CYT North Idaho celebrates 15 years

Character over competition.

People over programs.

Service over spotlights.

Excellence over ego.

The pillars of Christian Youth Theater North Idaho and the community that loves it helped the nonprofit remain strong through its 2020 brush with closure brought on by COVID-19.

It serves as a place for children and teens to learn, grow and play, on stage and behind the scenes.

As the organization marks its 15th anniversary this fall, it has much to celebrate.

"I love that I have a place where everyone is into the same thing," Natalie Ince, 14, of Post Falls, said during rehearsal Friday. "No one is judged for it and they can be accepted for who they are."

Natalie and about 80 8- to 18-year-olds are preparing for the upcoming show, "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical," which opens on the Kroc Center theater stage Nov. 11.

It's a story to which many can relate — a youth who doesn't really fit in anywhere discovers he has powers he can't control, an uncertain future and the difficult task of navigating the heartaches and triumphs of family and friends. Set amid Greek mythology, it's a fantastical adventure based on the book "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan.

"A lot of the kids read it. The kids are really passionate about the source material because they can relate to it," director and choreographer Paisley Siemens said. "It's really fun. It's upbeat, it's got great middle school humor. It doesn't take itself seriously, but at the same time it has a lot of heart."

Siemens commanded the attention of a room full of young thespians and led them in stretches before diving into a new dance routine for "The Lightning Thief." Not long ago, she was one of those youths, learning the ropes, building friendships and expanding her own personal character as a young CYT participant. Siemens first joined when she was about 9, after her brother, Presley DuPuis, the show's musical director, participated in CYT's inaugural season.

“He was in a show before me, and I was like, ‘That looks like a lot of fun,’” Siemens said. “Then I did it and just never really left."

She debuted as a dancing kite in “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown."

“I loved it growing up because it’s a really fun place to express yourself," Siemens said. "I really love it’s a Christian program. I think it’s cool to do something you love, to perform, while honoring God."

CYT North Idaho Managing Director Julie Hunt has experienced the program from a parent's point of view.

"My kids started in the very beginning," Hunt said. "The very first show was 'A Christmas Carol.' We had 17 kids. That was the fall of 2007."

Her oldest son played Ebenezer Scrooge and her other son played several other male roles.

"They were hooked from the beginning," Hunt said.

CYT North Idaho is one of 27 CYT branches around the country. It offers classes, workshops, camps and live productions, all while providing a safe space for kids to develop confidence, work ethic and empathy for others. It promotes citizenship, coordination, social skills, memory and focus, mental health, school attendance, patience, respect and other qualities imperative to growing emotionally intelligent, successful young adults.

Since its 2007 inception, CYT North Idaho has held more than 500 classes, performed more than 60 Broadway-style musicals and entertained more than 250,000 people.

Hunt's three kids participated through high school and have become successful in opera, law, acting and other fields.

"This gave them a foundation where they can have the confidence to stand up in front of people, or be a trial attorney," she said. "It helps give kids the confidence to excel in whatever path they choose."

Tickets for "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical" start at $15 for group rates. Visit www.cytnorthidaho.org for details.

The After Party, a benefit for CYT North Idaho, will be at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn. Guests will walk the red carpet and enjoy a night of entertainment in celebration of the 15th anniversary. Tickets are $75.

Info: ourfundraiser.events/cytnorthidaho