Jace Smykil is back for his 13th year of teaching at LHS.  He was the first to develop a Unified Theatre course, which has become a model for bringing art to students with special needs across the state. Mr. Smykil holds a BA from the University of Northern Colorado, and an MFA in acting from the University of Ohio.  He has worked as a teaching artist with the Denver Center Education department and continues to work professionally as a voice over and commercial actor.  Mr. Smykil has directed many shows throughout his time with the LHSTC, usually plays.

Contact: Jace.Smykil@Jeffcoschools.us

Ty Eatherton ("ET") started teaching in 2018 and was a middle-school theatre educator until making the big leap to LHS. He is an established educator and director in the Colorado theatre scene, including residencies at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Denver Center of Performing Arts, and is currently the Artistic Director of Front Range Theatre Company. With both a bachelor's and master's degree in Theatre Education from the University of Northern Colorado, ET continues to explore opportunities to promote collaboration and creativity, and above all, push students to continually create and explore with the arts.

Contact: Ty.Eatherton@Jeffcoschools.us

David Payne has been in the theatre community for over 40 years, and has been the Technical Director of Theatre at LHS for five years. Mr. Payne works actively throughout the Colorado theatre community as an actor, director, stage manager, and production manager. Mr. Payne studied Theatre at the University of Northern Colorado, and Studied Acting and Directing at the University of Denver. He directed multiple shows at the Arvada Center for Arts and Humanities, and was also the Technical Director at the Community College of Aurora, and at the Mizel Arts and Cultural Center.

Contact: David.Payne@Jeffcoschools.us

Josiah Ver Miller  is a Senior at Lakewood, serving as President of the LHSTC, as well as a Colorado State Thespian Officer.  On stage, his passion for theater shines through memorable roles as Donald J. Carney in Biloxi Blues, Jimmy in Almost Maine, and The Jet Blue Pilot in Legally Blonde.  When he is outside of the theater, he likes to pursue his passion for filmmaking. Josiah is ecstatic to serve the LHSTC this year in order to help grow and foster a new generation of passionate theatrical artists.

Diana is thrilled to be the Vice President of the LHSTC for the 2026-2027 season! She is a senior this year and has participated in many productions at Lakewood, including acting in last year’s season of Decision Height and Urinetown, and writing and directing one of the spring One Acts. She also works on community theatre productions at the PAA and the Arvada Center, and is part of Lakewood’s Thespian Troupe #1697.

Desmond Miller is a senior who's been involved in theatre with the LHSTC all four years. They've acted in many productions with the company, but also helped in lights crew multiple times. They're also interested in writing scripts, having written two already. Outside of theatre, Desmond really likes programming and composing music, as well as math. They can't wait to help foster a good season for the LHSTC this year!

Breton Mendez is a Junior at Lakewood High School, and has been acting since he was in 6th grade. His passion for theatre runs deep, participating in the LHSTC as much as he can. His previous performances include Rulon Stacey/Jedadiah Schultz in The Laramie Project, Vice Trio in Nice Work If You Can Get It, Eugene Morris Jerome in Biloxi Blues, and most recently Bobby Strong in Urinetown. Other than Theatre, he loves to read, sing, and watch and analyze film. Bret is beyond excited for the upcoming theatre season!

Camilla Franklin is a sophomore at Lakewood. She has been acting and performing since third grade, participating in multiple productions in and out of school. You may recognize her from the 2025 fall play, Durang Durang, and the 2026 musical, Urinetown. When Camilla is not onstage, you can find her crafting, playing tennis, or playing with her dog, Chazyn. She is thrilled to be the historian of the LHSTC this school year, and cannot wait for this upcoming theatre season!

Gizelle Marquez is a Senior and is so excited to be one of your JSTAT Representatives this year. Gizelle has been in the theater company all four years and has explored her passion in theater in various productions like Salon cashier in Legally Blonde, Mrs. Deaton in Decision Height, and other productions outside of school. When Gizelle is not on stage you can find her  Traveling, making jewelry, or hanging out with Friends. Gizelle can't wait to see what this Theater season will bring!

Lorena Franklin is a Senior, and has been acting since she was in 3rd grade. Lorena is a passionate performer who has recently discovered the art of Stand Up Comedy. You may have seen her as Hope Cladwell in Urinetown this past year, or Virginia Hascall in Decision Height. She loves playing piano, tennis, meeting new people, and getting other people excited about theater! Lorena also loves broadening her knowledge of acting, the history of it, and different acting techniques.