Huntingtown, MD – The Children's Theatre of Southern Maryland (CTSMD) has appointed Aly Cross as its new artistic director, the nonprofit organization announced on Saturday, June 15. Cross, who has been involved with CTSMD since early 2022, has held several roles including teaching artist, show director, vice president, and director of CTSMD's International Thespian Society Troupe.
Since its inception in 2021, CTSMD has produced five main stage shows, with Cross directing three of them: A Christmas Story The Musical (2022), Beauty and the Beast (2023), and High School Musical On Stage (2024). She also served as the assistant director for The Addams Family (2023) and directed two summer camp productions, Newsies Jr. (2022) and Once on This Island Jr. (2023).
Aly Cross, middle, poses with her daughters, E.J., left, and Bryn, right, prior to a performance of High School Musical in April 2024.
Aly Cross, left, poses with Kristtany Ornelas prior to opening night of The Addams Family in November 2023.
Cross, a resident of Huntingtown, is actively engaged in teaching various acting classes and conducting workshops on improvisation, auditioning, and puppetry. Her commitment to the arts is evident in her passion for her work. "If your dream job doesn't make you want to burst into song, you need to hustle and find one that does," Cross remarked. Her enthusiasm is well-recognized by her students and colleagues.
Before joining CTSMD, Cross was a teaching artist with Annapolis-based Talent Machine and performed internationally, most recently in New York City.
"We couldn't be more thrilled to have Aly in this role," said CTSMD President Lara Reisman. "She has been integral to developing our artistic vision for almost the entire time our theatre has existed. She brings integrity, passion, and invaluable experience to this role for our community."
Cross is set to direct Legally Blonde Jr. in June, which is one of two summer camp shows scheduled for 2024. Additionally, she will direct CTSMD's fall production of Sweeney Todd in November.
Legally Blonde Jr. will be performed on Friday, June 28 at 6 p.m., and Saturday, June 29 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at St. Nicholas Lutheran Church, located at 1450 Plum Point Road, Huntingtown, MD 20639. Tickets are available at CTSMD Ticketing.
Auditions for Sweeney Todd will take place on Sunday, August 4 and Sunday, August 11, both from 1-5 p.m., with performances scheduled for November 15, 16, 22, and 23. More information about auditions and the show will be released soon.
The second summer camp show, Seussical Jr., will also be hosted at St. Nicholas Lutheran Church, with performances on Friday, July 19 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, July 20 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets for Seussical Jr. can be purchased at CTSMD Ticketing.
CTSMD continues to foster a vibrant community for young performers in Southern Maryland, with Cross at the helm, steering the organization towards greater artistic achievements.
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