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 Theatre student. 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 2026

Peyton is a Senior at Cypress Lake High School and is so excited to be an officer again this year! This is her fourth year in the Panther Theatre Company and she is so excited to welcome all the new members! She is a Musical Theatre Major and her most recent credits include Republicanette in Heathers, Young Fiona in Shrek, Mabel in Storm in the Barn and Dance Captain for SIX! The Musical. Peyton has been doing Theatre since she was seven years old and is so excited for all the shows this year. Alongside Theatre, she is also on the Varsity Soccer Team, an Officer of the Mock Trial team and in the AICE / AP / DE programs. She would like to thank her friends and family for their endless support as well as Ms. Crussard for giving her to opportunity to grow as an actor.  

Class of 2026

Evelin Rienzo is a Senior at Cypress Lake High School and is very excited for this years upcoming show season! Evelin is a Theatre Tech Major in the Theatre Department whose recent tech credits include Stage Management for Heathers at Alliance for the Arts and Stage Management for Wedding Singer at Cypress. This is Evelin’s second year as an Officer and she is so excited to see what we can accomplish in this upcoming year in the department!  

Class of 2027

Jayla Pairis is a Junior at Cypress Lake High School and is excited for her first year as Officer in the Theatre Department. She is so excited to meet the new members of the PTC and welcome back previous ones! She is an Theatre Performance Major and has been in shows like Heathers, In the Heights, and Lord of the Flies. She also has experience in Theatre Tech for many shows like Holiday Inn, Willy Wonka Jr., The Wedding Singer, Play That Goes Wrong and many more. She’s so excited for the school year and what’s to come!

Class of 2026

Jianna Zaliagiris is a Senior at Cypress Lake High School and is very excited to be an Officer for the 25-26 school year. Jianna has been in multiple shows at Cypress including HONK! Jr, Shakespeare in Love, Holiday Inn, Peter and the Starcatcher, Storm in the Barn, and The Wedding Singer. She has also worked tech for a number of shows including Big Fish, Willy Wonka Jr., Shrek Jr, and Almost Maine. Additionally, Jianna is a member the of Mock Trial team, Model UN, NHS, Rho Kappa, and she is also on the Varsity Volleyball and Beach Volleyball teams. Jianna is so excited to work with this team of officers and cannot wait for the upcoming season! 

Class of 2026

Sarah Velencia is a current Senior at Cypress Lake High School and is looking forward to being an Officer for the 25-26 school year! This will be her fourth year in the Panther Theater Company. She is a Theatre Tech Major and has taken on many Tech and Designer roles for shows both in school and outside. Her most recent credits include Stage Manager for Play That Goes Wrong and Lighting Designer/Operator for Heathers The Musical: Teen Edition. She is looking forward to working with an amazing team of officers to help the department grow, and kick off an amazing show season.