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 CURRICULUM 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.

Class of 2024

Emerson Black is a Senior and Theater Officer at Cypress Lake High School. Emerson's experience ranges from costume design and ensemble work to assistant stage management and run crew. Emerson has loved theater since childhood, 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. Emerson's main goal in the coming years is to keep the Panther Theater Company a big, loving family that encourages success on and offstage!

Class of 2024

Kae Bernaldo is a Senior at Cypress Lake High School and she is very excited for the upcoming season! She enjoys being both behind the scenes and on the stage, so there's a good chance you've seen at least one of the shows that she has been a part of. Her recent acting/tech credits include Big Fish and I Never Saw Another Butterfly as sound operator, Shakespeare in Love as Assistant Director, Puffs as Goyle/Neville, and Honk Jr. as Ida. Kae is thrilled to be a part of this leadership team and hopes to help create a safe and encouraging environment for fellow students to grow.

Class of 2024

Hi, I'm Cora! I am a Senior and a Theater Officer at Cypress Lake High School. You may have seen me on stage as Billy in Honk! Jr. or as multiple characters in Puffs. I love the tech side of theater so you also may have seen me behind the scenes of Big Fish 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. 

Class of 2024

Sophia is a Senior at Cypress and is involved in the tech aspect of every production. Last season she designed lights for Big Fish, Honk Jr., and The World Goes Round. She is so excited to work with everyone this season and hopes to inspire everyone to enjoy theater as much as she does!

Class of 2025

Bennett Wilcoxson is a Junior at Cypress and is thrilled to be on the leadership team this year!  She loves both technical theatre and acting, and you can usually find her contemplating about the two. Recent acting/tech credits include HONK! Jr. as MAUREEN, FRINGE! ALICE in WONDERLAND as ALICE’S SIBLING, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE as LIGHTING DESIGNER/OPERATOR, and INTO THE WOODS JR. as STAGE MANAGER. She is beyond exited to be working with her fellow officers and she hopes that she can cultivate a fun-loving, welcoming environment.