DEE DEE BARON - Drama Instructor
A natural communicator, Dee Dee was a D.J. on a radio station at only 16 years old! She received a BA in Integrated Marketing Communications at Wichita State University and is currently employed at Sullivan Higdon & Sink, an advertising agency here in Wichita. Dee Dee and her husband Rob enjoy working with the youth at their church. As the Drama Coordinator for KidzWorld Children’s Ministry at NewSpring Church, Dee Dee performs and works with the cast and production crew of Judgment House, their annual theatrical production. Dee Dee and her husband have 6 children, 2 of which enjoy Christian Youth Theater. Passionate about drama personally, Dee Dee’s heart’s desire is to encourage students to enjoy drama and express themselves in a healthy environment. This spring, Dee Dee debuts as an instructor for CYT teaching one of the HONK Drama Core classes for the older age group.

ERIN CONRY
From the windy city of Chicago, Erin brings experience to CYT Wichita as a former CYT student and Instructor. Growing up the eldest child in a family of 6, Erin led her siblings into the world of CYT. One of her many performances include the role of Annabel in Robin Hood. During her college years, she sang in both the Concert Choral and Chamber Singers choirs and had the opportunity to be a part of the musical, Songs for a New World, her senior year. A recent grad from Benedictine College in Atchison, Erin earned her BA in Music Ed and currently teaches Music at All Saints and St. James Catholic Schools here in Wichita. Erin enjoys working on her scrapbooks, learning new music, or reading when she isn’t hanging out with her favorite CYT kids.

MELINDA CRAFT - Our Gang Instructor
Growing up, Melinda received 16 years of private dance lessons from Miss Nancy’s School of Dance, and 8 years of theatrical classes at Wichita Children’s Theatre, both here in Wichita. Melinda received her BA in Theatre Performance and Dance from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. Melinda played various roles such as Liza Doolittle in Pygmalion, Miss Prism in The Importance of Being Earnest both at Southwestern College and Nancy in Play It Again, Sam as well as Aggie in Play On! at Kechi Playhouse. She has also served as Choreographer and Costume Designer. Most recently Melinda directed One Bethlehem Night at Wichita Church of Christ. Most of Melinda’s hobbies revolve around her husband, Eric, and daughters Madelyn and Carly. They are part of the Christian Off-Road Association, members of the YMCA, and frequently are spotted enjoying the Wichita theatre scene! Now in her third session of instructing here at CYT, Melinda has found her niche teaching Our Gang.

CORA DUERKSEN
Currently working on her Masters in Special Music Education at Wichita State University, Cora has a BA in Music with an emphasis in Piano Pedagogy from McPherson College. She enjoys children in various occupations; she worked as a Special Education Para, taught piano for 6 years, and last year she was employed to lead music at the Wichita State University Preschool. Theater is one of her passions both on stage and in the orchestra. Some of the musicals she has been a part of include Hello Dolly, Once Upon a Mattress, Oliver!, and Oklahoma. The youngest of 4 children, Cora enjoys spending time with her 4 nieces and nephews, scrapbooking and playing the piano. A newlywed, Cora recently celebrated her first anniversary with her husband, Eric.

STACY FARTHING
Stacy has grown up here in Wichita enjoying various opportunities to be involved with the arts. Over the last 20 years, Stacy has furthered her dance education and experience in Ballroom Dancing, ballet, jazz and tap. As a youth, she was in drama groups such as Christ’s Character and King’s Players at West Evangelical Free Church. Through Awesome Acting Productions, Stacy performed in Peter Pan, Sound of Music and Music Man. She held multiple roles in Beauty and the Beast and was the “Blue Fairy” in Sleeping Beauty at Crown Uptown. With the Wichita Grand Opera, Stacy performed with the chorus of Magic Flute. Moving into the teacher role, Stacy has taught acting for 5 years with Christ’s Characters and for the last 8 years as the Jr. High Cheerleading Coach for Wichita Area Homeschool Athletic Association. Stacy enjoys acting and youth which makes CYT a wonderful fit.

KATIE GARNES - Our Gang & Drama Instructor
Performing in numerous High School drama productions and show choirs in Columbia, Missouri, Katie grew up on the stage with a supportive mother demonstrated by her countless hours creating costumes! Thanks, Mom! Katie’s college singing career debuted at Butler County College with the Headliners Show Choir and continues today with Concert Choral at Wichita State University where she is pursuing a Bachelors of Music Education. Along with juggling her directing responsibilities here at CYT, Katie is a dance teacher at a local dance studio, a member of Delta Gamma Sorority and a student worker in the Admissions Department at WSU (Go Shockers!) Katie loves to dance, and has now tap danced in Missouri, Kansas, New York and California and is soon to take on Texas! Kate served as Co-Music Director of CYT Wichita’s debut production of Robin Hood: The Musical. After the run of Robin Hood, she performed in New York with some other professional tappers. Kate is thankful to God and CYT for blessing her with such an incredible opportunity to serve on the CYT team.

SHARON GARTON
Sharon grew up in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and found herself drawn to the theatrical world early on. She enjoyed various roles and aspects of theatre throughout high school, college and church, and taught in public school. Sharon obtained her BSE and Masters in Education in English, Speech and Drama from the University of Arkansas. Sharon is married to Wes, and their grown daughters live in Dallas where they frequently visit especially now that Sharon has retired from teaching at Andover Central High School. Sharon taught High School Drama and Musical Theatre over 27 years, which often included directing 2 musicals a year. Her most recent musicals were Aida, Little Women, Once Upon a Mattress and High School Musical all of which won numerous Jester Awards from Music Theatre of Wichita. Sharon enjoys playing piano, gardening, and catching up on life since her recent retirement.

SALLY MARTIN - Music Director
Inspired by a musical performance in 4th grade, Sally caught the musical theater bug early. Her high school memories are filled with theatrical production experiences in musicals such as The Music Man, The Pajama Game and Showboat. Sally continued her musical experience and education at Friends University where she earned a Bachelor of Music and Vocal Performance as well as performed in Once Upon a Mattress and Where’s Charlie among others. In her 15 years while instructing voice, Sally has taught middle school vocal music/choir at Prestonwood Christian Academy and Broadway classes. Sally’s family moved back to her roots here in Kansas to plant the River Point Church in Newton where her husband serves as senior pastor. Most recently, Sally directed the Music and Orchestra for You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.  Sally and her husband praise God for CYT because it teaches children how to use the gifts God gave us on stage to the best of our ability, all while giving all the glory back to Him!

LYNNE McQUERY - Drama Instructor
Lynne became actively involved with drama her Freshman year of High School at Sunrise Christian Academy. Throughout her years at Sunrise Christian Academy, she performed in the ensemble of My Fair Lady, the role of “Mother Abbess” in The Sound of Music, “Margy” in State Fair, and “Liza” in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Currently a Sophmore at Friends University pursing a double major in Music Theater and Psychology, Lynne has found time to perform in the Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat and The Cotton Patch Gospel this January 2010. Lynne has also enjoyed serving on crew and stage management. Her directing debut began her senior year as an Assistant Director of A Thread that Runs so True and continued as Director of junior high production, The Wind and the Willows. Lynne joined the CYT Wichita staff as Assistant Director of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and looks forward to teaching Drama this spring.

KENT PERRY - Our Gang Instructor
Kent grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, and having “showbiz in the blood” developed a love for music and theatre at a young age.  In High School he was a part of the prestigious “Carolina Spirit” show-choir, which was considered the top show choir in the country during the late 1980s, winning an unprecedented 6 consecutive Showstoppers National/International Championships.  Kent played supporting roles in musicals including Oklahoma, The Music Man, and The Sound of Music. While attending North Carolina State University obtaining a BS in Chemistry and Genetics, Kent was a soloist, actor, and technical coordinator for “Lightly Salted”, an evangelical drama/music ministry directed towards youth group events, retreats, and juvenile prison ministry.   Kent has also been a worship leader for almost 10 years, and has worked with youth and adults from several Wichita area fellowships to build or improve their worship teams. Three of Kent and his wife Kathy’s four children are involved with CYT this session and he is excited to be able to share his love for our Wonderful Savior and for music and theater with his students. 

DEAN OWENS - Drama Instructor
Dean has an engaging personality and enjoys impacting young lives through hands-on fun, both onstage and backstage. He attended Friends University as a Business/Sales Management major and gleaned experience with lights, sound, and stage production in his continuing role as the Logistics Director for Stuck in the Middle, a National Middle School event ministry. His passion for life and youth is contagious; a natural at Improvisation, Dean lives outside the box and has fun in nearly all situations. Dean, his wife Audra, and their 3 girls, made “Robin Hood” and “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown!” a family affair for which Dean served as the Technical Manager. This spring, Dean is teaching the “HONK!” where he aims to encourage students to use their hidden talents and gain theatrical knowledge and build confidence through games, improv and practice.

CHARITY SCHAULIS
Charity completed her education at the Biblical Institute of Los Angeles, California with a degree in Psychology. She developed her skills in Human Resources in her family’s development company and then as an insurance claims manager and investigator. Since moving to Kansas with her husband Rick, Charity has served at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in various teaching, administrative and visionary roles for both Youth and Women’s Ministries. Her call to empower Christian youth with poise and confidence to speak for Christ began as an instructor of Public Speaking and Competitive Forensics within the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association league at Central Homeschool Family Ministries along with Debate at the Classical School of Wichita. Charity has a passion and vision for CYT Wichita and has found real joy in watching God’s hand on this journey of faith and is looking forward to teaching Dramatic skills. Charity’s favorite past times include cheering for her three children at various sports events and throwing an occasional party for people half her age.

MONICA SWALL - Drama/Voice Instructor
Monica graduated in 1999 from Wichita State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, emphasis in piano.  She taught K-5th grade music in Wichita before heading to New York to study acting.  While there, she worked in television securing a commercial spot for American Movie Classics and landed a role on Guiding Light. She welcomed an incredible opportunity to act and be involved with a dynamic Off-Broadway Christian theatre company.  After marrying her husband, Monica returned to Wichita and currently teaches K-5th grade music at Cessna Elementary. Most of Monica’s childhood was immersed in music and theater. Those years were of great value to her, so she is truly excited for the opportunity to work with the CYT students and watch them grow in confidence and ability as they explore creative expression in performance.

KRISTINA SIMS - Dance Instructor
A long heritage of gifted devoted musicians provided a rich training ground for Kristina. In high school, she enjoyed singing in the Select Women's Choir, Select Mixed choir, Madrigals, and Music Theatre of Wichita Teen Choir. She went on to work with Butler Headliners and continues to enjoy working with the youth at her church. She has both choreographed and assistant directed 3 productions performed at Prairie Pines Christmas Tree Farm, such as Guys on Ice. Kristina choreographed most of the Maize High School productions as continues to freelance as a Choreographer, choreographing over 20 high school shows or camps. Kristina is looking forward to teaching in an uplifting environment focused on glorifying God, where edification is foremost above competition.

ALLISON WALL - Voice Instructor Assistant
Currently a sophomore at Friends University, Allison is studying voice performance. She has performed in many musicals, choirs, and in one opera. Her first encounter with CYT was last summer in 2009, where she assisted the voice instructor during camp for both of the showcases, and enjoyed every minute of it! She is discovering a passion for teaching and a desire to bring out the best in children. In her own words: "The level of talent these kids bring to the table constantly impresses me. I am even more impressed by how much they can grow. My goal in teaching at CYT is not only to help these kids realize their love for music, but also their love for God. In all I do, I strive to exhibit the love of Christ. Music is a great way to proclaim God’s greatness, and I hope to pass on a passion that is unquenchable." Welcome Allison this spring session, as the Assistant Voice Core Instructor.