MT State Thespian Officers (STOs)
Take Your Leadership Offstage
State Thespian Officers (STOs) are the student leaders who help make the Montana Thespian Festival happen and shape the future of theatre across our state. If you’re ready to step up, connect with other leaders, and make a difference, this is your stage.
Meet Your Current STO Board
The Montana State Thespian Officers (STOs) are student leaders elected each year to represent Thespians across the state. They work closely with the Montana Thespian Board to support theatre education, help organize Festival, and ensure student voices are included in decision-making.
2025–2026 STO Board
Rose Hogland — President
Stina Oliver — Vice President
Finn Bierwag — Treasurer
Izy Tempel — Secretary
Raine LaFond — Liaison
Noah Rigo — Liaison
Jonas Hibbs — Liaison
Alex Petersen — Media
Kat Romig — Communications Officer
What Are STOs?
State Thespian Officers (STOs) are Montana Thespians' student leaders. They are representatives, advocates, and collaborators who ensure student voices are at the center of our work.
At the Festival, STOs play a big part in the experience:
Organizing and facilitating events
Serving as MCs and keeping energy high
Helping with logistics like selling merchandise and supporting Festival operations
Beyond the Festival, STOs stay engaged throughout the year, helping connect troupes, supporting Montana Thespians projects, and representing students in statewide theatre conversations.
STOs are more than just helpers; they’re leaders who shape the Thespian experience for everyone in Montana.
Becoming an STO
Why Become an STO?
Serving as a State Thespian Officer is more than a title—it’s an opportunity to:
Gain real leadership experience through planning, collaboration, and teamwork.
Build friendships and connections with theatre students and educators across Montana.
Play a direct role in Festival success by helping organize and lead statewide events.
Strengthen college applications and resumes with recognized student leadership.
Join a long tradition of Thespians working together to grow theatre in schools.
What We Look For
Successful STOs demonstrate qualities that make them strong leaders and collaborators:
Adaptability – Able to handle change and think of new solutions.
Communication – Honest, clear, and timely responses when working with others.
Positive Outlook – Optimistic, kind, and approachable.
Accountability – Reliable, engaged, and consistent in meeting commitments.
Patience – Good listeners with steady, thoughtful leadership.
Hard-working – Willing to step up, take initiative, and follow through.
These traits are part of how applications are reviewed and how STOs grow in their leadership role.
For Troupe Directors:
Troupe directors play an important role in supporting student leadership. Each school may nominate up to three students for the State Thespian Officer (STO) Workshop, held on Saturday at Festival.
Important details:
Only two students per school may apply for election to the STO Board. These students must also complete the STO Application form by February 2, 2026, at 8:00 PM.
A third student may attend the workshop as an observer (no application required) if they are an underclassman or interested in STO in the future.
All nominated students must be included in the school’s Final Registration form submitted by the troupe director.
Eligibility requirements:
Initiated Thespians (or will be inducted by the end of the school year)
Current or former troupe officers
Recommended and approved by their troupe director
Sophomores or Juniors if running for State office
Willing to attend the Saturday workshop and meetings throughout the year
Reliable access to email and phone
This program helps prepare students for leadership and service on the Montana Thespian Board. Please select thoughtfully when nominating students.
How to Apply:
Applying to become an STO is a two-step process:
Talk to your troupe director. They must register you through the school’s Final Registration form for Festival.
Submit your application. Complete the STO Application form by February 2, 2026.
Important to know:
Each school may bring up to three students to the STO Workshop on Saturday at Festival.
Only two students per school may apply for election to the STO Board.
The optional third student may attend the workshop as an observer (no application required) to explore future leadership opportunities.
All students (whether applying or observing) must let their troupe director know so they can be properly registered.
Deadline to apply: February 2, 2026.
