Our Team

  • Lee Osterhout-Kaplan Headshot

    Lee Osterhout-Kaplan

    Co-Founder & Artistic Director

    Since 1991, Lee has shaped young artists in Fort Collins for over 30 years. Through high-quality theatre experiences, she teaches essential life skills like confidence, collaboration, and creativity, fostering student growth in a safe environment.

  • Gregg Osterhout head shot

    Gregg Osterhout

    Co-Founder & Technical Director

    Co-founder and Technical Director since 1991, Gregg has provided the essential technical and operational expertise, like construction and lighting, that has allowed Debut Theatre to flourish, fostering student creativity and skill development.

  • Tracee Carcasson Headshot

    Tracee Carcasson

    Director of Community Engagement

    Tracee plays a vital role in promoting Debut by managing social media, volunteers, and community connections. As a dedicated parent and patron for over two decades, she is a great resource for getting involved and advocating for youth arts.

  • Cori Hixon

    Cori Hixon

    Office Director

    Cori has been a devoted champion of Debut Theatre since 2011, when her daughter joined the program at just six years old. Also a member of Debut’s Advisory Board, Cori is looking forward to working in the office and connecting families to our program.

  • Kara Beall

    Director

    A Debut alum, Kara is thrilled to begin her first semester directing at Debut. She is committed to challenging young artists to do their best while creating a fun environment to laugh, learn, and grow! Kara co-teaches World Stage.

  • Tony Carr head shot

    Tony Carr

    Director

    After one wonderful semester at Debut, Tony fits right in with our playful and creative group of teachers! He is very capable, easy-going, and great with all ages. He works with students in grades 3-5 and 6-8.

  • Cameron Chorpenning

    Director

    Cameron is a Debut Theatre alum who also holds a bachelor’s degree in Humanities from CU Boulder. He developed a love for working with students during his three years teaching English as a foreign language in rural Japan and is thrilled to continue this work by returning to Debut. Cameron works with students in grades 3-5.

  • Peyton Cunningham headshot

    Peyton Cunningham

    Director

    A Debut alum herself, Peyton is so joyous and warm! She is a great role model for the kiddos she teaches. She works with students in grades K-5.

  • Cassie Freedman

    Cassie Freedman

    Director

    Our newest edition to the team, Cassie is so excited to begin teaching this semester! She’s funny and outgoing, and we’re so glad to have her. She works with students in grades 6-8.

  • Kaleb Hacker head shot

    Kaleb Hacker

    Director

    Dedicated and always willing to help, Kaleb teaches a third of our classes. He has gotten to know most of our students and loves watching them grow! He works with students in all grades.

Our Advisory Board

  • David Shurna headshot

    David Shurna

    ENTREPRENEUR & AUTHOR

  • Cori Hixon headshot

    Cori Hixon

    OWNER, THE WRITE WAY

  • Max Halley headshot

    Max Halley

    ACCOUNTANT, PLAYERS ALUMNI

  • Headshot of Mindy Miller

    Mindy Miller

    VP FINANCE & CORP. SECRETARY, MOUNTAIN CONSTRUCTORS, INC

  • Stock photo of a sunflower

    Lois Gore

    RETIRED POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT

  • Headshot of Dennis Bigelow

    Dennis Bigelow

    ASST DIR., FOUNDATION RELATIONS, CSU, PLAYERS ALUMNI

  • Headshot of Shawn Mills

    Shawn Mills

    Commodity Risk Management, JBS. Lifelong fan of the Arts!