:00 pm
Milwaukee: Godspell
St. Thomas More HS PAC
2601 Morgan St.
Milwaukee, WI
Fri, Mar 23rd - 7:00 pm
Sat, Mar 24th - 2:00 pm
Sun, Mar 25th - 2:00 pm
Fri, Mar 30th - 7:00 pm
Sat, Mar 31st - 2:00 pm
Sat, Mar 31st - 6:00 pm
Sun, April 1st - 2:00 pm
 NW Cook: Wizard of Oz
Prairie Lakes Theater
515 E Thacker.
Des Plaines, IL
Fri, Feb 10th - 7:00 pm
Sat, Feb 11th - 2:00 pm
Sat, Febr 11th - 6:00 pm
Sun, Feb 12th - 2:00 pm
Fri, Feb 17th - 7:00 pm
Sat, Feb 18th - 2:00 pm
Sat, Feb 18th - 6:00 pm
Sun, Feb 19th - 2:00 pm
Sun, Feb 19th - 6:00 pm
Oak Park: Narnia
Arts Center of Oak Park
200 N. Oak Park Ave
Oak Park, IL
Fri, Feb 17th - 7:00 pm
Sat, Feb 18th - 2:00 pm
Sat, Feb 18th - 6:00 pm
Sun, Feb 19th - 2:00 pm
Sun, Feb 19th - 6:00 pm
Rockford: Beauty & the Beast Jr.
Rockford College
5050 E. State St.
Rockford, IL
Fri, Mar 2nd - 7:00 pm
Sat, Mar 3rd - 2:00 pm
Sat, Mar 3rd - 6:00 pm
Sun, Mar 4th - 2:00 pm
Fri, Mar 9th - 7:00 pm
Sat, Mar 10th - 2:00 pm
Sat, Mar 10th - 6:00 pm
Sun, Mar 11th - 2:00 pm
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