CYT was founded in 1981 in San Diego, California by Paul and Sheryl Russell who also founded Christian Community Theater (CCT) for actors of all ages. Since 1981, CYT has grown to be the nation’s largest children’s theater organization with programs in thirteen states. Every session more than 12, 000 kids participate in classes and over 100, 000 community members attend their performances.

The Larson family was introduced to CYT in 1998 when the program began in Spokane, Washington.  In 2001, they made the move to Vancouver and knew they had to try to bring CYT with them.  Bethany Larson worked with CYT National and a local steering committee to start the CYT program with camps during the summer of 2002; and was excited to have Beka Hardt, and her infectious energy, come from CYT San Diego to lead the company as Artistic Director.  

Sheri Suminski found CYT while looking for a theater company for her son and made the trip from Gresham, Oregon to Vancouver so that he could be involved in CYT.   CYT Portland Eastside became a reality in Fall 2007, because of her hard work.  CYT Beaverton came about because of the dedication of CYT San Diego alum, Lauren Bowen and the encouragement of the Chinn, Eremeyeff, and Shinseki families who were making the trek to Vancouver.

Because CYT does not own facilities, the organization rents space in the local community, utilizing classrooms and stages in churches, schools and local theaters. CYT is not affiliated with a particular church body, and people of all faiths are welcome.