Creative Team
Linda McGinness | Director
Linda received her BA in Elementary Education at Wichita State University. She studied Theater and Voice at Kansas University, Friends University and Wichita State and taught vocal music. She is a composer and lyricist and has enjoyed a career as a vocal solo artist nationally in both secular and Christian venues. Linda has performed professionally in music theater as well as directed, choreographed, and scripted musicals for regional schools and churches. Circumstances and time created a new chapter, and Linda was encouraged to investigate the possibility of bringing Christian Youth Theater to Wichita. She realized the impact for Jesus it could offer communities and was captured by the motto, "Developing Character...one stage at a time." A vision caster at heart, Linda was at the helm of launching CYT in Wichita and watched God raise His gifted people in our local community.
In 2020, after 12 years as Artistic Director Linda stepped out of the CYT leadership role to spend more time with 4 grown children and 11 grandchildren she shares with her husband Tim.
Asher Isaac | Music Director
Asher is delighted to be the music director for CPT's production of
The Music Man. Debuting on Broadway in 1957,
The Music Man marked the peak of classical Broadway musicals, and features complex rhythms, harmonies, and exceptional wordplay indicative of the times. Listen carefully for quick wit, soaring melodies, counterpoint, and many time changes. Asher has a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Friends University and enjoys teaching private music lessons, drinking tea, and spending time with his wife Marial and his family and friends. Asher began his theater experience as a dialect and accent coach, singer, actor, pit musician, and is continuing to be blessed on the other side of the music stand, as director. He finds great joy in leading students of all ages to their highest potential as instruments of God's glory and beauty.
Amy Derstein| Choreographer
Amy L. Derstein is the owner and primary teacher for Paquita Dance Center. Amy Derstein has been choreographing and teaching dance since 1996. She has also danced and performed professionally in New York, St. Louis, Chicago, and Wichita. In 2001 Amy graduated from Friends University with a degree in Fine Arts/Ballet and Psychology with an emphasis in counseling. She is currently enjoying her time as a wife to her beloved best friend, Christopher Derstein, and is a mother to her three amazing kids, Addie, Meredith, and Ellington. She also has been choreographing for Christian Performance Theatre for 11 years and is currently directing her 11
th show! Amy L. Derstein has a passion to provide classical and professional ballet/dance to all ages in an environment that honors and praises Jesus Christ.
Madison Underkofler| Assistant Choreographer
Madison Underkofler currently studies at Butler Community College where she is on a vocal music and academic scholarship. She is involved in the Butler Headliners as a dance captain and sings baritone in the female quartet known as the Noteables. She has always enjoyed performing since starting dance classes at the age of 3, where she's loved all different styles especially tap. Throughout high school, Madison choreographed various music productions for the Maize High School Choir as well as the musical Godspell. In her free time, Madison enjoys learning new songs on piano, guitar, and ukulele as well as taking her dog on walks.