Kathy McGill, our newest YFC Board Member and now Program Director for the Performing Arts Academy, is no stranger to transforming young lives through the stage. With decades of experience and a heart rooted in ministry, she is now preparing to launch a new season of Bible-based theater that blends creativity, education, and spiritual growth.
“I love theater, and I love teaching it to the young people and the adults as well,” Kathy says. “Starting this fall we’ll be putting on four shows a year, one for each season.”
The goal is to bring Scripture to life through performance. “We’re going to do Bible characters and Bible skits. Stories like Daniel in the Lion’s Den, Jonah and the Big Fish, King David and Saul—bringing it up to date for the children to understand the Bible even better,” she explains.
Kathy’s vision goes beyond seasonal performances. The porgram offers youth hands-on opportunities to explore all aspects of theater.
“I want to include what I call ‘one acts,’ where the children write their own skits. I teach them how to direct, select their actors, do the lights and sound. They become junior directors of their own show. And then we vote and give awards,” she shares with a smile. “The kids and their imaginations. The sky’s the limit.”
A Calling Born in Church and Lived in the City
Kathy’s passion for youth and the arts traces back to her own upbringing. “I grew up in church and started acting there. In middle school, I started dancing and eventually got into theater through a school play. From there, it took off,” she recalls. “I wrote my first song at nine and started creating little skits and puppet shows with cereal boxes and figurines.”
This love for the arts became a calling. Kathy later founded the Urban Performing Arts Center, a community-based theater that reached kids from every corner of the city. “I’d go into Family Dollar, Kmart—wherever—and just invite kids. ‘Come follow me,’ I’d say. Like Jesus,” she laughs. “We didn’t have grant funding, but God provided. And now, Youth For Christ has opened their doors so I can continue the work.”
Her performances have become a tradition in Rochester. “The last show I did, it brought me to tears. It was second- and third-generation kids—children of former students, even grandchildren. That’s a legacy. It’s so rewarding to see them grow up, become doctors, teachers, or even start their own ministries.”
Everyone Has a Role to Play
The upcoming Bible-character productions will involve not just actors, but set builders, costume designers, lighting techs, and more. “If you don’t want to be on stage, there are so many other roles. You can run sound, work costumes, paint sets, be a stage manager. Everyone can be part of the show,” she explains.
Community support, Kathy says, is critical. “Let people know—especially those kids who may not be into basketball or soccer. Theater is for them. Music is in the Bible. Dance is in the Bible. Jesus told stories, and that’s what we’re doing—telling stories that lead to Him.”
With rehearsals for the December show slated to begin in October, Kathy is hopeful and prayerful. “We’re excited. We just need help—volunteers, stage managers, tech crews, costume donations. We’re going to get some new lights for the stage too, praise God. It’ll feel like you’re right there in the scene.”
Join the Story—Be Part of the Mission
The Youth For Christ Performing Arts Academy is more than just theater, music and dance, it’s a movement. Under Kathy McGill’s direction, young people are discovering their gifts, families are finding a place to grow together, and the gospel is taking center stage. Whether you’re handy with a sewing machine, love working behind the scenes, or simply want to support a Christ-centered mission, there’s a place for you. Help us raise the curtain on a new season of creativity, community, and Kingdom impact. Get involved—because every role matters in telling God’s story.