Where We Started
City On A Hill Youth Theater (COAHYT) began in 2011 as the simple vision of two parents seeking to provide a way for their homeschooled teenagers to participate in theater.
Before COAHYT, there were limited options for homeschooled students to engage in theater arts in our local community. As our founders, John Knaus and Alyson Wagner, raised and homeschooled their respective families, they sought a wholesome environment where their children could learn and grow in the arts. And so, after much prayer and consideration, COAHYT was created.
Our Story
Mission & Purpose
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14
City on a Hill Youth Theater (COAHYT) exists to provide a quality theatrical experience for home-schooled high school students who cannot participate in a formal high school Theater Arts program. Our company is open to students ages 14-18, and each student can participate in eight shows total. Participation in City on a Hill Youth Theater can provide the student with academic credit in both theater arts and public speaking.
COAHYT provides a vibrant peer community for the students that builds friendships and offers mentoring opportunities. Participating students build confidence through their acting experience and develop essential life skills in areas like public speaking, critical thinking, decision making, and multi-tasking.
City on a Hill Youth Theater operates from a classical Christian foundation and seeks to instill a Biblical worldview in its students to produce God-honoring, edifying, and family-friendly shows. We desire to honor the Lord with our talents and strive to reclaim the art of live theater for Jesus Christ. Soli Deo Gloria.
How We Grew
We had just 17 students participate in our first production. This group worked hard to lay our foundation, and with each production our energy grew as we pursued excellence and gained momentum in the community.
In 2017, we reached a new chapter where neither John nor Alyson had their own teens in COAHYT, but both of them chose to continue investing into the lives of high schoolers through theater.
Challenging Days,
Exponential Growth
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted with creativity and flexibility, and produced three consecutive outdoor shows.
The first of these, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, was performed in July 2020 at historic Point Of Honor in Downtown Lynchburg, and the production was featured in The News & Advance.
These difficult days grew our program in a way we could not have imagined!
Where We Are Now
Now, 14 years later City on a Hill Youth Theater is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and we have nearly 50 students involved in each of our productions.
We have been so blessed by the support of families, friends, students, parents, and a wonderful Board of Directors. We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve our community through the art of theater, and we look forward to where the Lord will lead us next!