RISE
Training and mentorship for students who desire to grow as servant leaders.
Apply Today
Accepting applications now through July 23, 2025
Reach. Inspire. Serve. Encourage.
Introducing RISE, a new opportunity for older Christian Performance Theatre students who have a desire to grow as servant leaders.
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
CPT established RISE to train and equip student leaders to use their God-given gifts to reach, inspire, serve, and encourage others. CPT RISE seeks to provide students with opportunities to put those gifts into practice.
RISE Motto
Ut Prosim
“That I May Serve”
We desire that RISE students would
- reach out to others in the CPT community and beyond.
- inspire their fellow students to know Jesus more fully.
- serve others in their leadership.
- encourage a culture of growth and excellence.
We have chosen this as our motto to remind us of our highest calling: to serve the LORD and others. As followers of Christ, we seek to be servant leaders.
What is RISE?
Student-led with adult volunteer advisors, RISE is a branch of CPT designed to offer leadership training for students who opt to apply to join RISE. It is a student-led branch of CPT overseen by CPT’s Artistic Program Manager with volunteer adult advisors mentoring the RISE students. These adult advisors are selected by CPT’s staff, agree to support the CPT mission and statement of faith, and agree to serve as RISE advisors for at least one year. Advisors attend RISE meetings and offer counsel and support to RISE student leaders.
RISE students elect student officers in the spring who will serve the following season (school year). RISE officer positions include President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Worship Leader. As RISE grows, the RISE student leadership team may expand to include additional elected officers.
RISE officers meet with RISE advisors and CPT’s Artistic Program Manager once a month during active CPT sessions to plan for RISE gatherings and service projects.
RISE Gatherings
RISE students regularly gather throughout a CPT season for a time to learn more about being a servant leader. This includes a mix of Bible study, worship singing, guest speakers, and teaching from CPT instructors, staff, and directors. Trusted members of our community are invited guests and visit with our students about how they lead in their respective fields, connecting their Christian faith and vocation to be a redemptive voice in culture.
What RISE is . . . and what RISE is not.
RISE is:
- a ministry of CPT that supports CPT and its mission
- an optional opportunity
- a student-led leadership development group focused on servant leadership
- a group that serves CPT through providing orientation for new CPT students
- a group with gatherings focused on Bible study, worship singing, guest speakers, and teaching from CPT instructors, staff, and directors
- comprised of students interested in committing additional time to servant leadership training and practice
- a lot of fun
RISE is not:
- elite—anyone meeting the eligibility criteria can apply to be in RISE
- cliquish—RISE students reach out to all CPT members, no matter their background, to build relationships and serve
Eligibility and Application
Students aged 13-18 who enroll in at least two CPT sessions per season (school year) and must have participated in CPT for at least one year can apply to join RISE. The application requires a recommendation letter from a friend and a non-relative adult. RISE participants commit to supporting and representing CPT’s mission and must participate for one full year. Reapplication is required annually.
Apply Today
For RISE's launch year, we've extended the application deadline to July 23, 2025
CPT students may apply to join RISE in the spring of each year, submitting their application by April 1.
Steps to Joining RISE
- Experience of one year in CPT before applying required
- Commit to enroll in at least 2 CPT sessions in the coming season (school year)
- Commit to represent CPT and support the CPT mission
- Apply by July 23
- RISE selections announced July 26
2025 Fall Session RISE Participation Expectation
- Attend RISE Kick-off August 2
- Serve on Orientation Team for CPT launch of classes
- Attend regular RISE Thursday 8:15 p.m. meetings during fall session
FAQs
How does RISE impact the rest of CPT?
- RISE will host and organize a social fun event night for all the CPT community to build community with all CPT students.
- RISE will build up other students during classes, rehearsals, and camps.
- RISE students will be matched to newly enrolled students and serve them as an orientation leader. Orientation leaders will greet new students, guide them on their first day, introduce them to others, and answer any questions that they have.
- RISE will host and organize a service project open to all CPT students.
Does it cost money to be in RISE?
- RISE members need to purchase their RISE team t-shirt for $15.
