MEET YOUR 2026 ​STATE THESPIAN OFFICERS

lUCY tURLEY: Chair
Troupe #4274

Lucy Turley is a proud member of Troupe #4274 at Grinnell High School, where she is a junior. She serves as the Communications Designer, creating posters, bulletin boards, and social media posts to promote all theatre events. Lucy has worked as an Assistant Stage Manager for five school productions, with You Can’t Take It With You as her favorite! Performing in Group Improv at IHSSA’s All-State Festival has, so far, been the highlight of her Speech participation. She is a dancer, 4-H member, and was honored to lead her school’s marching band as Drum Major this year. Lucy is excited to turn her organization and leadership abilities to thespian projects, connect with Thespians across the state, and create new theatre memories!

tj gONZALEZ-fISHER
​Troupe #2845

TJ Gonzalez-Fischer is a sophomore from Boone, Iowa (Troupe #2845). He is very excited to be a part of the 2026 STO board and is proud to serve his fellow Thespians. He is looking forward to making new friends and meeting new people throughout the theatre community. Theatre has been a very important part of TJ’s life, from the leadership opportunities to the loving environment it provides; TJ is glad to have theatre in his life. He has loved theatre since middle school, where it became a major part of his life. TJ is so grateful for this chance to give back to Iowa theatre and serve with his fellow board members!

GRADY kIRST
​​Troupe #739

Grady Kirst is a junior at North Scott (Troupe #739). He is so excited to be serving as a state thespian officer this year. Along with serving Iowa thespians, he is especially excited to create lasting friendships and memories with the rest of the board and all of Iowa thespians! Ever since discovering theatre when he was young, it has been a vital part of his life, serving as a place to lead, learn, and express himself creatively. Grady has loved the opportunity to perform and learn all of the ins and outs of theatre. He is so thankful for this opportunity and can’t wait for this year!

kALESTA oLSON
​Troupe #1015

Kalesta Olson is from Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson High School. (Troupe #1015) She is very happy to be serving as an Iowa state thespian officer, especially making friends with the other board members! She has been enthusiastic about theatre since middle school and has been leading her troupe throughout her high school years. She is super grateful and excited to work with everyone and see what this term brings!

aNNA sTEPHENS
​Troupe #1470

Anna Stephens is a Junior at Mount Vernon High School representing troupe 1470. Anna has been around the theatre all her life and has been heavily involved in high school. She has worked as a techie, featured dancer, and occasional actor. In her troupe, Anna is the social media manager. Off the main stage, Anna is involved in her high school's top concert band, marching band, top concert choir, speech team, and tennis team. She has also been heavily involved at a dance studio in Mount Vernon her whole life. Anna is extremely excited to work with the other board members and get to know Iowa Thespian members. 

The members of the Iowa Thespian Student Board represent all Thespians in the State of Iowa as the student leaders of the Iowa Thespian Chapter Board. The State Thespian Officers are selected at the Iowa Thespian Festival, and members serve from November to November. Activities include:

• Attending monthly Iowa Thespian Chapter Board meetings
• Attending the International Thespian Festival and participating in leadership workshops
• Conducting leadership workshops at the State Festival
• Organizing and implementing ideas for the Iowa State Thespian Festival
• Communicating with other students through various outlets, including social media
• Promoting the work of the International Thespian Society and Iowa Thespians​

​If you are interested in becoming a State Thespian Officer,
​click here for details.