CYT Performs High School Musical Jr. at CLC

“You gotta getcha, getcha head in the game.”

These lyrics from a song in High School Musical encapsulate what the cast and crew of the production—and Christian Youth Theater in general—have done. They have their heads in the game.

This month, the Lake County CYT will perform High School Musical Jr. at the ’s Performing Arts Building. This is no small feat since CYT is a non-profit educational organization for children ages 4-18. Theater arts classes are offered in several counties in Illinois with sessions that begin in the fall, culminating with full-scale musical productions. CYT also hosts summer camps. How is this all accomplished? Family members of the cast and crew are the key. They make the entire production possible.

“CYT runs so well because it’s a family-friendly group,” said Amy Lance, director of High School Musical. “It’s not a place where you just drop your child off. The parents definitely get something out of it as well. They get friendship, and the chance to do something that brings the whole family together.”

Lance said that parents volunteer their time doing jobs such as costumes, photography, refreshments, house manager, public relations, running lights and more.

“Everything we need to make a good show is done by parents for free. This is what makes us different from other community theater group,” Lance said.

Lance, a McHenry native, has been involved with about 20 CYT shows, but this is her first time in the role of Head Director. Even though Lance's specialty lies in lighting design and choreography, the Executive Director asked her more than once to direct. Lance finally agreed.

Lance comes from a family that is heavily involved in CYT. Her mother, Judy Lance, is the Senior Area Coordinator for CYT, and she helps new counties get started with the program. Her father, Roger Lance, runs CYT’s warehouse, and her sister, Sara Lance, is also a director. Lance’s younger sister, Christa, now a nurse in Nashville, was the original inspiration to join CYT. After seeing Christa in her first two shows, Lance decided that she also wanted involvement in CYT, which was founded in San Diego in 1981.

The plot of High School Musical circles around Gabriella and Troy and their quest to audition for their high school’s musical production, a difficult task due to the jealous drama club president, Sharpay.

“This show has a great message about standing up for what you believe in and going after your dreams even if it's not what everyone else thinks you should do,” Lance said. “Troy and Gabriella find something else that they are good at and love but conflicts with what their friends and parents want them to do. In the end their friends help them pursue their dream and realize [they] can do more than one thing, and be good at many.  I think this is something that everyone can connect with and take home—the message of acceptance and that not everyone is the same. We are all uniquely made in God’s image.”

Audrey Cashman, 16, a sophomore at Libertyville High School marks High School Musical as her 21st production with CYT. She has performed various acting roles in musicals such as Pocahontas, Les Miserables and Schoolhouse Rock. Her favorite role was Belle in Beauty and the Beast. She plays Gabriella in High School Musical.

"I love being in theater,” Cashman said. “It is such an awesome feeling to sing and dance and act for total strangers just for their enjoyment. I feel like it's a way for me to make other people happy while doing something that I love!”

Cashman just got her driver’s license and loves it. At her own high school, she participates in choir and dance classes. Two of her three younger sisters are in High School Musical with her.

Throughout the rehearsal process, Cashman said that she has learned about the importance of working well with a lot of people, even if those people are friends. "When we are all tired and stressed from rehearsing, we have to remember to be patient with each other and keep up the energy,” she said. “We always have a ton of fun during the run of shows because we bond so much through all the inside jokes and fun scenes and extra practices.”

The actor playing Troy hails from Zion. Devon Yach, 15, has been in 12 other CYT shows including The Sound of Music, Suessical, Les Miserables and Beauty and the Beast.

“When I was younger, there wasn't a time when I wasn't singing and acting, and I was constantly begging my mom to let me perform, and she finally found out about CYT and signed me up!” said Yach.

High School Musical has opened Yach’s eyes to the talent and encouraging attitude of the cast he works with. Being in a larger role has, Yach is learning about leadership. “It's really my job to set a good example to younger cast members in paying attention, staying focused, and being kind to others,” he said.

CYT is spread throughout 14 states and even a province in Canada, a very useful fact to people like Lance. She will soon be marrying and moving to Missouri. Located just an hour away in Kansas is a county with CYT, and Lance has already contacted them about working with them.

“It’s a part of my life and can’t imagine not being involved with it,” Lance said. “CYT has such a special place in my heart. It has made me want to teach dance and work with students. I don't think I would have ever gotten the many opportunities to direct and choreograph if it wasn't for CYT.”

The Lake County CYT will be performing High School Musical Jr. at the College of Lake County’s Performing Arts Building February  16-20. For tickets, call 847-516-2298 or visit www.cytchicago.org. Prices are $8-12 presale, plus $2 at the door.