Get to know Caleigh!
Born and raised 30 minutes outside Manhattan in Summit, New Jersey, Caleigh always found her home in New York City. Starting at the age of 7, she was always in the studio dancing, singing, and most definitely creating chaos. But it wasnt until high school where she really started to take dance more seriously, at Summit School of Dance she found a newfound love of dance and wanted to take that with her into her college experience.
Caleigh graduated from the Chicago College of Performing Arts with a BFA in Musical Theatre with a Dance Concentration. There, she studied with Jane Lanier, Stephen Schellhardt, Tammy Mader, and many more. During college seh was able to grow all the skills it takes to be a performer, and she made life long friends along the way.
She found such a love for Chicago, and everything it has to offer, from artsy store front theatre, to a Sunday 2pm cubs game. Chicago definitely became home after graduation.
In May of 2025, Caleigh hopes to make her big move to New York City in pursuit of continuing her passion for musical theatre. She looks forward to discovering where this next chapter of her life will take her!!!!!
instagram: @caleighpankita
to her friends she’s known as CPK
Projects
American Psycho
Opening on September 14th, it quickly became evident that Kokandy's production of American Psycho would be a resounding success in Chicago. After a completely sold-out run, American Psycho was extended until December 10th. The following spring, Kokandy's staging of American Psycho garnered eight Non-Equity Jeff Award nominations, with Caleigh receiving her first individual nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical. As a company, American Psycho had the honor of winning four Jeff Awards, including Best Production of a Musical, Performer in a Principal Role (Kyle Patrick), Director of a Musical (Derek Van Barham), and Best Choreography (Breon Arzell). This was truly a remarkable production, and Caleigh could not have asked for a better experience,
A Chorus Line
Caleigh made her professional Chicago theatre debut as Val in A Chorus Line, which ran from January 25th to March 19th. The production was directed and choreographed by Jane Lanier, with musical direction by Carolyn Jean Brady. This show was both challenging and incredibly rewarding for Caleigh as it marked her first experience with an eight-show week, and utilizing the original choreography by Michael Bennett. It was a thrilling experience. In the fall, A Chorus Line received four Equity Jeff Award nominations, including Best Production of a Musical, Best Ensemble, Lighting Design, and Music Direction. Throughout the process, Caleigh learned the stamina and skills required for an eight-show week and formed lasting friendships. She could not have asked for a better first experience in Chicago theatre.
Rocky Moutain Repertory Theatre
Ten days after her college graduation, Caleigh moved to Grand Lake, CO, to be part of Rocky Mountain Repertory’s 2022 Summer Season. There, she played Francine in Jersey Boys, performed in the ensemble and served as the Ella understudy in Cinderella, and danced in Desperate Measures. Caleigh developed a deep appreciation for nature while living in Colorado; from hiking every day to swimming in the glacial lakes, she couldn't imagine her life without such adventures. Performing in repertory while being in one of the most beautiful places on earth and surrounded by wonderful people made this experience incredibly special. This was undoubtedly the best summer of her life, and she reflects on it fondly every single day.
