Tulsa Native Tapped to Direct Olympics Closing Ceremony Opera Segment

Thaddeus Strassberger, a Booker T. Washington High School graduate, will oversee the opera-focused opening portion of the 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremonies in Italy.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Thaddeus Strassberger, a Tulsa native and graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, has been selected to direct the opening segment of the 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremonies in Italy, which will focus on opera. Strassberger, who has an extensive background in opera and theater production around the world, was likely chosen for this high-profile role due to his opera expertise. While details of the segment are being kept under wraps, Strassberger's mother and former teachers are proud of his accomplishments and believe it will inspire current students at his alma mater.

Why it matters

Strassberger's involvement in the Olympics closing ceremonies represents a major career milestone for the Tulsa native, showcasing his talents on the global stage. His success also highlights the quality of arts education and opportunities available at Booker T. Washington High School, which helped nurture Strassberger's passion for the performing arts early on.

The details

Thaddeus Strassberger, a 1994 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been tapped to direct the opening portion of the 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremonies in Italy. Strassberger, who has an extensive background in opera and theater production, was likely selected for this high-profile role due to his expertise in the opera genre. While the specific details of his segment are being kept under wraps, it is known that it will focus on opera performance.

  • Thaddeus Strassberger graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1994.
  • Strassberger was inducted into the Booker T. Washington High School Hall of Fame in 2017.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremonies will take place on February 22, 2026.

The players

Thaddeus Strassberger

A Tulsa native and graduate of Booker T. Washington High School who has an extensive career in opera and theater production around the world, and has been selected to direct the opening segment of the 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremonies in Italy.

Gayle Campbell

Thaddeus Strassberger's mother, who is proud of her son's accomplishments and involvement in the Olympics closing ceremonies.

Kaicee Mayo

The drama teacher at Booker T. Washington High School, who says Strassberger's success has inspired her students.

Booker T. Washington High School

The high school in Tulsa, Oklahoma that Thaddeus Strassberger attended, where he developed his passion for the performing arts.

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What they’re saying

“He's worked in Beijing, China. He's worked in Saudi Arabia. All over Europe, all over America.”

— Gayle Campbell, Thaddeus Strassberger's mother (KJRH)

“I think they actually reached out to him because of his opera background. And this segment will focus on opera.”

— Gayle Campbell, Thaddeus Strassberger's mother (KJRH)

“I want them to know that they can achieve that level of success as well. And it's just really great for them to see that if they can do it, you can do it.”

— Kaicee Mayo, Drama teacher at Booker T. Washington High School (KJRH)

What’s next

The 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremonies, including Thaddeus Strassberger's opera-focused segment, will take place on February 22, 2026.

The takeaway

Thaddeus Strassberger's selection to direct the opening portion of the 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremonies showcases the global impact that can stem from a strong arts education program at the high school level. His success is an inspiration to current and future students at Booker T. Washington High School, demonstrating that with dedication and talent, they too can achieve remarkable accomplishments on the world stage.