Dixie Forcht, theatre director at South Tama County High School, is the newest member of the Iowa Thespian Hall of Fame. Forcht will be inducted on November 14 during the annual Iowa Thespian Festival at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) campus. She will be honored for her significant contributions of time, talents, and service to Iowa Thespians and for advancing the mission of theatre education, joining an esteemed group of individuals. Including Forcht, only 36 individuals have been inducted into the Iowa Thespian Hall of Fame since 1995. Dixie is the second individual from the South Tama County Thespian Troupe #1038 to be inducted, following Mary Fasse-Shaw in 1998.

Forcht’s dedication to theatre education spans multiple years in both the performing arts and debate worlds. She has directed fourteen shows at South Tama County High School and numerous one-act plays. She has also directed and performed in several productions at the Wieting Community Theatre. Her career began in Texas, where she became a Double Diamond National Speech & Debate coach while teaching and directing at schools in San Antonio, Austin, Southlake, and Denton. She coached a national champion in Poetry Interpretation and numerous finalists in Extemp, Debate, and Performance events.

Additionally, Dixie is currently serving as the Communications Chair on the Iowa Thespian Board. She will step into the role of Secretary after the 2026 state festival. According to Iowa Thespian Chapter Director Nate Jorgensen, “Dixie has been a dedicated member of the Iowa Thespians family for years. She wears many hats in support of our organization and its delegation. She is willing and eager to take on any role to ensure students are given a positive experience. Her impact is felt by all. She is a gift to the state!”

Forcht will officially join the Iowa Thespians Hall of Fame (HOF) during the festival’s annual mainstage ceremony on Saturday, November 14, with several HOF members in attendance.

Chapter Director Nate Jorgensen will introduce Audrey Roth, Forcht’s colleague and friend from South Tama County High School, who will give a five-minute induction speech. Following the introduction, Forcht will give her acceptance speech and remarks. After the ceremony, invited family and friends will gather in UNI’s GBPAC lobby for photos.

Iowa Thespian Festival is closed to the public. An estimated crowd of 1,000 students from Thespian troupes across Iowa are expected to attend this year’s event. View past inductees and learn more about the Iowa Thespian HOF by visiting https://www.iowathespians.org/halloffame.html.