Meet our Directors & Officers

Jace Smykil is back for his 11th 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

Myla Getting is a senior at LHS and has been a member of the LHSTC since her freshman year! She is serving as president of the theatre company this year and also works as one of the stage managers and stage crew chiefs! She loves her community very dearly and is proud of all the work they do. Outside of theatre she watches a lot of tv and movies and loves chatting about it. She also hangs out with her dog, family and friends. She also wants everyone to know that Smykil and Et are actually the best!  She is happily here to help and is quite excited to finish off her high school career strong!  

Liam Morton is a Senior at Lakewood High School, serving as one of the schools two JSTAT Representatives.  Having started his passion for theatre in 6th grade, he’s gone from Crew to Cast over his years at Lakewood.  His first Lakewood production was on Lights Crew during Bright Ideas, where he remained for a year and a half.  Liam finally made his jump to stage during his Junior Year, in the production of Legally Blonde!  When not in the auditorium, Liam finds enjoyment playing Tennis as well as participating in the Student Senate, meaning he really never leaves the school. 

Luke Gilchrist is a Junior at Lakewood, serving as Secretary and Publicity Crew Chief of the LHSTC. His passion for theatre shines through both on stage and off stage.  On stage, he is an actor, with notable roles in Legally Blonde and The Laramie Project. Off stage, he helped foster a community of theatre goers through his time on Publicity Crew and House Crew.  When he is outside of the theater (which is rare), he’s fascinated by electronics and math, constantly exploring new projects and challenges. Luke also enjoys spending time with his family and friends when he is outside of school.

Dezzy Sears is a senior at LHS and has been a member of the LHSTC since her freshman year. Recently elected as treasurer, she is excited to lead her peers. Dezzy has participated in both the cast and crew of numerous productions at Lakewood, including the musical Legally Blonde, which helped her develop a deep appreciation for storytelling. She loves the opportunity to create art that resonates with others. In her free time, she practices music and hopes to continue collaborating with others, both in and out of theater. She plans to make her last year go out with a bang!

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.

Zeek is absolutely pumped about being the Human Relations officer this year, as a senior and class of 2025! On stage they have been in many productions as an ensemble member, with small featured roles, and has also been apart of technical aspect of the productions as well! Off stage they enjoy talking about music, fashion and especially, hair colors. They have had every color of the rainbow except for yellow and green but plans to have them eventually! They’re always here for a shoulder to cry on, an ear to talk off, or even just a hug.

Liam Morton is a Senior at Lakewood High School, serving as one of the schools two JSTAT Representatives.  Having started his passion for theatre in 6th grade, he’s gone from Crew to Cast over his years at Lakewood.  His first Lakewood production was on Lights Crew during Bright Ideas, where he remained for a year and a half.  Liam finally made his jump to stage during his Junior Year, in the production of Legally Blonde!  When not in the auditorium, Liam finds enjoyment playing Tennis as well as participating in the Student Senate, meaning he really never leaves the school. 

Savanna is a senior at Lakewood High School and has been doing theatre since she was a freshman. She started in sound, became the crew chief and then made her way to Co-Director. Savanna wants to be an elementary teacher after she graduates but until then is going to make her senior year count. She is so grateful for the opportunity to be apart of a community like the theatre company, and to get to know all of you

Maizy is a dedicated IB senior in the LHSTC and was elected as one of 10 State Thespian Officers for the State of Colorado this year! She works to plan ThesCon and celebrate student theatre state wide. Maizy is the first STO from Lakewood is over 20 years! Maizy has performed in the Spring Musical and One Acts the last three years, with her most notable role being Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde. Outside of theater you can find Maizy running Lakewood Senate or playing volleyball and always in a new bold outfit!