BOARD

Meet your 2025-2026 Board Members!

PRESIDENT | Abby Welch

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Hi everyone! My name is Abby, and I am so excited to serve as your ‘25-‘26 thespian board president! I’ve loved theater for a long time, but I kicked off my Waukee theater career with my 6th grade play, Adventures of Pinocchio. Since then, I’ve been brutally murdered as Macduff’s son in the Scottish Play-that-must-not-be-named, blown raspberries as a ridiculous French guard in Spamalot, been hopelessly tangled in a phone cord as Ginger the receptionist in the Great All-American Musical Disaster, and done much more in the featured ensemble of Pippin. I’ve gone to All-State for both large group and individual speech events, and I’ve been on crew, acted, and written for numerous thespian events! I love theater at Waukee because there is truly something here for everyone; I’ve met techies-turned-actors, actors-turned-techies, and people who can’t possibly choose which one they like better. What we build here—literally and figuratively—is so special. When I cried on closing night of Pippin, someone wise asked me, “isn’t it beautiful to love something so much?” I think that’s why I’m so grateful to serve on the board; theater is one of the things I love most in the world, and I cannot wait to give back everything it has given me. :)

SECRETARY | Jessica Kratky

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Hello to all! My name is Jessica and I am SO EXCiTED to be your secretary for this year. I was welcomed into the world of theatre in my fourth grade production of Mulan Jr., although I didn’t participate again until I joined Waukee stage in 7th grade, performing in the online musical Super-Happy-Awesome-News, where I made the infamous PBJGBCSWC sandwich. I’ve fallen in love with the many facets of theatre. A few of my favorite moments have been chanting with my choral readers in group speech, performing my “Orangespiel” expository address for individual speech, and exchanging silliness (and music, I promise!) with my fellow pit members. In a world filled with love, I’m glad to be a part of a community that embraces love so earnestly. I hope to give to you what you all give to me. LET’S DO THIS!

PUBLICITY CHAIR | Eliza Gagen

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Hi Thespians! My name is Eliza Gagen and I am honored to serve as troupe 1451’s Publicity Chair for the 2025-2026 season. I have been involved in theatre since the 6th grade and have loved every second of it. I have participated in many different roles throughout my theatre career and have accrued a diverse portfolio of technical titles such as Stage Manager and Sound Designer; as well as Paint Charge and Scenic Designer in some of the High School’s most recent plays and musicals like Spamalot, Pippin, and The Great All-American Musical Disaster. Aside from our main stage productions I have also participated in IHSSA Speech Team both Large Group and Individuals, making it to All-State twice. Looking back on my younger self I never could have imagined the impact theatre and speech would have on my life. From the confidence and communication skills I have learned to the lifelong friendships I have made. I hope to inspire many of the students at our school to take a leap into our wonderful theatre department and discover the amazing possibilities it has to offer! I am so excited for this upcoming year; making new memories, meeting new people, and most of all having fun!

FUNDRAISING CHAIR | Evelyn Jordan

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Hello fellow thespians!! My name is Evelyn Jordan and I am super excited to be co-fundraising chair with Nathan Rhone! I’ve loved theatre since I was little, but I didn’t start performing on stage till 6th grade in Pinocchio and later joining the world of crew in Macbeth. Since then I have been in every main stage the school has offered, individual and team speech team, and as many thespian events as I possibly could. My favorite show I’ve been in is Spamalot where I was a part of the ensemble and as an Outreach Coordinator. Waukee Thespians is such a wonderful group and community. I can’t wait to serve this troupe to the best of my abilities!!

FUNDRAISING CHAIR | Nathan Rhone

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Hello friends! My name is Nathan Rhone and I am thrilled to be one half of your thespian fundraising team for this coming year. I have been working with theatre starting in 6th grade with our rendition of Adventures of Pinocchio where I went from stage manager to performer on show night. Ever since then I have loved being a part of theatre, either through the school or the Des Moines playhouse. Waukee High School brings so many theatre opportunities to students with two main stages, both speech competitions, and the multitude of thespian events that take place over the year. Some of my favorites over the last two years would be performing in Spamalot as Tim the enchanter, as assistant to player with ladder in Pippin, or During group speech as Algernon from the Important of Being Earnest. Having this community, our Waukee theater arts community is so special and I will do my best to help make this year a blast. To have the chance to give back to this troupe after it has given so much to me truly is an honor.

TECHNICAL LIAISON | Malcolm Williams

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Bio coming soon!

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