MEET YOUR 2023 STATE THESPIAN OFFICERS
Luke Stephens: STO Chair
Troupe #1470
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Luke Stephens is so honored and excited to serve as Iowa’s State Thespian Officer Chair. Luke is a student at Mount Vernon High School and a member of troupe #1470. He began acting when he was 10 years old, and he has loved it ever since. In addition, he enjoys assistant directing, stage managing or programming the lights whenever he works behind the scenes. Luke would gladly go watch miserable French underdogs, rebellious New York paperboys, or hip founding dads onstage anytime. He is super excited to serve on the board, and he hopes all thespians know theatre is a place for all and that anyone can reach out to him at any time. |
Connor Van Der Wal: Secretary
Troupe #228
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Connor Van Der Wal is currently a junior at Oskaloosa High School (Troupe #228) and is so excited to be this year’s State Thespian Officer Secretary. He has been in theater since 7th grade, always working hard backstage. In high school, he has been a sound effect technician and an assistant stage manager. This year, he gets the joy of being the stage manager for his school's shows. Outside of theatre, Connor participates in band, where he plays the bassoon, marching band, where he plays the timpani, jazz band, full orchestra, and large group speech. In his free time, Connor loves to play his bassoon or spend time with his friends and family. He is so grateful for his friends and family who have supported him through his journey in theatre. Connor is so excited for the year to come and to see what the board has to offer!
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Audrey Ruff: Membership
Troupe #417
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Audrey Ruff (She/Her) is a junior at John R. Mott JR/SR high school located in Postville, Iowa. She is a proud member of Troupe 417. Currently she is the Activities Chair for her troupe. She started her Postville theatre career in 6th grade and has been an active member ever since, with her latest role being Homeless Girl in Tracks and Kelly in An Absolutely True Story as Told by a Bunch of Lying Liars. She is also an active participant in her choir, band, speech, NHS, and student council. She enjoys playing volleyball and softball…but sucks at running. Right now, her favorite TV show is Wednesday on Netflix. She loves learning and is learning two languages: Ukrainian and Spanish! She is so excited to get to know and connect with all thespians throughout the state.
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Pratima Khatri: Advocacy
Troupe #856
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Pratima Khatri (she/her/hers) is a junior at Pleasant Valley High School and a proud member of Troupe #856! Serving her second year on PV’s board, she is currently the troupe secretary. She loves being both off and on stage! Pratima is also PV’s Student Emcee/Board Guy for improv, and she loves doing all things speech! Outside of theater, she plays clarinet (marching/pep) and bass clarinet (concert) in band, participates in choir, and is in the National Honors Society. Pratima is ecstatic to be serving as this year’s Advocacy STO, and she would be honored to meet you and all other thespians across Iowa!
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Hannah Noonan: Communications
Troupe #739
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Hannah Noonan attends North Scott High School and is a proud member of troupe #739. She is beyond excited to serve as the 2023 communications STO! Hannah has been involved in theater since she was in 3rd grade and her love of the arts has continued to grow with each coming year. Aside from being on stage or behind the curtain Hannah has helped teach numerous children’s theater workshops as well as serving on the Lancer Productions student board as a Sophomore Representative, the Speech Representative, and on the PR team. Outside of theater, she is involved in speech team, both large group and individual. Hannah also participates in choir and was selected to be a member of the Allstate Chorus in 2020 and 2021. Hannah would love to connect with thespians from all over the state, feel free to reach out at any time! The theater is where everyone can find their place and she can’t wait to meet as many people as possible. She is very excited to see what the future holds for Iowa Thespians!
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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
