First and foremost, Christian Performance Theatre (CPT) was originally Christian Youth Theater (CYT) of Wichita. Our originating Artistic Director and founder, Linda McGinness, followed a visionary idea from friend Sarah Anderson and gathered a Steering Committee together in January 2009 to explore the possibility of bringing CYT to Wichita, Kansas. With the support of a team from Kansas City CYT and a building filled with over 200 interested Wichitans, the committee incorporated Christian Youth Theater Wichita as a 501(c)(3) in February 2009. CYT Wichita opened the summer of 2009 with two Broadway Kids Summer Camps; a June camp of 100 and a July camp of 130 students! We were on our way!

Years progressed and so did the growth of CYT Wichita. For over a decade, CYT entertained thousands with an ever-growing list of families involved over that time. From our first production in the fall of 2009, Robin Hood: The Musical (shown above) with a cast of 36 students to our larger productions that even topped a 100-member cast, there are thousands of memories, stories, pictures, videos, laughs, hugs, and tears of joys to be remembered from our families.

The Board, Staff, and supporters of CYT Wichita wish to express a sincere “Thank you” to the many hours of volunteer support parents and patrons contributed. CYT Wichita would have never made it this far without you and we look to the future with a reinvigorated vision to move forward.

2020 will be remembered as a year of challenge and change. With restrictions, closures, and a battle of unknowns, Christian Performance Theatre is the restructuring and revitalization plan that the organization needed to not only survive but to grow in this new decade. After a wonderful career, founding member, Linda McGinness has passed the Artistic Director baton over to trusted friend, director and board member, Dean Owens. Dean brought a rich history with CYT since the first season back in 2009. His vision for CPT included not only our traditional format of musical theater for children but an opportunity to ‘expand the territory,’ increasing the influence of CPT into the lives of students, families and the surrounding communities for the glorification of God. Dean served five full years as Artistic Director for CPT, positioning the organization for a bright future.

Today, Christian Performance Theatre’s Executive Director Amy Edwards is committed to stewarding CPT into its next chapter of fulfilling its mission. With a reorganized leadership structure, Nicole Cox serves as Artistic Program Manager, Kendi Fiscus as Development Manager, and Cheryl Doeden continues in her vital role as Office Administrator. We look forward to how God will allow us to work together to impact the arts for Him!