Theatre Faculty

David Peterson

David Peterson has been doing theatre since the age of 9. A student of a creative and performing arts magnet school from the 4-12 grade and a graduate of Ball State University, Mr. Peterson loves doing all aspects theatre. He also holds a Master's degree form Lesley University. As an actor, designer, technician, or as a director, he loves seeing the art form come to life. He currently serves as the director of theater and technical theatre at Chaparral High School in Parker, Colorado, an Outstanding Theatre School as named by Education Theatre Association. The Denver Center awarded him with the Outstanding Director Bobby G Award. Colorado State Thespians honored him as the 2014-15 high school teacher of the year. He was the proud director of Chaparral High School's main stage performances at the Colorado State Thespian Conferences with their production of Go Back for Murder and Cash on Delivery. He directed the Chaparral production of Puck's Potion, a main stage selection at the International Thespian Conference. He also directed several National Performing Arts Festival Showcase Winners in Orlando, Florida. He has had the honor and privilege of presenting workshops and serving on panels at USITT, AATE, Thespian and ACT conferences. He was an Apple Award finalist for Douglas County School District in 2015. He served as the treasurer for the Alliance for Colorado Theatre for 14 years. He currently serves as the performing arts department chair at Chaparral High School.

Kristine Smiley-Smola

Kristine Smiley started her passion for theatre as a young audience member at Overland High School theatre productions; where her mother taught and she grew to appreciate the performing arts. Kristine is a born and raised Colorado local and received a degree in Theatre Education from the University of Northern Colorado. Before graduating from UNCO she student taught at Denver School of the Arts and once she graduated she worked as a guest artist for the Theatre Program at DSA. She has also worked professionally as a Stage Manager for local theatre companies including the Aurora Fox, Arvada Center for Arts and Humanities, and the Denver Children’s Theatre and Wolf Theatre Academy at the Jewish Community Center in Denver. She has directed and assisted in many productions over the years, worked closely with the Colorado Thespian Board, and continued to support arts education growth in underrepresented areas across the Denver Metro Area. Last year Kristine taught Kindergarten through 8th grade Drama in Denver Public Schools. Her passion for theatre now lies in the creation of productions and allowing students to grow their craft and passion in theatre. Kristine is honored to be apart of the Chaparral Performing Arts Team.