Current Staff Members:
Katie Whigham
Executive Director: Katie grew up in San Diego, CA where she was blessed with starting her musical theatre experience at the ripe old age of 6 where she played Annie at a local adult community theatre. She stayed fairly active within the theatre community in southern California including shows at the Civic Light Opera, Regional theaters such as the Old Globe, as well as some film and TV credits. In her early teen years she leaned more towards pursuing a singing career as a country duet that lead her to a developmental deal with RPM Management in Nashville, TN. After a solid couple years of traveling back and forth from California to Nashville, she decided she wanted to be re-united with the musical theatre community as her singing partner pursued college. She quickly realized that being a part of musical theatre again provided her with many positive opportunities for her in the prime years of her life. The experience was much more than just putting on a show for Katie; it was a safe haven for her to be herself. The parents, cast and crew all played positive roles through the act of unconditional love that supported the molding of Katie. Through Katie's trials and tribulations she has realized that it is more than just learning about the craft of singing, dancing and acting but it's also the journey of finding God's purpose for you. Katie pursued Theater Education in college and pursued hopes of being an inspiration and mentor to other children by guiding them to find God's purpose for them through their gifts and doing it for the glory of God. Katie is blessed to be the Executive Director or CYT Nashville and loves these children and this village with her whole Heart; she found her purpose.
Elise Horecka
Elise Horecka, Artistic Director, grew up in Nashville and began her dance training at the age of 4. Her theatre training started a few years later, and she eventually found a true passion in creating and teaching. After working as a choreographer and dance teacher in various theatre and dance programs since she was 16, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Entertainment Industry Studies and Theatre at Belmont University. She loves her CYT family, and is so happy God led her here.
Taylor Ruscitti
Taylor Ruscitti, Managing Director, grew up in the Chicago suburbs and started to fall in love with theater through CYT Chicago. After completing 19 productions with CYT, Taylor moved to Nashville to attend school at Belmont University and began working with CYT Nashville. Through her time with CYT Chicago and CYT Nashville, Taylor continued to fall in love with theater, especially in the context that focused on community over craft. Taylor later got her masters in Organizational Leadership and Management from MTSU and is beyond blessed to serve as the Managing Director here at CYT.
Kari Cotton
Kari Cotton, Spring Hill Chapter Coordinator, is a dynamic leader at CYT, combining business expertise with a passion for creative education and a surprising mastery of wrangling both fabric and students. As the Costume Coordinator and a class teacher, Kari guides students through the artistic process, fostering collaboration and encouraging them to take ownership of their work both on and off the stage. With experience in costuming nearly 40 shows (and counting) and a deep commitment to mentorship, she is dedicated to empowering young performers and ensuring each class and production becomes a valuable learning experience. A proud mom of two CYT Nashville alumni, Kari is driven by a love for teaching and building a strong, fun-filled, supportive environment for every student and family involved in this unique community. Proverbs 22:6
Shaeffer Diebolt
Shaeffer Diebolt, Franklin Chapter Coordinator, is a proud alum of The University of Alabama, where she earned her BA in Musical Theatre. In her final semester at UA, Shaeffer performed as Mrs. Tottendale in The Drowsy Chaperone. Other UA credits include Dr. Charlotte in Falsettos and A Player in Our Tuscaloosa, a theatre for young audiences project that toured Alabama. Shaeffer also sat on the other side of the table when she was assistant director of Little Women and I Gelosi at Alabama. Shaeffer credits her growing love for theatre to CYT. She began her journey with CYT in Atlanta at the age of 10. Some of her favorite CYT credits include Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, and Mama Bear in Shrek the Musical. After performing in 11 main stage shows and too many camps to count, she joined the team of amazing staff members at CYT Atlanta where she served as Camp Coordinator since 2018. She moved to Nashville in July 2019 and is so excited to join the CYT Nashville team and start this new journey!