Welcome to CYT Tampa Bay

Since its founding in the summer of 2024, CYT Tampa Bay has grown steadily. We operate on the principle that it is "all for Him," teaching students that their inherent gifts and talents are purposed for worship. Our definition of success focuses less on expanding our numbers and more on deepening biblical character within our students, all while providing rigorous training in musical theater and facilitating the formation of meaningful, life-long friendships. Our commitment to honoring our Creator guides all we do, resulting in the delivery of both top-notch instruction and high-quality theatrical productions.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please reach out to our Managing Director, Louise Bettelli - louise@cyttampabay.org or 727-458-5672

What Is CYT?

Christian Youth Theater (CYT) is an after-school theater arts training program for students ages 5 - 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 Tampa Bay is a non-profit 501(c)(3) religious and 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 nine-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.
Learn More About CYT National

Mission & Values

Mission
Christian Youth Theater develops character and creativity through quality theater arts training that brings families and communities together while reflecting Jesus.

Values
  • Character over competition:  Our intentional focus is on knowing Jesus and becoming more like Him. We earnestly desire growth in love for God, in the knowledge of His love for us, and in a humble life that pours out love towards others.

  • People over programs:  We exist for our communities: those we know and those we have yet to meet. The people. We were created for companionship, and at CYT we long to see strangers become neighbors and neighbors become community. This is our calling. We love God, and we love and value His people. We see and welcome people for who they uniquely are and not just what they can do for our organization.

  • Service over spotlight:  We believe in serving others in sacrificial and tangible ways. CYT exists for opportunities to know and see needs, and to meet them as the body of Christ. We see leadership through the lens of servant leadership, as best demonstrated in the person and work of Jesus. We aim to work slowly and mindfully to see the needs that walk through our doors. We would take servanthood over spotlights any day.

  • Excellence over ego:  We value giving God our first and our best. Excellence is our simplest expression of giving the gifts and talents God has blessed us with back to Him. We don’t seek perfection as a means of outward praise, but excellence as a form of worship from a heart of gratitude and diligence. Being excellent in all we say and do is a way we can be faithful to God’s calling on our lives and in our work.

Current Staff

Managing Director: Louise Bettelli
Louise Bettelli is a founding member of CYT Tampa Bay, bringing a deep passion for musical theater and ministry. Her journey with CYT began over five years ago in Colorado Springs, where she and her family were involved from the very start. Louise fondly recalls helping as a backstage mom, ensuring the green room was organized and welcoming for all performers. Outside of CYT, Louise teaches English at Calvary Christian High School. She holds a Bachelor of Science in English Education from Florida State University and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. With more than 18 years of teaching experience spanning public, private, and university-model schools, she has worked with students from 5th through 12th grade. Louise’s heart is to see Jesus lifted high through musical theater in the Tampa Bay area, inspiring both students and audiences alike.
Show Coordinator: Samantha Jernigan
Samantha joined CYT Tampa Bay in it's inaugural year for their first full length production, Willy Wonka Jr. Samantha soon proved to be a vital part of the CYT community and dove head first into volunteering. She started working as the Show Coordinator in 2025. Samantha leads and organizes each CYT Tampa Bay production with zeal and tenacity. She has a passion for seeing students shine for Jesus through musical theater.  
Class Coordinator: Amy Brown
Amy is originally from Pensacola, Florida, but has lived in the Tampa Bay area for the last 20 years. She is a true Florida native! She is a mom to four amazing kids who all love musical theater! Her family has been involved with CYT Tampa Bay since it's first production of Willy Wonka Jr. She absolutely loves the positive and safe environment that CYT provides for her children to grow in their walk with Jesus and use their gifts to glorify God.