CYT Director
National Director
My name is Joe McArthur and I currently live on the Texas coast in the windy city of Corpus Christi. Whatever free time I have is spent outdoors, usually fishing, exploring or cooking a large piece of meat on our wood-smoker while enjoying every minute with my wife and two kiddos. To me, food is a recreational activity (aka, I like to eat) - so, I enjoy any food that doesn’t bite back. I love CYT because it’s a place where kids and youth can belong, create, perform and discover Christ in a safe place. Not only does CYT impact kids, but it impacts the entire family and community. There’s simply nothing else like CYT, and the world desperately needs more of it. Every city needs a CYT!
National Marketing & Programs Director
My name is Paul Stine and I currently live in San Diego, CA. My favorite thing to do on the weekend is most likely dancing or performing in a show...(when not in a pandemic)...or choreographing something! I also love a good Netflix binge watch. My favorite food is definitely pizza. I hope you don’t think I’m basic. I joined CYT over 20 years ago and I love it because it has transformed me into, not only the performer I am today, but the person I am today. I hope to continue to help transform performers and people in the future of CYT.
National Administrator
My name is Karen Smith and I currently live in Jacksonville, FL. When not at the beach, my family and I can be found riding bikes around the Navy base we live on or playing in the backyard with our Goldendoodle, Dunkin. I love CYT because CYT’s mission is distinctively different from any other youth theater program. CYT provides a safe, loving family environment where through the arts, kids can learn more about the Creator who created them and loves them. I feel blessed to be able to support CYT Branches across the country to complete that mission.
National Brand Marketing and Communications Lead
My name is Kristen Downing and I currently live in Kansas City, MO. One of my favorite activities to do over the weekend is taking my precious pups to the dog park with my husband. When not choreographing a show, I love watching a good docuseries while knitting. My favorite meal is steak and mashed potatoes. It’s truly a shame I can’t eat that every day. I joined CYT as a student over 20 years ago and have built wonderful lifelong friendships. I even met my husband through Improvathon! There are too many reasons why I love CYT, but one of them is watching students grow in their theatrical skillset while strengthening (or starting) their relationship with the Lord in the same space. It is truly an honor and privilege to be serving CYT on the national level. I can’t wait to see what God will do next!