- Composition:
- The Stage Coach Board of Directors shall consist of six (6) elected members, three (3) that represent the theater’s creative interests, needs, and identity and three (3) that represent theater’s business and/or professional interests and stability. Every year one (1) Creative Seat and one (1) Business Seat will rotate off and two new seats will be elected.
- Seat Definitions:
- Creative Seat: These are dynamic and visionary individuals from the world of creative theater. This role is specifically designed to bring the unique perspective and expertise of a community theater to our organization’s strategic decision-making processes. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of theater arts, a strong creative vision, and a passion for advancing the performing arts within our community.
- Business Seat: These are exceptional individuals who have achieved remarkable success in business, education, the professions, and/or public service. This role demands exceptional intellect, a solid educational foundation, and extensive experience to make a significant impact. We are searching for ideal candidates who possess a robust background in business strategy, financial analysis, and corporate governance. They will provide invaluable insights and expert guidance to our executive team.
- Important information for those interested in filling the Business Board Seats: Upon acceptance of the Business Seat, the board member will forgo creative participation in all performances at Stage Coach Theatre during the tenure of the board seat. Participation includes but is not limited to: directing, performing, designing, technical support, stage management, or stage crew.
- Term Limits:
- Board Seats will have a term of three (3) years with the option to run for re-election and serve an additional term for a maximum of six (6) years. Interested parties must take one (1) term off before running for election again regardless of the seat description they are running for.
- Nominations
- Prospective Board nominees must submit an application to the organization in advance of the Annual Meeting. Nominations from the floor of the Annual Meeting will no longer be considered for inclusion in the ballot. Nominations are due on July 26 at 10 PM preceding the Annual Meeting.
- Application information will be aggregated and distributed to the active membership prior to the Annual Meeting for their consideration
- Voting Procedure
- At the Annual Meeting, each eligible nominee will be invited to speak on their behalf of themselves to share information they deem pertinent to their candidacy. If nominees are unable to attend, they may identify a proxy to speak on their behalf.
- After the nominee speeches, each active Associate who has filled out an application before the deadline and Legacy Lifetime members will be asked to cast one vote for each open seat.
- Two members of the current board and the Vice President (or President if the VP is not in attendance) will tally the votes and name the elected Board members.
2026 Creative Seat Nominees
Jonny Lyons
Cassy Spenner
Dianna Hite-Smith
Why are you interested in serving as an SCT Board Member?
Jonny Lyons: I love Stagecoach Theater, and I would like to get even more involved in growing the theater and making the experience even better for our volunteers and patrons.
Cassy Spenner: I have served the last 17 months as secretary of the Board. I enjoy participating in shows at SCT as well as previously helping with costumes, props, and set decorating. I would like to serve as a Board Member to take a more active role in the future of the theatre.
Dianna Hite-Smith: I would like to serve on the Stage Coach board because I want the theater to continue to thrive. Finding the harmony between actor/crew happiness and patronage experience is vital to our continued success and growth.
Describe your background and qualifications that make you a good candidate for your desired Board seat.
Jonny Lyons: I have been actively involved in the theater almost nonstop for the better part of over three years now, whether that’s acting in shows, running tech for shows, or helping with PSA/ house staff. Having spent so much time actively involved with the theater, I’ve had the opportunity to talk directly with fellow volunteers about what they might want to see improved on their end going forward.
Cassy Spenner: I have worked as a teacher (both elementary and middle school) in West Ada for the last 23 years. Within my role as teacher, I have been a mentor for 2 student teachers as well as a first-year teacher. I am currently on the Leadership Committee at Eagle Middle School and am serving as the Science Department Head. Previously I have worked alongside district science leaders to help create curriculum and assessments and established the working calendar for first-year life science teachers. Along with regular classroom duties, I am in charge of ordering supplies for the science department at my school, writing grants for additionally needed items for my classroom, and organizing the 7th grade field trip each spring. Outside of the classroom, I have volunteered with Stage Coach Theatre, Boise Little Theatre, Encore Theatre, and Boise Music Week over the last 20 years. I primarily enjoy performing in musicals, but have also helped with costuming, creating props, and set decorating for several of the SCT shows.
Dianna Hite Smith: Over the past 4 years at Stage Coach I have worked on multiple shows as lead lighting designer and stage manager running timing and stage coordination. I have spent the past 3 years serving on the Stage Coach board; as well as several years serving on a theater board in California.
If selected by the Membership, what would you like to accomplish during your Board term?
Jonny Lyons: I want to do what I can to ensure that things run more smoothly on the volunteer side so that we can provide a better experience for the community. The biggest things I would like to see changed are putting together wider variety of people willing to work behind the scenes so that the same people don’t burned out on doing the same thing over and over again, as well as working toward a long-term goal of perhaps finding a more permanent rehearsal space. I would also like to see communication opened up even further so that volunteers feel comfortable approaching the board with any concerns they might have.
Cassy Spenner: During my Board term, I am committed to helping our theater thrive by supporting bold, high-quality productions that reflect our community and spark conversations bringing new and returning patrons to the theatre. I will work to build strong community partnerships and support financial sustainability through active fundraising and strategic planning. I believe in fostering a collaborative, creative environment with other Board members, the Theatre President, and volunteers that make live theater accessible and welcoming to all.
Dianna Hite Smith: I started my term wanting to expand the tech talent pool. Over the past couple of years, I had the opportunity to work with an individual in the lighting booth helping to teach them the technical aspects of lighting. I was gifted with their insight on creative lighting ideas which made this a truly symbiotic partnership. I would like to continue to grow this into a program and match people with teachers / classes to learn and grow together.
Are there any other details you would like to share with the Membership for their consideration of your candidacy as a Board Member?
Jonny Lyons: N/A
Cassy Spenner: I am a strong candidate that has served faithfully as the Secretary for almost 2 seasons. I would like to take a more active role in the decision-making process of the theater moving forward.
Dianna Hite Smith: I would like to ask the membership to consider my re-election for a second term as my way to contribute and give back to this wonderful community. Without this family community family I would not have nearly the joy I have found with them.
2026 Business Seat Nominees
Duffy Benton
Tyler Gregory
Why are you interested in serving as an SCT Board Member?
Duffy Benton: I have been involved with Stage Coach Theatre for several years. When I saw the 1st play, I was amazed by the local talent and I knew I had to contribute. I don’t seem to possess the talent to perform but I am committed to doing whatever I could, be it financial or personal experience and time.
Tyler Gregory: I am interested in serving as an SCT Board Member because I enjoy building relationships, supporting others, and helping organizations grow. I value collaboration, bringing new ideas to the table, and contributing to decisions that have a positive impact. I would be excited for the opportunity to use my skills, learn from other board members, and help advance SCT’s mission and goals.
Describe your background and qualifications that make you a good candidate for your desired Board seat.
Duffy Benton: I started an insurance agency just under 26 years ago with my own policies being the only client I had. I built my agency to a quite large company with an office in Ada and Valley counties. I have previously chaired fundraising committees for the American Heart Association and Interfaith Sanctury. I have served on the board of directors for several state wide organizations related to the insurance industry. And lastly, I have served on this board for the past three years.
Tyler Gregory: My professional background has given me extensive experience in customer service, operations, problem-solving, and collaboration. As a Patient Access Specialist II with St. Luke’s Health System, I work closely with patients, providers, and coworkers to resolve complex issues while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and accountability. I also assist with tracking team productivity, analyzing data in Excel, and supporting daily operational processes. Throughout my career, I have held leadership and customer-focused roles that have strengthened my communication, organizational, and decision-making skills. I have experience training others, improving workflows, and working collaboratively to achieve organizational goals. As a current college student pursuing higher education and leadership opportunities, I am committed to continuous learning and professional growth. I believe my business experience, analytical mindset, and ability to build strong relationships would allow me to contribute thoughtfully to the SCT Board and help support its long-term success.
If selected by the Membership, what would you like to accomplish during your Board term?
Duffy Benton: Continued quality improvements. Fundraising is important even critical to non-profit organizations which we are. There has been amazing improvement over the last several years and there are more to come… plumbing as an example. Fundraising makes these things possible.
Tyler Gregory: If elected to serve on the SCT Board, my goal is to be an engaged and approachable representative who listens to the needs of our members and helps shape decisions that support the long-term success of the organization. I would like to strengthen communication between the Board and membership, encourage collaboration across the industry, and support initiatives that promote professional development and leadership opportunities. I also hope to bring a fresh perspective by using my experience in operations, data analysis, and process improvement to help identify practical ways to strengthen SCT’s programs and member experience. Above all, I want to help ensure SCT continues to provide meaningful value, foster innovation, and prepare the next generation of industry professionals.
Are there any other details you would like to share with the Membership for their consideration of your candidacy as a Board Member?
Duffy Benton: I am in awe of the local musicians and actors. Such talent deserves a place like Stage Coach Theatre to perform. I am committed to doing my part to ensure the continued success. It would be my honor to serve a second term on the board.
Tyler Gregory: N/A