LAFAYETTE – On Thursday afternoon, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) visited the Lafayette branch of the Christian Youth Theater (CYT Lafayette) which offers after-school programs and summer camps for kids aged 4 to 18 in the theatre arts. In 2021, Senator Cassidy helped them secure a grant of $200,000.00 from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program, which was necessary due to a drop in revenue caused by the pandemic.
“What a great place for kids to go after school or for summer camp,” said Dr. Cassidy. “They learn how to sing, dance and express themselves, while having a lot of fun. It can change a child’s life, and I was proud to help them stay open during the pandemic.”
CYT Lafayette offers after-school classes in drama, music, dance, and technical theater, and also holds summer camps. Students from age 8 to 18 stage ten Broadway-style productions every year, often at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In addition to their main headquarters, they have locations in Abbeville and North Lafayette.
Cassidy took a tour of CYT Lafayette and saw how they’re developing kids’ artistic skills. He was welcomed by Mr. Gerald Broussard, Executive Director for the group.
“The Christian Youth Theater is an after-school theatre arts non-profit serving children 4 to 18 across Acadiana,” said Mr. Broussard. “Like many performing arts organizations during the pandemic, battling to survive was an everyday challenge. We reached out to Senator Cassidy’s office for help applying for a grant for arts organizations that were impacted. Their staff was so kind to help guide us through the process and Senator Cassidy’s letter of recommendation was crucial to being funded. The grant helped us through the hardest of times and we will be forever grateful.”
###