Christian Youth Theater Portland

Christian Youth Theater Portland offers classes in drama, voice, dance, specialty classes, auditions and callbacks, comedy and improv, technical theater, and stunts and combat. It also offers camps with daily rotations through drama, dance, and vocal workshops, along with field games, water play, scripts and sound tracks, and a mini musical. The program also offers full-scale productions and school field trips.

Programs

• Classes — ages 4-18 · Fall, Winter and Spring; weekly classes once a week for two hours; eight consecutive weeks
• Camps — ages 5-14 · 2 weeks of outdoor day camp; summer
• Shows / Productions — ages 8-18 · Fall, Winter and Spring; full-scale productions
• School Field Trips

At a glance

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Current session: Winter 2027 Classes (Jan 4–Feb 22, 2027)
• General schedule: Yearly calendar is made up of three 8-10 week sessions: Fall, Winter, and Spring. Summer session consists of camps, workshops, and Christian Community Theater (CCT) productions. Weekly classes last for two hours and run for eight consecutive weeks.

About the provider

Christian Youth Theater was founded in 1980. The organization says it has grown to be the largest youth theater program in the nation and has branches in 17 states. Its leadership team includes Theresa VanWetten, Executive Artistic Director; Alison Geist, Accountant; and Jen Straite, Class Coordinator. The mission statement says it develops character and creativity through quality theater arts training that brings families and communities together while reflecting Jesus. CYT describes its instructors as professionals qualified in teaching and/or performing, and says it welcomes all kids of varying faiths, backgrounds and beliefs.

Classes are held in the Fall, Winter and Spring. Camps are outdoor day camps. Campers must turn the age of eligibility by Monday of the camp they wish to attend. All campers must be potty trained. Registration fees for classes and camps are non-refundable. Tuition must be paid in full to register. Late registration for classes is accepted before the 2nd class week. There is a $50 late fee for campers picked up past 3:15pm. CYT states it welcomes all children and that if a child requires one-on-one attention and assistance, a family member must stay with them at camp.

What families say

“Every time I step out onto that stage, I have the opportunity to use my God given talents and passion to portray a soul, a portion of another’s story.” — Nina Noelle Russell, CYT Student

Last updated October 12, 2026.