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Executive Artistic Director
Meet Tyler, a passionate advocate for young people and the arts. Over the past decade, he's traveled across the globe, from the US and Canada to Australia and South Africa, performing and teaching. After honing his craft in community, regional, and professional theater, he founded CYT Dallas and now serves as the National Operations Lead for CYT National, overseeing 20+ branches nationwide. He's also a live event Experience Director, Producer, and Creative Director, working with a wide range of companies. Tyler's mission is to inspire students to use their talents to glorify God, championing young artists, and building a brighter future for the arts!
Director of Production
Kate Gesch holds a bachelor’s degree in Arts Management and Musical Theatre from Eastern Michigan University, where she also stage managed for the Theatre and Dance departments. Prior to joining CYT Dallas in 2016, her professional resume included Stage Management for the Undermain Theatre in Dallas, Dance Studio Management for the Peter Sparling Dance Company in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Box Office/Front-of House Management for the University of North Texas Department of Dance and Theatre. Kate has served CYT Dallas in multiple roles including Managing Director, Production Stage Manager, MainStage Director, Teaching Artist, and Camp Director.
Director of Operations
Rebekah Guidroz, a Texas A&M University graduate Class of ‘02, comes to CYT with 7 years experience in the nonprofit sector, including a gratifying stint at The Houston Zoo, as well as 7 years owning and operating a successful small business, and 7 years teaching preschool at a local church. You may have seen Rebekah in other off stage roles such as Costume Lead and on stage as a Pick-a-little Lady in CYT’s community performance of The Music Man. She brings with her a heart for ministry and servant leadership, a faithfulness to ambitiously execute a well managed vision, and an abundance of joy for organized chaos that is Christian Youth Theater.
Director of Education
Cassie Chisum is the holds a BA in Theatre from Harding University, where she directed, stage managed, and acted in a variety of productions. She is now the Education Director at CYT Dallas. She served as the Education and Outreach Director at Theatre Arlington in 2023 and 2024, where she oversaw classes, camps, a traveling children’s theatre troupe, and many other grant-funded programs in partnership with AISD. She also served as the camp director for CYT Dallas’ summer camps in 2022 and 2023, and directed shows like School of Rock, Finding Nemo Jr., and Big Bad The Musical around DFW. Cassie loves building character and confidence in youth through theatre, and in her time off she enjoys hanging out with her husband Jayce and dog Baylor over a good cup of coffee.
Resident Costume Designer
Costume Design is so much more to me than putting clothes on bodies; it is my art of storytelling. Through it, I consider character and movement, mood, and setting to bring concepts to life, convey resonating truths, and create understanding.
We can often forget about the beauty of this life - costumes remind us. We get so busy we forget to laugh - costumes stimulate us. We all want to feel alive - costumes pull at our heartstrings. There is joy to be possessed, laughter to be had, and empathy to be embraced. My goal in life is to tell a meaningful story filled with Truth, time and time again. Paint and fabrics are my words. A love of humanity is my storyline. Costuming with a Purpose is my title.
Resident Carpenter
Jared has 20+ years in Fine Arts and a long career in the local DFW Arts Industry. In 2020 he joined CYT (as a parent volunteer initially) and hasn’t looked back since. His experience in visual arts, project management, and fabrication has translated well to the set design process and the execution of those designs for the CYT stage.
Production Coordinator
Meet Shannon, a mom to 3 (Lillian, Adelyn, Greyson) and wife to David. Her oldest daughter, Lillian, found her home at CYT Dallas in early 2020. Watching CYT Dallas do everything possible to keep these kids growing, connected, and thriving during such a difficult season sold Shannon on the organization. Since then, she has been involved with CYT Dallas on many levels. Starting out as a mom volunteer, to costume parent lead, to show coordinator, and now to Chapter Coordinator. Shannon is passionate about the mission and community at CYT Dallas. She enjoys exercising, spending time with her family, dating her husband, and watching her kids discover and grow in their passions. Her weaknesses include chips and guacamole, adopting too many pets, and binge watching shows with her oldest daughter way past both their bedtimes.
*Also, if you're wondering, her last name is pronounced Bish-in-o
Education Coordinator
Rebekah Williford is a Dallas native whose early love for the stage brought her to the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts in New York City where she graduated as the valedictorian for the class of 2019 with a degree in Film & Television Performance. She began performing from a young age, dancing from age 5 to 18 in a variety of styles: ballet, tap, jazz, modern, & contemporary. In 2016, she attended an acting workshop that lit a match to pursue theatre. By 2017, Rebekah had earned a scholarship to attend the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. Since then, she has worked on both film and stage projects. Short films include: “Mr. String”, “The Door”, “Dream Catcher” and “Eve Was Star”. Stage credits include “Towards Zero” with Richardson Theatre Center. When she isn’t spending time on her own projects, Rebekah is leading and teaching others how to take ownership of the stage. When Rebekah has time off, she can be found next to a pool with a good book or spending time with her husband, son, and puppy.
Development Manager
Costume Technician
Kate has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from Valdosta State University. She has loved performing and being in front of people for as long as she can remember. Her favorite part about theatre is being able to create dynamic characters that convey emotions and stories that may be difficult to feel on one's own. Kate has also worked in various youth camps over the past few years as a counselor and program director. She has a heart for working with kids and gently guiding them to live more like Christ. When she is not running around at camp or hanging out with her friends, Kate likes to read and knit, and she has been teaching herself how to sew. She is beyond excited to be a part of the CYT team and be able to help kids create and tell stories.
Sybil Mulokwa is an accomplished user-centered design leader who loves to push boundaries and find strategic advantages for her clients and customers. Her design career spans Intuit, Alkami Technology, Chase, and most recently, her role is serving as Vice President of Customer Research and Testing at Baylor Scott and White.
Dave Holden is a seasoned Sales Director with over 25 years of experience in the industry. As a servant leader, he is passionate about helping people achieve their goals in both their professional and private lives. Dave thrives on the challenges of learning new things and takes great satisfaction in a job well done. His extensive experience and dedication to personal and team growth make him a valuable leader in any organization. Dave's commitment to excellence and continuous learning sets him apart in the sales field.
"Born and raised in Chicago, I made the leap to Texas thirteen years ago, where I've cultivated a rich life with my loving husband and two incredibly talented boys. My journey as a mother and an active member of the CYT (Christian Youth Theater) community has been nothing short of a blessing, spanning six enriching years. Witnessing our family flourish within this amazing community has been a source of joy and fulfillment. When I'm not cheering on my youngest during CYT productions, you can find me in the stands, proudly supporting my oldest as he competes in marching band competitions. I enjoy listening to audiobooks, playing indoor soccer and traveling the world with my family. "
Anthony McClure is the founder of CYT and has been instrumental in the organization since its inception. His dedication to serving the community in various capacities led him to join the board, where he shares his extensive knowledge and commitment. Anthony is also the Senior Media Services Engineer for Baylor Scott & White Health The Heart Hospital. His expertise and leadership in both his professional and community roles highlight his dedication to making a positive impact. Anthony's commitment and experience make him a valuable asset to CYT and the broader community.
Shannon Stakes has spent the last 20 years working in the exciting field of Human Resources. Her career path has taken her in many different directions, resulting in a diverse skill set. She has served in a leadership role with a large California non-profit, navigated the exciting world of outsourced HR where she served as an advisor and strategic partner to the leadership teams for 30+ companies all over the country and most recently as the Director of People & Culture for a successful biotech company based in San Francisco.
Tim Groves is an accomplished and commercially astute Senior Global Human Resources Executive with extensive experience in leading innovative HR solutions that align with business strategies. He excels in building, empowering, and motivating multicultural teams by creating a shared vision and setting realistic goals. Tim has primarily served as an HR Business Partner, leading large-scale, complex organizations in all aspects of HR, including succession planning, talent acquisition, compensation strategies, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, change management, and employee relations. His expertise spans three different industries, both domestic and international, and he has managed both union and non-union workforces across functions such as manufacturing, supply chain, and engineering. Tim's strategic mindset and comprehensive HR knowledge make him a valuable asset in executive talent management and mergers and acquisitions.