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 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 a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Education from the University of Northern Colorado and a master’s degree on the way, Mr. Eatherton 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

Luke Gilchrist is a Senior at Lakewood, serving as President and Publicity Crew Chief of the LHSTC, as well as a Colorado State Thespian Officer. On stage, his passion shines through notable roles in Nice Work, The Laramie Project, and more. Off stage, he's helped foster a community of theatre goers through his time on various technical crews.  When he is outside of the theater, he’s fascinated by electronics and math, constantly exploring new projects and challenges. He can't wait to lead an amazing season ahead!

Daniel Blackburn began his theatre journey as a freshman at Lakewood High School and has since contributed both onstage and behind the scenes, serving on stage crew for multiple productions. His performances include George Hay in Moon Over Buffalo, Professor Callahan in Legally Blonde, Doc O’Connor/Dennis Shephard in The Laramie Project, and Cookie McGee in Nice Work If You Can Get It—a role that earned him the prestigious Bobby G Student Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actor. Now serving his first term as Vice President of the Lakewood High School Theatre Company, Daniel is eager to help lead the company and create unforgettable experiences for its member and audiences alike.

Lorena Franklin is a sophomore at Lakewood High School, and has been acting since she was in 3rd grade. Lorena is a passionate performer who has been in countless shows in her middle school and at Lakewood. You may have seen her as the Store Manager in Legally Blonde this past year, or Anna in Frozen Jr. at Manning Middle School. 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.

Lucia Rubino is a sophomore at Lakewood High School. Lucia’s been involved in theatre since third grade, with experience in both acting and technical theatre. Currently, they enjoy taking an active role in the more technical aspects of theatre. When not backstage, you can find them playing violin, baking sweet treats, or reading. Lucia is super excited for all that will happen this upcoming theatre season!

Mason is stoked to be one of your JSTAT Representatives this year! She has been apart of the LHSTC all four years of high school, specifically on sound crew. As crew chief this year, she hopes to continue to teach her crew members and set up future productions for success. 

Lizzy Waples has been with the theater company for three years and is incredibly excited to work on JSTAT. She’s been passionate about theater for a while and worked on various productions, including Laramie and Nice Work. She loves being outdoors and running with friends, as well as working at the UCHealth hospital. Her time at Lakewood has been marked by an involvement in ASL Club, IB, Varsity Cross Country, and NHS. Her favorite things usually include road trips with friends and anything with chocolate.