Carole Mason is the Executive Director of the Creative and Performing Arts Academy of Lackawanna. With over 30 years of experience in community leadership and administration, she brings a deep passion for the performing arts and the positive impact it has on children’s lives. Carole is committed to uplifting families through faith, hope, and love.

She has extensive expertise in public relations, programming, and working with diverse communities. In her role, she oversees both the artistic and administrative operations of the organization. Her guiding motto remains: “It’s all about the kids!”

Ray Hopkins (They/Them) is thrilled to join the team at the Creative and Performing Arts Academy of Lackawanna! A West Pittston native, Ray earned their Bachelor of Arts in Theatre–Acting from Temple University. Since returning to NEPA, they’ve performed in numerous plays and musicals throughout the region. Ray also served as Musical Director for Wyoming Area High School’s productions of Les Misérables and Legally Blonde. They’re excited to share their love for the arts and help inspire the next generation of theatre artists at Creative and Performing Arts Academy of Lackawanna!

Grace Jeffery is excited to step into the role of Technical Director at the Creative and Performing Arts Academy of Lackawanna. She’s been passionate about theatre since 2014 and proudly represents Pennsylvania Thespian Troupe 4795. Grace earned her Bachelor of Arts in Entertainment Technology from Millersville University and is also an independent filmmaker and the owner of Artistic Trolley Productions. With a strong background in technical theatre and a deep love for collaborative art, Grace looks forward to inspiring students and sharing her creativity and experience.

Chase Reynolds is a sophomore at Misericordia University, majoring in Secondary Education with a focus in History. He’s been involved in theatre for over half his life, with notable roles in productions like The Mousetrap, Into the Woods, and Les Misérables. Chase is thrilled to be working with the Creative and Performing Arts Academy of Lackawanna and is dedicated to making sure every student has an unforgettable experience.

Matthew Grotzinger is an elementary music teacher at Frances Willard Elementary in the Scranton School District, where he has been teaching for 19 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Marywood University. In addition to his work in the classroom, Matthew has served as the children's choir director at Covenant Presbyterian Church for the past two years, where he also sings and conducts. His theater experience includes working on productions of The Lion King KIDS, Aladdin KIDS, 101 Dalmatians KIDS, The Jungle Book KIDS, and Dare to Dream, Jr.

Cristina Sohns Williams resides with her husband Jerry and son Michael in Dunmore, PA. She has been choreographing and teaching for the past 39 years. Cristina was Owner/Director of the CSW Studio of Dance for 28 years and held the positions of Director, Assistant Director, choreogrphic consultant and stage manager at The Abington Heights Civic League Dance Academy for 32 years.

Cristina has choreographed for numerous high school including, Dunmore, North Pocono, Abington Heights, Valley View, Lakeland, Honesdale, Pittston Area, and Northwester Leigh. She has also lent her expertise to institutions such as Penn State Worthington Players, Northampton Community College Theatre Department, Marywood University Theatre Department, and NCC's Professional Summer Theatre also known as the Bill Mutimer Summer Theatre Series.

Cristina is also a choreographer for The Creative and Performing Arts Academy of Lackawanna and Imagine Performing Arts Center in Dalton, PA.  In the past she has taught for Scranton Civic Ballet Company/Civic Dance Center, The Linn McDonald School of Dance, Greenridge Youth Theatre, was part of the Physical Education staff at the University of Scranton, performed with the Pocono Playhouse Children's Theatre, and was a member of Dance Educators of America.

Over the pas 39 years, Christina has choreographed and/or performed in over 400 productions and is an adjunct faculty member at both Marywoon University and Northampton Community College.

Cristina has choreographed for Stars Within Reach Productions in NYC, was choreographer for Hary Connick Jr's musical "The Happy Elf" at the Scranton Cultural Center, and for the past 8 years has been on the production staff for ARC's Angels On Stage Productions.

Kayla Morgan, 21, has been immersed in the world of theater since childhood, performing in productions such as Aladdin Jr., Matilda, Seussical, Bright Star, and many more. In addition to her onstage experience, she has contributed behind the scenes with lighting, sound, hair, makeup, costuming, and serving as a counselor. Her passion for working with children and helping young performers shine is at the heart of everything she does.

Bringing her makeup magic to the Creative and Performing Arts Academy of Lackawanna, Kayla is excited to combine her experience and creativity for this season’s shows. She has recently been teaching makeup classes, continuing to hone her craft. A versatile artist, she specializes in a wide range of styles, including special effects and illusion makeup. Kayla is also the proud owner of her growing business, The Art Of Face, and continues to lend her talents to productions on show days.

Nevaeh Harrington has appeared in over 40 productions and recently took on the role of the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods. This summer, she’s stepping off the stage and into a new spotlight—as Costume Designer! Heading into her junior year at Holy Cross High School, Nevaeh is thrilled to lead the costume vision for The Sound of Music: Youth Edition.

She’s no stranger to the world of costuming, having assisted her mom, Carole Mason, on many productions. When Carole was injured during preparations for Into the Woods, Nevaeh stepped up and costumed more than 85% of the show. Now, she jokes that the roles have reversed—her mom is her assistant!

For Nevaeh, costume design is all about bringing a creative vision to life, and she can’t wait to do just that this summer.

My name is Mila Smith, and I’m an incoming college freshman with a strong passion for both performing and behind-the-scenes work. I’ve acted in numerous productions while also contributing to makeup, props, and costume design. This fall, I’ll be studying Theatre Design and Technology at Wilkes University.

I’m excited to be joining the Creative and Performing Arts Academy of Lackawanna as a Student Aide and Sets & Props Assistant—ready to help bring each production to life from behind the curtain!