Cristal Santiago Vélez is a Puerto Rican-born performer based in Maryland, currently starring as Emma in The PROM at Baltimore School for the Arts. Known for her expressive voice, magnetic presence, and deep storytelling instincts, Cristal brings heart, soul, and bold energy to every role she plays.

Her passion for theater began at just eight years old, when she stepped onto the stage for the first time and immediately felt at home. Since then, she has performed in 26 main stage productions: spanning musicals, plays, comedies, dramas, and everything in between. Over the years, she has brought to life iconic characters such as the fierce and mysterious Witch in Into the Woods, the commanding Miss Andrews in Mary Poppins, the soulful Rafiki in The Lion King, and Margaret in Silent Sky. Her current portrayal of Emma in The PROM is a culmination of years of dedication, growth, and fearless vulnerability as a performer.

Cristal’s journey has been shaped by intensive training in acting, voice, and movement. She attends Baltimore School for the Arts, where she majors in acting and hones her craft through a rigorous conservatory-style program. Her performance technique draws from a wide range of influences, from classical text to devised theater, and she supplements her training with vocal lessons, musical theater coaching, and years of dance experience. At just 17, she already brings a seasoned sense of professionalism and presence to every rehearsal and performance.

In addition to traditional dance, Cristal specializes in aerial silk; a discipline that has expanded her understanding of movement and physical storytelling. She first discovered aerial dance at 15 and has trained ever since, incorporating strength, grace, and expressive form into her performance toolkit. This, combined with her strong vocal range and commitment to character development, makes her a dynamic and unforgettable artist.

Her work has been recognized through multiple honors. At Stagedoor Manor, she was awarded Best Supporting Actress in a Musical, and two of the productions she starred in have earned Ruby Griffith Awards for Outstanding Achievement in a Musical: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (First Place, Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church) and Tuck Everlasting (Second Place, Children’s Theatre of Annapolis). These awards reflect not only the caliber of the productions she chooses to be part of, but the impact of her contributions on and off the stage.

Cristal is also known for her leadership, compassion, and dedication to service. She is a proud member of a Masonic youth group, where she holds a state leadership position and coordinates initiatives focused on community service, empowerment, and mentorship. Her involvement has shaped her into a thoughtful leader: one who brings empathy, presence, and purpose into every room she enters. To date, she has completed over 200 volunteer hours and continues to find fulfillment in giving back.

Outside of theater, Cristal is a passionate creative. She is a painter, often using bold colors and abstract styles to express emotion and identity. She also writes original songs, blending storytelling with melody in both personal and theatrical pieces. Her art and songwriting often intersect with her love of theater, giving her a unique voice and perspective as an artist.

She also has an entrepreneurial spirit, always looking for ways to create, lead, and share. Whether it’s pitching new creative projects, organizing events, or supporting other young artists, Cristal approaches challenges with a blend of imagination, strategy, and heart. She believes in the power of storytelling to heal, connect, and transform, and she’s determined to make space for stories that matter.

As she looks toward the future, Cristal plans to pursue a BFA in Musical Theater, continuing her path toward a career on Broadway and beyond. Her ultimate goal is to not only perform professionally, but to be a force for good in the performing arts; championing diversity, truth, and bold artistic expression.

When she’s not rehearsing, performing, or creating, Cristal can be found hanging out with her two dogs, or curled up with a sketchbook and a good playlist. She believes in finding joy in the little moments, and in building a life that’s just as full and expressive as the roles she plays.

At the heart of everything she does is a belief that everyone deserves to feel seen and heard. Whether through a performance, a painting, a song, or a conversation, Cristal Santiago Vélez is committed to helping others find their voice, and to using hers with power, purpose, and pride.