The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) has announced their board's election of a new Vice President-President and two new directors, each beginning their term July 1, 2025. 

Dr. Patricia Santanello has been elected Vice President-President, while Desiree Dabney and Irene Imboden have been added to the board by EdTA members in a recent vote; and Tricia Patrick has been reappointed to the board for another term.

Santanello currently serves as EdTA Board Secretary, with 38 years of experience in theatre education. She has also served as Chapter Director for the Ohio chapter of EdTA and as a board member for the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education and Short North Stage. Recognized for her work in sensory-friendly theatre, Dr. Santanello authored a dissertation on autism-friendly performance. 

Dabney is the head of musical theatre at Virginia Commonwealth University, with a background in curriculum development and theatre education. She became the first African American woman to create theatre arts curriculum for the Virginia Department of Education, and has contributed to theatre programs for Richmond Public Schools. An advocate for inclusive arts education, Desirée has also led professional development workshops nationwide.

Imboden has been a theatre, English, and speech teacher at Troy High School for over 30 years. With 19 years on the Ohio Chapter’s board, including two terms as Chapter Director, Imboden's leadership has supported initiatives statewide. Imboden is an advocate for inclusion, founding her school’s GSA and championing equitable arts access.

Patrick is the Director of Education at Ford’s Theatre as well as a performer and teaching artist. Patrick currently serves on the EdTA Board of Directors and was an inaugural member of EdTA’s BIPOC Leadership Circle, with experience in teaching, arts management, and entrepreneurship.

“These exceptional leaders bring a powerful combination of experiences and expertise to further our mission,” Krista Carson Elhai, EdTA’s current board president, said in a statement. “Their voices will be vital as we continue to expand access to transformative theatre experiences for all students.”

For more information, visit SchoolTheatre.org.