Longview-born actor Cathy Englade will take the next step in a young career on a New York stage beginning Monday.

Cast as the female lead for an off-beat production of Shakespeare's, "Romeo and Juliet," the 2001 Pine Tree High School graduate says she's long been in awe of Juliet.

"She is fierce," Englade said of her character. "Every decision she makes drives the action of the play. Romeo touches her to the soul, creating and stirring thoughts and emotions Juliet had never experienced before. From that point forward, her every thought, every emotion, is pure and raw. And everything is for Romeo."

Englade will star in, "CSI: Verona," which takes its approach to the classic from the popular television cycle of detective series.

"The show opens with a team of crime scene investigators called to the tomb of a prominent family where they discover Romeo, Juliet and Count Paris slain," she said. "As the team unravels the mystery surrounding the three bodies, they stumble upon one of the greatest love stories of all time."

Englade is the daughter of Larry and Velda Englade of Longview. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Baylor University in 2006, she lived a few months at home and volunteered for ArtsView Children's Theatre.

She said she has worked on several stages since moving to New York, including The Lamb's Theatre and The Hudson Guild theatre. Her upcoming play is at the Paradise Factory Theatre on East Fourth Street.

"It still feels surreal that I, a former band nerd, have been given so many opportunities," she said. "As far as what I want from my career, I think that can be summed up with my favorite line from the balcony scene when Juliet promises herself to Romeo: 'All my fortunes, at thy foot I'll lay, and follow thee, my lord, throughout the world.'

"That is what I try to do every day; to lay down all I hold on to and follow where my Lord God may lead me. Right now, he's led me to a balcony on a stage in the East Village of Manhattan."