Creative Youth Theatre (CYT) educates elementary and middle school students across Los Angeles through the exploration of classic storytelling elements and the creation of original artistic work. The program primarily serves youth from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have limited access to the arts.

CYT’s mission is to highlight the positive impact of the arts on young people and to raise awareness of the vital role creative expression plays in their development. Through the program, students are empowered to write, create, and perform original theatrical pieces while building essential life skills such as teamwork, conflict resolution, public speaking, and responsibility.

CYT offers a range of programs, including 12–16 week residencies, 4-week residencies, and a series of assembly-style workshops. These can take place during the school day or as after-school programs. The curriculum emphasizes the fundamentals of theatre, including storytelling, character development, and behind-the-scenes production.

Students are immersed in all aspects of theatre, both onstage and off. Drawing from their own experiences—family, daily challenges, and personal inspirations—they collaborate to create and perform original work. Through hands-on exercises, instructors guide participants in shaping these stories, helping them make meaningful connections between their lives and their creative expression. Past productions have explored themes such as bullying, racism, violence, self-esteem, peer pressure, and depression.

Each student also takes on a specific production role, setting goals and contributing to the group’s collective success. The program culminates in a final performance of the original piece.

The skills gained through CYT extend far beyond the stage, benefiting not only the students but also their families, schools, and communities, as participants grow into responsible, confident, and engaged individuals.