Central Louisiana News

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 children aged 4 to 18 in theater arts. In 2021, Senator Cassidy assisted them in securing a $200,000 grant from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program due to a revenue drop 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 provides after-school classes in drama, music, dance, and technical theater and holds summer camps. Students aged 8 to 18 stage ten Broadway-style productions annually, often at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Besides their main headquarters, they have locations in Abbeville and North Lafayette.

Cassidy toured CYT Lafayette and observed their efforts in developing children's artistic skills. He was welcomed by Mr. Gerald Broussard, Executive Director of 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.”