EHS Theatre Department Directors & Creative Team

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Jeanine Hoskins, a proud Elko native and Elko High School alumna, is thrilled to serve as the Theatre Director at her alma mater. Her leadership and vision led to the creation of the CTE Theatre Technology program, which quickly found success, earning a silver award in its inaugural year and gold in its second. In recognition of her dedication and excellence in theatre education, she was named Theatre Director of the Year in 2022, a testament to her impact on the field.

With many years of experience teaching students of all ages, Hoskins is passionate about nurturing young artists and fostering a love for theatre within the community. She is actively involved in the broader theatre scene, serving as Treasurer of The Overland Stage Company and as a board member for the Nevada State Thespians.

Casey Bennett, who has been involved in theatre at Elko High School for over two and a half years, has significantly contributed as the A/V Director for the Theatre Department. Known for his initiative, he played a key role in establishing the school’s A/V Systems team. He now serves on the board of directors for the Elko Community Concerts Association, overseeing technical work, marketing, and other operations. Additionally, Casey is a board member of the City of Elko Arts & Cultural Advisory Board, reflecting his dedication to enriching the local arts community.

Working closely with Mrs. Hoskins, he manages scheduling and tours for the Performing Arts Building, demonstrating strong organizational skills. His technical expertise spans countless hours operating both the light and sound boards, and he invests time in training new students, supporting their growth in theater technology. 

Shauna Plunkett is a native Elko resident, having lived here most of her life. Shauna attended Elko High School and participated in Choraliers, Band, and of course, the theatre department. Shauna has had many roles both on and off the stage with community theatre and the high school. She has played the roles of Mother Abbess in the Sound of Music, Factory Girl in Les Miserables, Reno’s Angel Virtue in Anything Goes, and has worked as the Music Director for Matilda Jr., Little Shop of Horrors, and Shrek. Shauna enjoys her work with Overland Stage Theatre Company and hopes to serve as long as she can.

 Laura is so excited to be working with Elko High School’s Theatre Department! Born and raised in Elko, Laura has loved the stage from an early age. She danced competitively in various styles growing up, clogging being one of her favorites. As time went on, she discovered theatre and felt at home. The stage is one of Laura’s greatest passions, and she strives to create engaging and impactful performances always. 

    Laura has performed in and choreographed multiple productions throughout Elko’s theatre community and is currently working on choreographing her 12th show. Some of the first productions she choreographed were for Elko and Spring Creek High School’s joint musical in 2015, 2017, and 2018. She will be forever grateful for those experiences because it opened so many doors. Laura has also choreographed for Great Basin College (Mamma Mia, Anything Goes), StarLight Children’s Theatre Company (The Nutcracker Prince, Treasure Island), Overland Theatre Company (Beauty and the Beast), Wells High School (The Ever After- a Musical), and one independent film (A Ranch Musical). She recently choreographed Shrek the Musical, The Great Gatsby, and the Addams Family Musical for Elko High School; it is some of her proudest work yet. Laura also taught dance recreationally and competitively for the studio TDC. She has worked with all age groups as well as levels. She truly believes that anyone can learn to dance. 

    In the spring of 2025, she checked off a dream show on her bucket list and was casted as a “Merry Murderess” in Overland Theatre Company’s production of Chicago. Other favorite roles she has played include: Hermia (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Lady Macbeth and Banquo (Macbeth 2014, 2023), Venus (Venus and Adonis), Don Juan (Much Ado About Nothing), and Lefou (Beauty and the Beast). Laura received her Associates of Arts from Great Basin College and is a wife and a mother to five beautiful children. The many theatrical tools and techniques she has gained over the years she uses in her every day life. 

    Lastly, Laura is incredibly passionate about working with the youth. She finds immense joy in teaching them and believes it to be one of her callings. Through teaching dance and theatre, Laura hopes to inspire and empower the next generation. She is so grateful for the opportunity to work with Elko High School’s drama students and is looking forward to another amazing season!