May 25, 2012
From the Board of Directors of CYT Chicago,
Over the past several months, we as a Board have been involved in contract negotiations with the national CYT organization. Many of you have been praying for us in this endeavor and we thank you so much for that support! After a series of discussions with the leaders of CYT Inc. and much consideration and prayer, we have unanimously voted against renewing our license. As of today we are no longer an affiliate of Christian Youth Theater, Inc.
Rest assured that this will not in any way affect our educational and theatrical programs. Our commitment to providing a quality youth theater experience in a Christian environment is the driving reason behind why we have taken this critical step. For many years we've been burdened to reach out to those who could benefit from the unique blessings of a Christ-focused performing arts program. However, within the current CYT Inc. structure we were unable to to do so. It is this desire to share the blessings God has given us that has motivated us to take the next step in the adventure He has set before us.
And what an adventure! Nothing thrills us more as a Board than to see our community's children and youth grow and mature both on the stage and off. Our decision better enables us to provide more opportunities to our current families and patrons, establish fresh locations with unbelievable possibilities, and, at the core of what we've felt for so long, reach more kids for Christ. We've seen God's guidance and provision in this and we're ready to move wherever He leads us.
Also, let us be clear in stating our continued appreciation for the CYT Inc. national program. Paul and Sheryl Russell started something wonderful over 30 years ago that has brought joy to countless families. We're eternally grateful for CYT Inc.'s role in our formation and development. Both our organizations have a mission and focus to be a positive Christian influence in the lives of children. We will continue to maintain informal relationships with CYT Inc. and its affiliates, and look forward to partnering with them in this common goal in the future.
So why change? Why move out from the covering of CYT Inc.? Without going into specifics, we've simply grown apart. There's been a widening gap between us and our parent organization in regards to methods and ministry, even though our goals are the same. Over time, these differences have become large enough that stepping away from CYT Inc. became a necessary part of doing what God is calling us to do.
As CYT families and patrons, your experience will not change. However, we'd like to make some quick points about what's coming to help you see our direction. First, we commit to you that the following aspects of our program will not change:
a) our Vision, Mission and Statement of Beliefs
b) our ministry efforts
c) our leadership and staff
d) our quality programming
Some change will be necessary, of course. Most noticeably, our name and logo must be changed for legal and contractual reasons. We will be called Spotlight Youth Theater from now on, with an internet address of http://www.spotlight.org. We've spent time and prayer on the new name, and our Godly connection is this: much like standing in the glowing lights of a production, your kids will reflect the light of Christ not only on the stage but in every aspect of their lives. Hence, Spotlight Youth Theater!
Most other changes will be less noticeable unless you are directly involved with them. For example, internal projects such as curriculum development will be accelerated, but you won't see this unless your child is in a class that uses an updated curriculum.
This was a major decision that we couldn't (and wouldn't) make without God's leading us as a Board. We also continue to rely on the incredible support from you, our families - you're the heart of what makes this ministry sing. We would like to thank you all for your involvement and support in the CYT Chicago program over the past 15 years. CYT Chicago has been instrumental in helping our young actors cultivate God given talents, make lifelong friendships, and develop confidence as they mature into young adults. We have seen families strengthened and audiences touched with outstanding, family friendly performances. Most importantly, we have seen God glorified. Be assured that your board of directors is committed to continuing and improving these programs through Spotlight Youth Theater and also reaching more children than ever in the future. We look forward to working with and for you in this exciting new chapter as we service Him together!
