As we celebrate the conclusion of the 2026 season, company members will have the opportunity to vote for four members of the Board of Directors to take office January 1, 2027 for a three-year term. You must be a member of the company in good standing and at least 18 years of age in order to cast a vote.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the financial, legal, regulatory, and contractual affairs of Corn Stock Theatre. Their job is to make certain the organization is fiscally stable and compliant with all laws and restrictions of operation. It is a huge responsibility and not always fun!
There were a number of talented individuals interested in serving on the Board and all were reviewed carefully and with gratitude for their interest. The committee felt that these four had the blend of expertise and experience that would best serve the theatre at this time.
Please review the statements of the four candidates below. Thank you.
Aliesha Graves, Kristin Whitaker, Susan Hazzard, Sarah Beth Leasor, and Aaron Wargo; Nominating Committee
The Corn Stock Membership will vote on the following four candidates to join or renew their spot on the Board of Directors. Members will vote via electronic ballot from October 21-30 at 6pm. If you are a member in good standing you will receive an email on October 21st with a link to vote. If you do not receive an email and you believe you are a member in good standing, please email Theatre Manager, Kenney Delaney, at
Paul Gordon
Paul Gordon has been part of the Corn Stock family nearly 25 years and has done much on and backstage in that time. Before “‘Night Mother” he directed such shows as “These Shining Lives,” “Of Mice and Men,” “God of Carnage” and “Other Desert Cities.” On stage, he has portrayed Willie Loman in “Death of a Salesman,” John Proctor in “The Crucible,” Richard Nixon in “Frost/Nixon,” the butler who did it in “Out of Sight, Out of Murder,” and Amos in “Chicago,” and many others in the tent and lab theater.
He also has performed at Peoria Players Theater and The Barn Dinner Theater, but admits the Corn Stock lab theater is his favorite venue. Paul also has served on Corn Stock’s Board of Directors and numerous committees and is a recipient of the prestigious Gretchen Iben Award.
Andrew Harrison
Andrew has been involved with Corn Stock Theatre for over 20 years, stretching back to 2004’s Carousel. Since that time, he has found himself engaged in many aspects of community theatre. From acting and directing to being an assistant stage manager and committee member.
He and his wife, Michelle, have three children: Natalie, Kara, and Lucas (who have also been involved in theatre) and a dog: Hunter (who has not). Andrew has a degree in English-Writing from Millikin University and currently uses it every day working for Accenture, where he frequently writes emails to clients while helping them solve their technical issues. He has led teams both locally and remotely across the globe with a focus on building customer relationships to provide support with a personal touch.
In an era characterized by pervasive negativity, Corn Stock has given Andrew so much joy over the years. He feels the need to help spread that joy further throughout our broader community. This is an exciting time for our theatre with new facilities, and he believes his theatre experience, leadership, and creative thinking would be a boon for the organization were he to be elected.
Cole Krasinski
A long time patron and supporter of community theater in the Peoria area, Cole brings a variety of skills to Corn Stock Theatre. As a registered patent practitioner at a law firm, he helps inventors protect inventions through the preparation of patents. Throughout his career, he has worked with technologies related to film production, surround sound systems, and theater lighting, giving him a unique perspective on the performing arts. He has assisted backstage in several theater productions and enjoys making sure shows run smoothly.
With this experience, Cole is prepared to support production teams at Corn Stock. He plans to guide Corn Stock through evolving technology and to support new creative endeavors. While he has never been on stage as an actor, Cole's background brings a fresh and educated perspective to the team.
In his free time, Cole can often be found blowing glass at JDraper Glass in Peoria. He thanks his husband Alex Hunt and their dog Bumi for their support.
Ian Monk
Ian served 20 years in the US Army Reserve and currently works as the Records Coordinator for the City of Peoria. Public service is a passion and he would love the opportunity to continue serving by bringing expertise in risk management, decision making processes, and communication strategies to Corn Stock Theatre’s Board of Directors.
He first performed with CST in 2014 and after a decade away traveling the world, returned to be an active participant both as cast and crew in nine productions since.
“I have been searching for community for a long time. At Corn Stock, I have found it in a group of the most talented, generous, and welcoming people I could have hoped for.”
