Fifth Annual Dancing with the Celebrities

Get ready for our fifth annual benefit – “Dancing with the Celebrities” 2012 on Saturday, April 28th at 7pm!  We are excited to bring you local celebrities to grace the Bing Crosby Theater stage as they dance to raise money for CYT-Spokane! This elegant, semi-formal evening is a wonderful way to have a great time while supporting the theater arts training that CYT provides.

Much like the TV show, “Dancing with the Stars,” local celebrities are paired with professional dance instructors to compete against one another for the Championship Title. The audience votes for their favorite couple with dollar bills ($1=1 vote, $15=15 votes, etc), so the more money each celebrity brings in, the more likely they will be to win! We will also have some beautiful auction/raffle items available that night, also.

When your buy tickets for the event, the dollar amounts spent for tickets can count as votes toward the celebrity you want to win.  You may indicate on the order form when you purchase tickets what celebrity you want your votes to be credited toward.

Participating celebrities for this year’s event include:
Molly Allen – “Dave, Ken & Molly in the Morning” on 92.9 ZZU & Jillian Wylie

Marianne Guenther Bornhoft – Realtor, Windermere – Manito & Adam Peterson

Ellena Conway – Owner, Latah Creek Winery & Greg Wold

Derek Deis – KXLY “Good Morning Northwest” Anchor & Darci Lord

Julie Humphreys – Director, Step UP Spokane/ Health Reporter & Deanar Young

Judy Lee – Special Events Coordinator, Catholic Charities Spokane & Howard Peake

Anne Mitchell – Owner, LLL Talent & Andrew Ware Lewis

Ken Sax – Host of “Real Estate Radio with Ken Sax” and “Shox the Fox”,  Mascot for the Spokane Shock Arena
Football Team & Annie Stillar

Marcell Scott – Owner/ Trainer – Hitfitness & Lydia Cook

Rick Steltenpohl – Executive Director, Hoopfest & Melina Beschta

Doors open at 6pm for this event at the Bing Crosby Theater, and it is a semi-formal event. Refreshments & wine will be for sale, and there will also be student-performances from some of our recent classes and shows.

This is a fundraiser for CYT-Spokane’s theater arts training program for kids ages 6-18. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization so your donation dollars are tax deductible. You may vote for your favorite person or performance with dollars. Every dollar equals one vote. Giving to sustain a worthwhile program has never been so much fun. You may purchase your tickets or cast votes for a celebrity/dancer on our website by clicking here or by calling the CYT-Office at 509-487-6540.

Ticket Prices:
Premier Seats……………………………..$25.00
Standard Seats……………………………$15.00

Saturday, April 28, 2012, 7:00pm (doors open at 6pm)

The Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague, Spokane, WA 99204

Come See KEN DAVIS FULLY ALIVE and help CYT Spokane

Come to the Bing Crosby Theater on March 23 and see KEN DAVIS FULLY ALIVE and help CYT Spokane.  We know it is the same day as auditions but audition early and then go have a side splitting time watching Ken Davis.  A portion of the tickets sales goes to help CYT Spokane.

Comedian Ken Davis’s new film KEN DAVIS FULLY ALIVE is premiering at the Bing Crosby Theater Friday March 23 @ 8pm. Tickets are only $10 and available at the Bing Box Office beginning @ 7pm or by contacting Christian Youth Theater @ (509) 487-6540.

Ken Davis is a gifted Christian comedian, a best-selling author, and a frequent radio and television guest. He is also one of the most sought after inspirational and motivational speakers in the country. He is a master story teller who serves up life changing truth in a feast of laughter and poignant wisdom, as the story of his life plays out like a sitcom. Ken connects with his audience: His mixture of side-splitting humor and inspiration delights and enriches audiences of all ages.

Ken Davis can be heard daily on these Spokane radio stations:

KEEH 104.9 FM @ 10:40 am

KMBI 107.9 FM @ 7:58 am & 4:53 pm

KMBI 1330 AM @ 7:58 am & 4:53 pm

Auditions Today for “Oklahoma”

We want to encourage all that are registered for classes to come audition for “Oklahoma” today from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.   If you show up and sign in between those hours you will be able to audition for this wonderful show.   It is normal to be nervous but the experience is worth it.  CYT auditions on Friday are open to all and are done in a very supportive and loving atmosphere.  If you decide not to audition you can still be part of the process by watching and supporting those who are.  Come see your old and new friends and just enjoy yourself.  If you don’t have a song prepared than just come and sing Happy Birthday with the help of our accompanist.

Auditioning is one of the basic tenants of theater training and we encourage everyone to come and audition in a wonderful supporting family atmosphere.  For audition guidance and tips please refer to page 11 of the 2012 Winter Parent Pack or page 2 of the Winter CYT Times.

Many of us have a Portable Media player.  Whether it is a  iPod, iPhone, Zune or any of the other choices, many of us have a player such as this.  If you do, I want to encourage you to have your audition song on your portable player and as long as it has a headphone jack we can plug it right in to the sound board at auditions.   This certainly is not a requirement but if you have been thinking of using it, this may be the encouragement you need.  CD’s are great also but a lot of times they get scratched and or don’t play well in the player we have at auditions and may not be as trouble free as a digital form in your portable media player.  It is a good idea also to have both a CD and media player so that you always have a backup.  This way you are assured that we can play your audition song.   There will also be a keyboard there for an accompanist also.  Here is an excerpt from the Auditioning Tips from the Parent Pack – “Prepare a ONE minute song. You must use an iPod, mp3 or cd WITHOUT VOCALS or bring sheet music. We do have an accompanist. Please no singing acapella.”

Regarding CD’s we are looking for a high quality CD player to use for auditions.  The boom box type stereo players are what we have trouble with.  We need a player that is more on the professional level as opposed to consumer grade.  Many churches are moving to recording sermons in MP3 format and don’t use their CD decks anymore and would appreciate if any of you could check with you churches and such for a high quality CD player for CYT Spokane.

Here are a couple of YouTube videos on how to rip a CD to digital format if you haven’t seen how easy it is to convert those CDs to digital:

For PC Users and Windows Media Player

For Mac Users or iTunes Users on PC

If you have questions or I can be of any assistance please don’t hesitate to contact me at rob@cytspokane.com

On behalf of all the directors we all look forward to seeing you tonight between 3:00pm to 7:00 pm.

Robert S. Fisher

VP/Treasuer

Executive Managing Director

Encore, Encore 2011 – “A Country Christmas”

“Encore, Encore 2011: A Country Christmas” is rapidly approaching! “Encore, Encore” is CYT-Spokane’s traditional year-end celebration and fundraiser where we perform numbers from each of the shows done in the past calendar year, as well as some favorite CYT classes and camps. We will also be previewing some of our 2012 shows! Come join us as we share this beautiful opportunity to celebrate the success of the year just shared together, and look forward in anticipation of the year to come!

Please remember, this is a semi-formal event, so dress in your holiday best! For men, this means a dress shirt, slacks, and a tie, and for ladies, a party dress or long gown would be appropriate.

This year, our theme is “A Country Christmas” in anticipation of our Winter 2012 show, “Oklahoma!” Come experience the comfort and warmth of a good-old fashioned Christmas complete with all the fixings! There will be lovely holiday decorations, delicious refreshments, exciting auction and raffle items, and more – you won’t want to miss out! We hope to see you there!

Also! ALUMNI, for the first time ever, we will be having a special performance opportunity for you at “Encore” as well as a special trip down memory lane. Please contact the office if you are interested in being involved.

Tickets: $10.00 in advance for non-performers, guests, and family members. At the door, all tickets will be $12.00.
FREE for all student and alumni performers

Tickets are on sale now through the CYT office! Please note that in order to perform, all students & alumni must RSVP through the office and attend the mandatory rehearsals on Saturday, December 17th, and Wednesday, December 28th.

HYPE Presents Operation Christmas Child Packing Party

Last year, for the first time, HYPE presented an Operation Christmas Child “Shoebox Packing Party” at CYT as their fall service project. Around 20 kids gathered at the CYT Studio to pack 26 shoeboxes for children around the world who may not otherwise receive a Christmas present.

It was such fun that the group decided to do it again this year, and hopefully surpass their goal of boxes packed this year! If you are unfamiliar with the ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, and the Operation Christmas Child, please see their website for more information and to also see a list of items to pack. Also, please note that for every box you plan to pack, it requires a $7 donation to process. If you donate online and print out a special label, you’ll even be able to track where you shoebox ends up!

HYPE invites all CYT families to come out and help pack shoeboxes on Friday, November 18th at the CYT Studio from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Hot chocolate, Christmas goodies, and Christmas music will be provided! If you are unable to come, we still welcome donations of shoeboxes, gift items, or even the $7 that it takes to process a shoebox. Donations can be collected at the CYT Studio or at showcase.

We look forward to helping spread Jesus’ love around the world this year!

CCT 2012 Summer Show Is Coming!

CYT-Spokane is excited to announce that summer of 2012, we are bringing back the establishment of CCT in our community! CCT stands for Christian Community Theater, and is open to all ages. It is about a seven to eight week time commitment, with evening rehearsals, and tentative show dates the first week of August. Unlike our “Show-in-a-Weeks” for the past couple of years, CCT shows are fully-staged musicals with all the trimmings.

Currently, we are looking for your input on which show to do this coming summer. Do you have a favorite Russell House or Broadway show that you’ve been dying to be a part of [or see performed live onstage]? We make no guarantees, but would love to get the input of the students, alumni, and parents as much as possible as we move forward. Please leave your suggestions in comments below or in an email to the office – and please remember to keep them appropriate and realistic.

We are excited about this expansion of our program, and look forward to bringing you more news about it in the future!

Note: “Oklahoma” CYT Family Hoe-Down Postponed

We are still very excited about our winter 2012 show, “Oklahoma,” but in light of a busy fall with several functions being planned for, the staff thought it best to postpone the “Oklahoma!” Hoe-Down.

Don’t worry! We’re still looking forward to having it, but it will most likely take place at the beginning of January, as we get ready to dive into “farmer & cow-man” territory. So be saving onto your “hoe-down” spirit, along with your cowboy boots and straw hats – we’ll be putting them to good use just after the New Year.

Thank you for your understanding, and may you have a blessed October!

Encore, Encore 2011-Volunteer Opportunity

CYT-Spokane’s favorite year-end celebration, “Encore, Encore” is back and we have an opportunity for YOU to be involved! This event is a community-builder for the families and loyal supporters of CYT to reflect on a great year, and look with excitement to the year ahead. It is a semi-formal evening held at the Bing Crosby Theater, and filled with dessert, laughter, revivals of musical numbers from each of the past year’s shows, and more.

Currently, we are in the planning stages for Encore, Encore 2011, which will be held on December 28th. If you would like to volunteer on one of the committees to help plan and produce this event, please contact the office via phone (509-487-6540) or email (lydia@cytspokane.com) by Monday, October 10th. We look forward to another great celebration with you all!

HYPE Presents … A Masquerade Ball

You may have heard the famous song from Phantom of the Opera – “Masquerade … paper faces on parade …”

Well, now it’s time for you to participate in one yourself! HYPE is excited about this event that they are putting together for you, and they hope that you will join in.

October 22nd, from 7 to 10pm, an old-fashioned Masquerade Ball will be happening, with long, flowing gowns, coat-tails & top hats, and of course – the all-important masks [in fact, they will be required! So keep your eyes open for more details on where to find them]. Only $10 for advance tickets, you will gain access to an enchanting, mysterious evening of folk/ballroom dancing, dessert, and much fun over all.

Please note that this is for ages 13 & up – parents & alumni are welcome.

Also, please note that this is not a “costume” party in the sense of Halloween costumes, but 19th-century ballroom attire or other such long gowns would be strongly encouraged!

Please contact the CYT Office or your nearest HYPE student to purchase your tickets! $10 in advance/$12 at the door. All proceeds go to support the development of this leadership program.

**NEW, NEW!** HYPE is pleased to announce the venue for the Masquerade Ball … Commellini Estate, 14715 N. Dartford Dr, Spokane, WA 99208. (commelliniestate.com). This beautiful venue is the perfect place to celebrate a Masquerade, and we are even more excited to have you join us!

“Oklahoma” CYT Family Hoedown

Come celebrate the fall season with us, and also get excited for our winter production of “Oklahoma!” with a CYT family hoedown at CYT!

Saturday, October 15th, from 5 to 8pm in the CYT-Spokane parking lot, make sure to bring the whole family in cowboy boots & pigtails for a lot of good ol’ fashioned fun. There will be hot dogs and hamburgers, cotton candy and caramel apples, popcorn and games – and let’s not forget the square dance!

Tickets are only $5 a person, and you can purchase them through the CYT Office now – please purchase your tickets soon, so we know how many to prepare for.

We look forward to seeing you all there!