Leadership
Carmen Crussard
carmencr@leeschools.net
Theatre Director
Hello Panthers, patrons, and prospective students and families. Thank you for taking the time to visit our Panther Theatre website. I am Ms. Crussard, the Theatre Director/Teacher at Cypress Lake High and I hope this message finds you well.
I am so proud of all the incredible things our Theatre Program has to offer, not only to our Theatre Majors, but to our community as a whole. It is my personal mission to spread joy through Theatre and it is my sincere hope that your experience here, whether as a learner or an audience member, inspires a lifetime love of the Theatre Arts.
I believe Theatre is for everyone. Whether you love being on stage as a performer, or you prefer the behind-the-scenes life of a designer, the Cypress Lake High Theatre Program will help you grow into the artist you are meant to be. If you are interested in joining our program, please take a moment to explore the CLASSROOM page, which includes the progression of classes you will take as a company member. If you're ready to take the next step, check out the AUDITIONS page for information on how to officially join our award-winning program.
If you just want to see what's going on, browse the BOX OFFICE or GALLERY. Our season is filled with an array of theatre experiences that will appeal to a variety of interests.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the Panther Theatre Co. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Emerson Black
Class of 2024
Emerson Black is a Junior and Theater Officer at Cypress Lake Highschool. Their experience ranges from costume design and ensemble work to assistant stage management and run crew. They have loved theater since they were little, playing roles on stage and off! Recent performances include Into the Woods as the Witch, 13 the Musical as Eddie, and costume designer for Clue. Emerson has dedicated everything to the theater and continues to take a lead in company projects such as costume shop cleanup and summer camps assistance. Their main goal in the coming years is to keep the Panther Theater Company a big, loving family that encourages success on and offstage!
Bella Commorato
Class of 2023
This is my second year as a Panther Theatre Co. Officer and I am excited for it. My most recent Theatre credits include Anastasia, Disney's Descendants, Little Shop of Horrors, as well as roles in multiple One-Acts over the years. I really enjoy working backstage, especially as Stage Manager or Assistant Stage Manager and am so grateful that Cypress offers an array of such opportunities. In addition to Theatre, I am a Cypress Lake High School Cheerleader. My hope is to be part of the continued growth of our amazing Theatre Program.
Cora Henderson
Class of 2024
Hi, I'm Cora! I am a Junior and a Theater Officer at Cypress Lake High School. You may have seen me on stage as Granny in Into The Woods Jr. I love the tech side of theater so you also may have seen me behind the scenes of Anastasia as an Assistant Stage Manager, Clue working lights, or even She Kills Monsters as Stage Manager. I love to get involved and help out where I can so I love that we have a tech track with so many amazing opportunities. I'm so happy to be able to be a part of this program and can't wait to help grow this amazing community.
Sophia Pyles
Class of 2024
Hi, I'm Sophia! I am a Junior at Cypress and one of the Theatre Officers! I am on the tech track so you will probably see me working behind the scenes for our performances. Last season, I designed and operated lights for Anastasia, She Kills Monsters, and Into The Woods Jr. I am so excited to get to work with everyone in the department and help inspire more people to love the tech side of theater.
Kiara Roman
Class of 2023
Hi everyone i’m Kiara! I’m so excited to be a PTC Leader this year. I am a Senior and you might have seen me perform over the years in Beans and Screams, Holiday Java, She Kills Monsters, The Edgar Allen Poe Afterlife Radio Show and Clue. However I’ve been very involved backstage as well since Freshmen year! Some technical theatre credits include Into the woods Jr., Anastasia, Little shop of Horrors and Chicago. I love this department very much because it’s given me a passion for theatre and the opportunity to grow and make new friends. I hope to make this a safe fun space for all artists!