BETTENDORF, Iowa – On November 30, 2019, at 7 pm, Miss Iowa Emily Tinsman, a Bettendorf native and graduate of Drake University, is taking her platform of arts advocacy to an audience. Join Miss Iowa and 17 other Quad Cities-area and statewide Thespian alumni for “A Grand Night for Singing” at the Bettendorf High School Performing Arts Center.

Miss Tinsman is partnering with the Iowa Thespians, an affiliate of the Educational Theatre Association, to raise awareness of the impact of arts education on Iowa students, and raise funds for advocacy in arts education. Proceeds from the event will support arts advocacy, and will help support student scholarships to high school students who wish to pursue careers in performance, technical theatre, and theatre education. Tickets are $20 each for adults, $10 for students, and available thorough Tickets  Emcee for the evening is Liz Treiber, Iowa Thespian alum and lead singer for Wicked Liz and the Bellyswirls.

Iowa Thespians honor student achievement in theatre and enrich the educational experience, support educators by providing professional development, networking opportunities, resources, and recognition, and influence public opinion and policy-makers that theatre education is essential and builds life skills. We are passionate about theatre education and believe all students should have access to theatre curriculum which provides critical life skills for educational and career success in the 21st century.

Several outstanding arts advocates from around the state will be honored at this event. Leon Kuehner, Craig Ihnen, Ron May, Leslie LaCorte and Aaron Dean will be recognized for their work in promoting arts education in the state of Iowa.