Candidate Slate Announced

Posted: Friday, May 15, 2026, 4:17pm

The Curtain Players Board has approved a slate of candidates for the four board offices open for election at the Season 63 party and membership meeting, Thursday, May 21, at Old Bag O' Nails in Uptown Westerville.

The four candidates are: Kathy Hyland for president (incumbent); Kirsten Peninger for secretary; Ro Frazee for at-large trustee (incumbent); and Casey Merkey for at-large trustee.

This slate is neither an endorsement nor a final ballot, nor are the elections to be considered uncontested. Additional candidates for each of the four open offices may be nominated from the floor on voting night. Officers elected will serve two-year terms commencing July 1, 2026.

Only recognized Curtain Players members may vote in the election. The Member Relations Committee will assist the board in registering voters and conducting the election. Individuals eligible for membership who have not opted into the program may do so upon arrival at the May 21 event for the privilege of casting ballots.

Vice President Jim Petsche chaired the nominating committee composed of Doug Browell, Denise Dumouchelle, Brian Henry, and Allison Fagan. Committee members advertised for applicants earlier this spring. The committee prepared a slate for board approval at its April meeting. The four candidates on the slate are the only four who submitted applications for consideration.

Secretary Julie Emmert-Silvius and At-large Trustee Chelsea Martins are not seeking re-election to their offices.