playbill vip

Myles Finn started his position with Indianola High School in the fall of 2018.  He is the director of 9th Grade Bass and Treble Choirs, 10th Grade Choraliers, and Chorale.  He also directs Flip Side and completed his first season with them in March of this year! Before Indianola, he taught for 3 years at South Hamilton MS/HS where he directed 5-12th choir and musicals! 

Mr. Finn is a graduate of Wartburg College in Waverly, IA (GO KNIGHTS), where he was a member of the internationally acclaimed Wartburg Choir.  He will begin earning his Master's Degree from Michigan State University beginning June of this year.  

Mr. Finn currently lives in Indianola with his beautiful wife, Haley and their 3 "fur children", Nala, Watson, and Arlo. He would like to thank his directing team, cast, crew, pit, and parent volunteers involved for the incredible effort put forth to create the show you see before you.  

Note to the cast from Mr. Finn - "Friends, I'm incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work you've poured into this show. I especially thank you for rolling with the punches of having TWO new directors! You have humbly accepted your roles, and produced a show that has improved each and every one of you as actors, singers, and dancers. Remember... plan for the future, but live in the now! Enjoy yourselves, and remember to remember these moments, for they are fleeting! 

Much love,

Finn"

Nathanael Smale is originally from the Cedar Rapids area, and he is excited to make his directorial debut with NEWSIES! here in Indianola.  Smale graduated from Simpson College in Spring 2018 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education, and he currently teaches K-5 General Music and 5th Grade Chorus at Emerson Elementary in Indianola.  Previous stage credits include: William Barfée in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee with Theatre Simpson, Silvano in La Calisto and Ensemble in Carousel with Simpson Opera, and numerous school and community theater productions throughout his own K-12 schooling.  In his free time, Smale likes to spend time with friends, watching countless comedies on Netflix, and composing music for choral groups of all ages.  He is grateful to the directing team - Myles Finn, BrandiAnn Wilson, and Pitt Strohm - for their work in making this show a success, Val Hagener for her help and support throughout this whole process, as well as to the entire cast, crew, and pit orchestra for their hard work and dedication.

Note to the cast from Mr. Smale - "Cast - It's hard to believe how quickly this process flew by, but here we are, performing this show for our friends and families!  Your hard work inspired me throughout this process and pushed me to be better.  I truly couldn't have asked for a better cast to work with my first time directing. This show holds a special place in my heart, and after all our work together, I will treasure it even more. Now it's time to take all those hours of hard work and let it all shine on stage!  Leave your heart out there for everyone to see!  Break a leg!  Seize the Day! -Smale"