CYT Tucson, Tucson

CYT Tucson immerses kids in a supportive environment that nurtures discipline and self-confidence while instructing the future thespians in the arts of the stage. Their introductory Rising Stars program acquaints children aged 5–7 to the magic of drama through games, dance, and the lesson that emotions can be faked to influence people other than relatives and mall Santas. Older students can enroll in specialized classes and devote their attention to the triple-threat disciplines of singing, dancing, and acting. They may also branch out into specialty courses on such topics as improv and stage fighting. Leading its charges through the production of a fully realized musical, the center also stages several shows, including past productions of Pocahontas and Annie in recent years.