Executive Board Nomination Speeches
Historian Nominees
Alex Sweitzer
Hello everyone, my name is Alex Sweitzer and I am running for Historian of the Red Masquers for the 2026-2027 season. I am a double major in English-Lit and Theater Arts, with a double minor in Creative Writing and Women & Gender Studies. Although this is only my first year as a Masquer, I have already grown to love this theatre and the people I have gotten to work alongside. Not to sound cheesy or anything — even though I know I will be — but the theatre has always been a place where I belong and where I can be authentically myself.
Originally, I wasn’t planning on running this year to be on the Exec board because I was a freshman and thought it wouldn’t be my place. However, I was encouraged to put myself out there more and to not be scared. And so, here I am. I want to continue to make a difference and make sure this theater is a safe, loving environment for everyone (not that it already is).I have loved being apart of this great, big family here at the GT and I hope I can continue to be as your 2026-2027 Historian. Thank you.
Alaina Beeler
Hello! My name is Alaina Beeler and I am a junior Psychology major with a minor in Theater Arts and a certificate in Business Management. I think the role of the Historian for the Red Masquers would be a good fit for me, because I am committed and willing to do anything in the theater, whether that is acting, working backstage, in the grid, or running box office for shows. While having never holding a board position for this club and always wanting to, I believe I will make everyone who joins feel welcome and make sure they have a great time.
Maddi Adams
Hello everyone! My name is Maddi and I’m a rising junior here at Duquesne! I’ve been a part of the masquers since my freshman year, but I took a lil leave of absence due to some other musical theater opportunities I received this year! I will be super involved in next year’s productions, and I want to get involved more backstage as well!! I am so lucky to be a part of this community, and I want to use my creative talents to express that! About my artistic ability, I’ve been painting and crafting for about 10 years, so I can adapt and create some cool things! I have so many ideas for next year's scrapbook and I want to be the person you come to as a way to get your ideas heard as well! Thank you all, and I can’t wait to connect with everyone again!
Secretary Nominees
Ariana Frankenfield
Hello everyone! My name is Ariana Frankenfield and I am running for Secretary of the Red Masquers Executive Board for the 2026-2027 season. I am in my second year as a Psychology major with a Theater Arts minor and I am very eager to continue learning, especially through this organization. I would like to be secretary because I believe I would do well at documenting and sharing information as well as maintaining communication through the necessary channels. As a current chair for the communications department, I understand the importance of communication and outreach. My passion and dedication to not only the success of the Red Maquers, but also its members, are other qualities I feel would aid me in this position. I have much pride in being a Red Masquer, and I am excited to grow, contribute, and become more involved in this organization.
Gavin Hart
My fellow Red Masquers. I want to preface this by saying that if I am elected my goals will be the following: 1) to uphold the values of our theater troupe, and 2) to make all new and returning thespians feel welcome in the Genesius. I will also add that those two goals will remain the same for me whether I am elected or not, which is why I am asking for you all to not vote for me, but to move your vote for one Ariana Frankenfield.
The two goals I have outlined are not the goals of a secretary, but the goals of a person— especially a thespian. A secretary should know the inner workings of a faction, have connections, and a strong and personal repertoire. Unlike my counterpart, I surely lack these requirements.
Miss Frankenfield has not only upheld those two values I have stated above, but has also went above and beyond in creating a welcoming culture, while having incredible work present on and off stage.
I will conclude this by saying that if by some miracle I am elected, I will still treat the position with dignity and honor, but I know that each of you understands that this position is worthy of someone much grander than myself, that someone being John Lane’s right-hand woman, Miss Ariana Frankenfield.
Vice President Nominees
Ashley Caldwell
Hi everyone! I’m Ashley and I have been planning on running for vice president of this organization for a long time now. I am a public relations and theater arts double major, and I have been a board member, acting as the historian for the Red Masquers this school year, and I currently hold two chair positions as the costume chair and the social media chair as part of the communications team. I have been a very active member of the Red Masquers since the end of my freshman year in 2024, and since joining I have truly loved being part of this organization every single day. I actively audition and participate in multiple shows each year, along with fulfilling my duties on the board and in my chair positions. I am willing and prepared to take on the responsibilities of VP, making it a goal to aid in every single department whenever they need any help and to make sure everyone feels like they have a voice and are well represented. On a less serious note, I am just truly in the building practically 24/7, and I am always willing to help out anyone on any project for the Masquers. I attend every crew I possibly can, actively help build the sets in my free time, and I often am just around for moral support. I strive to be a positive energy in this building to every single person that passes through, no matter what because I faced some challenges when I first joined, and I refuse to allow anyone in this building to feel the way I once did. Even when times are tough, I always make it a personal goal of mine to be a friendly, welcoming face to all involved here, and I will enforce kindness and grace for the entire organization while in a higher position of power, if elected your Vice President. I love the Red Masquers, and I would love to serve as the VP for my senior year here. Thank you all for your consideration, much love<3
Jonah Higdon
Hello, my name is Jonah Higdon. Most of you have seen me around the theater — or at the very least, heard me around it — and I’m running for Vice President of the Duquesne Red Masquers. I’ve been a member of the Red Masquers for a year and a half, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed every moment. This year, I served as the Assistant Set Chair and helped build the sets for Head Over Heels and The Miniature Picture. As your Vice President, I plan to strengthen communication between the board and the chairs, and I want to ensure that programs like Play‑in‑a‑Day and Premieres continue to thrive. I haven’t been a member as long as my opponent, Ashley Caldwell, nor am I as focused on the idea of being elected. Despite that, I love being a Red Masquer. I’ve loved performing onstage, working behind the scenes, and meeting so many new faces throughout this season. I’d like to close by reminding everyone of a quote that may inspire you:
“People aren’t defined by their success, but rather how they fail and get back up” – The Pillow Man.
President Nominee
Julia Kadar
Hi! I’m Julia Kadar, and I’m running for President of the Red Masquers. I am a Theatre Arts and English double major with a writing concentration and a minor in Music. I have been fortunate in my three years with the masquers to do so many different things. Performing, board op-ing, sound designing, building sets, working with so many wonderful people, and serving two years on the executive board as Historian and Secretary. I am very well versed in how this organization runs, and I feel confident that I can aid people if they run into problems.
Being involved in the Masquers has improved my time here at Duquesne and has introduced me to many friends and talented people that I have had the pleasure of working with on productions. I want to help others experience that with the masquers in any way I can. I can’t wait to make more memories here, and I look forward to another year with the masquers.
