Iowa Thespian Chapter Board


  • **Chapter Director: Nate Jorgensen                               4-Year Term | August 2025 – August 2029
  • Board Secretary: Alan Strait                                              3-Year Term | January 2023 – January 2027
  • Board Treasurer: David Van Alstyne                               3-Year Term | January 2026 – January 2029
  • Communications: Dixie Forcht                                        3-Year Term | January 2026 – January 2029
  • Membership: Stacie Kintigh                                             3-Year Term | April 2025 – January 2028
  • Student Leadership: Connor Van Der Wal                   3-Year Term | April 2025 – January 2028
  • *Advocacy: Suzi Jones
  • *Ex-Officio: Lynn Jensen

**Chapter Director(s) are non-voting members of the Iowa Thespian Chapter Board
*Denotes non-voting advisory positions

​The Board may appoint additional non-voting advisory members as they determine.

The Iowa Thespian Chapter Board is comprised of at least five adult board members, which are elected to three-year terms. If you are interested in serving on the Iowa Thespian Chapter Board, please check out the guidelines below and submit the application form below. The new board members will be selected by current Iowa EdTA adult members in good standing, including Iowa Troupe Directors, Iowa Hall of Fame members, or those EdTA members that are registered with Iowa Thespians. If you have questions, please contact the Chapter Director.
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Executive Board Responsibilities:

The Iowa Thespian Board will:
  • Consist of 5 active EdTA members within the state of Iowa
  • Serve at least one 3-year term
  • Assist the Chapter Director(s) in coordinating the activities of the Chapter
  • Establish policy and procedures for the Chapter through a simple majority vote
  • Attend all required board meetings (January, March, June, July, August, October, November)
  • Complete all duties/expectations enumerated below
  • Work within the budget provided by the Chapter and maintain/submit accurate financial records to the Board

Executive Board Member Roles:

Secretary
  • Ensure the accurate recording of minutes for all meetings of the Chapter Board of Directors
  • Maintain all official chapter records, including minutes, bylaws, membership records, and governing documents, for a period of no less than seven (7) years
  • Advise the Chapter Board of Directors and Educational Theatre Association staff regarding the maintenance of chapter records, membership documents, and proceedings
  • Keep current lists of officers, Board members, and committees
  • Maintain a record of meeting attendance
  • Notify Board members of upcoming meetings
  • Verify the presence of a quorum before any voting measures are undertaken
  • In the absence of the Chapter Director(s), preside over meetings of the Board
  • Retain an official copy of the Chapter’s By-Laws and ensure they are available to the Board

Treasurer
  • Serve as chair of the Finance Committee, as provided in these Regulations
  • Provide counsel to the Chapter Board of Directors and Educational Theatre Association finance team regarding the safeguarding of monies, assets, and liabilities of the Chapter
  • Maintain accurate accounts of all revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities of the Chapter
  • Ensure all financial records are properly maintained and open to examination as required
  • Present financial reports to the Chapter Board of Directors on a monthly basis
  • Recommend an annual budget to the Chapter Board of Directors in consultation with the EdTA finance team;
  • Present the annual financial report for the most recently completed fiscal year
  • Recommend an annual audit or financial review, as appropriate
  • Maintain and balance all Chapter bank account(s)
  • Submit payment for all collected invoices, scholarship awards, grants, and other authorized expenditures
  • Prepare and submit all required yearly financial forms, including bank statements, donation receipts, and accounts receivable/payable documentation, to the national office for group 990 filings.

Communications
  • Provide counsel to the Chapter Board of Directors on matters relating to publicity, outreach, and media strategy
  • Maintain and regularly update the Chapter website(s), including iowathespians.org, ensuring that all information is accurate, timely, and consistent with Chapter and EdTA standards
  • Curate and manage the Chapter’s social media accounts to promote events, highlight achievements, and engage members and the broader community
  • Communicate Chapter and statewide fine arts news to members and stakeholders through appropriate channels
  • Develop and distribute communication materials in support of Chapter events, programs, and initiatives.
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Membership
  • Maintain an accurate and up-to-date database of all current Thespian Troupe Directors within the State of Iowa
  • Provide guidance and assistance to new Troupe Directors in the Chapter to ensure successful onboarding and engagement
  • Lead initiatives to encourage schools to establish and sustain Thespian Troupes, thereby expanding Chapter membership
  • Monitor membership status and follow up with Iowa Thespian Troupes whose memberships have lapsed or been suspended, encouraging renewal and continued participation.

Student Leadership Coordinator
  • Serve as liaison between the Chapter Board and the Chapter’s State Thespian Officers (STO), as provided in these Regulations
  • Develop and distribute applications for students interested in serving as State Thespian Officers
  • Oversee the election and selection process for State Thespian Officers at the Iowa Thespian Leadership Day and the Iowa High School Thespian Festival
  • Provide ongoing support, guidance, and accountability to State Thespian Officers as they carry out their yearly duties
  • Serve as mentor and advisor, assisting officers in problem-solving and leadership development throughout their term
  • Assist State Thespian Officers in the creation, planning, and implementation of workshops and activities for the Iowa Thespian Leadership Day and other Thespian events
  • Maintain regular communication with State Thespian Officers to ensure coordination of efforts, timely completion of responsibilities, and alignment with the Chapter’s mission.
SELECTION PROCESS

The Iowa Thespian Chapter Board is comprised of at least five adult board members, which are elected to three-year terms. If you are interested in serving on the Iowa Thespian Chapter Board, please check out the guidelines and submit an online application during an election year. Applications will be due one month before the high school festival. The new board members will be selected by current Iowa EdTA adult members in good standing, including Iowa Troupe Directors, Iowa Hall of Fame members, or those EdTA members that are registered with Iowa Thespians. 

  • Call for applications will be announced to all Iowa EdTA members for the upcoming election.
  • Potential candidates will self-nominate by providing the Iowa EdTA Chapter written information as indicated on the application form. This information will be distributed to voters.
  • Candidates must be Educational Theatre Association members in good standing by the term's start date.
  • Candidates may only run for one board position in a single election, as selected on the application form.
  • The candidates will be reviewed by the election commissioner to ensure eligibility.
  • The voting window will open for two weeks.
  • Newly elected board members will be notified by the election commissioner of their selection, and an announcement will be sent to all Iowa members of the EdTA.

If you have any other questions about the Iowa Thespian Chapter Board, please contact the Chapter Director at [email protected]