Our Team | Stagecrafters2024

Meet the Team

Meet the People Behind the Curtain

A community of artists, builders, organizers, and theater lovers bringing every production to life.

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Stage Crafters Community Theatre is powered by volunteers who love storytelling and believe in the power of live theatre to connect and inspire.

From the boardroom to backstage, we work together to create experiences our community will never forget.

Leadership & Board

Kevin Clemons Jr. | President

Celebrating 54 years as Florida’s longest operating, all volunteer, not for profit community theatre, we are honored to continue this journey with our incredible audiences and dedicated volunteers. Without your passion and support, our stage would remain dark. From all of us at Stage Crafters, thank you for making everything we do possible! I cannot wait to experience this year with you all!

"I love Stage Crafters for finding me and allowing me to express myself with my hands."

Melissa Raulerson | Vice President

Melissa is a Veteran and now spouse of a retired Green Beret who holds her degree in theater. Melissa is also an area Field Director/Property Manager for ONE Family Property Services and the founder of The Payton Emily Foundation. Both her and her family can be seen both on and off stage here.

“Act well your part for therein all the honor lies”

Chuck Harrison | Secretary

Chuck has been with Stage Crafters on and off stage for 3 years. Chuck retired from the Air Force in 2021 and works at Keller Williams Emerald Coast. His passion is musicals but has come to enjoy the technical side of theater.

"Stage Crafters is a powerful organization for promoting the arts in our community and I am grateful to be involved."

Darsi Ewing | Treasurer

Darsi has been ‘with’ StageCrafters for over 25 years, on the board for 10 years, with the current run of 6 years. She can be found supporting behind the scenes, working the front of house, and has had the titles of Producer and Treasurer.

"I love that Stage Crafters opens its heart to everyone who comes through the doors of the Rehearsal Hall and the Auditorium."

Craig Ewing | Business Manager

Craig “retired” in 2022 from a 35-year career with the USAF as a senior research scientist and now works for a defense contractor in weapons simulation. He has been with us since 1987 and our business manager for more than 25 years.

"It's so great to have Stage Crafters as an outlet for the creative/artistic side of a weapons engineer."

Deborah Dodge

Originally from Burbank and Hollywood, CA, Deborah worked in the film and television industry for 25 years before moving to Florida’s Panhandle in 2000. She soon found a creative home with Stage Crafters, where she discovered her chosen family. She is a photographer, graphic designer, actor, writer, and longtime voiceover artist. She is honored to serve on the Executive Board and as co-chair of the publicity team.

“At Stage Crafters, anyone can find a purpose — a place to belong, meet forever friends, give back, and let creativity thrive.”

Gail Hurley

Gail has been an active volunteer with Stage Crafters since 2014. She enjoys being both on stage and behind the scenes in many positions from costuming chair, acting, directing and now serving in her third year on the Executive Board.

Gail retired from nursing after 30 years in 2021 and then from substitute teaching in 2024. She is fully retired now and able to devote more time to her church, her daughters and her six grandchildren, and to serving with Stage Crafters Community Theatre.

"Volunteering with Stage Crafters has enriched my life with new friendships and learning new skills. I have learned to love the theatre all over again and look forward to growing even more"

Holly Moore

Holly has been with Stage Crafters on and off stage for over 15 years. She loves all aspects of theatre and she can be found on stage, back stage, producing, directing, running lights, or whatever else she is asked to do. This is her third year serving on the board. She is the Financial Administrator for Heart of the Bride Ministries, plays tennis a few days a week, and loves serving in her local church in choir and in children's ministry.

“I love seeing the shows come to life and the audience enjoying them, but for me Stage Crafters is about the people I meet and get to know along the way.”

Maddie Ostrowski

Maddie Ostrowski has been volunteering for Stage Crafters on and off stage for over 10 years. Singing, acting, and "acting" like she can dance are what brought her to our community theatre. But, she loves to share how she has learned to sew and organize costumes as part of her backstage volunteer time. This is her second year serving on the board. Maddie is the Military & Outreach Coordinator for the University of West Florida's Fort Walton Beach campus. She is originally from Peachtree City, Ga. and loves living her dreams out here on the Emerald Coast with her husband, Phillip and their 5 kitties.

“I love seeing the shows come to life and the audience enjoying them, but for me Stage Crafters is about the people I meet and get to know along the way.”

Nancy Kruzek

Nancy Kruzek has been a cornerstone of Stage Crafters Community Theatre since its founding 54 years ago. Widely regarded as the grand dame of theatre in Fort Walton Beach, Nancy has helped shape the organization’s legacy through her extraordinary talent, leadership, and dedication.

An award-winning actress and director, Nancy has brought nearly 200 productions to life, earning recognition for her dynamic performances and her keen directorial vision. Whether she’s commanding the stage or guiding a cast, she has a remarkable ability to connect with audiences and draw out authentic, compelling storytelling.

A mentor and inspiration to generations of performers, Nancy is known for her passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence. Her influence can be felt in every production, and her legacy continues to define the spirit of Stage Crafters.

Creative Teams

It Takes a Community

Every show is a team effort.

Every volunteer makes a difference.

Get in Touch

Have questions or want to learn more about getting involved? We'd love to hear from you.