ABOUT OUR STAFF

Wendy Putzler has been FHS Theatre Director since 2017 and has been a part of the Department since 2003.

  She graduated from Frenchtown High School and Bemidji State University in Bemidji, MN, with a Secondary English Education Degree.

When she is not teaching and directing  she enjoys spending time with her husband and her three girls outside, running, and spending time with family and friends.  

On FHS Theatre: “I love the word ‘Yes.’ It is one thing about FHS theatre that goes above and beyond.  If we can dream and envision an idea, there is always someone who will say, ‘Yes, let's do it,’ and together we figure out how!”

Liz Sykora joined FHS Theatre in 2011 after graduating from UM with dual degrees in English Teaching &  Theatre Education.  She currently teaches full time at Flathead High School, teaching Technical Theatre 1-4 and Theatre as Literature.  She is also a Montana CTE certified teacher in Stagecraft. FHS's Techncial Theatre program is the only one of its kind in the state of Montana.

In the summer of 2018, Liz graduated with a Master of Theatre Studies Degree in Production and Design from Southern Oregon University. 

In the Summer of 2022, Liz was selected to attend NEH's Summer Shakespeare Institute hosted by Theatre for a New Audience in New York City.  Studying under leading Shakespeare Scholars and innovative Theatre Makers, she studied femininity and power in Shakespeare plays.  

She also recently did an online ordination and married two former students who met in her class!

The FHS Theatre Department welcomed Luke Johnson in 2020. He earned his education degree from Montana State University. After creating a successful Theatre program over the last 20 years at Somers Middle School, he is now an English Teacher at Flathead.

"As a director, I love allowing students to be a part of those million little decisions that tell a story. I enjoy guiding students to learn from the experiences of the unexpected happening on stage and teaching them that theater is about making others look good.  Most of all, I love being  involved in the theater to make moments for students to become more confident and to help them grow into the best versions of themselves."

Patty Hodges joined the Department in 2016 and brings a unique experience to the program through her choice of career as an IB French Teacher at Flathead.  

She is a graduate of Flathead High School and brings a sense of joy and fun to every group she directs. 

 Most recently, Patty directed Ash Girl (2021) and was the Co-Tech Director for Percy Jackson (2022).  

Jen Stebbins graduated from Flathead High School's Theatre program in 1999.  While in high school, she performed in several plays, including Fiddler on the Roof.  She also directed M*A*S*H as a student director.  

After graduating from FHS, she received a BA from the University of Washington.  She also received a Master's degree in Mental Health and Marriage and Family Counseling from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston.  

Kacie Bray  is a 2007 graduate of Flathead High School's Theatre and Music Departments.  While at FHS, she performed in Much Ado About Nothing, The Crucible, and The Sound of Music to name a few. 

 Kacie represented Montana in the Miss USA and Miss America contests. 

 She has also assisted with the KMS Musical, including Aladdin and Little Mermaid. 

Kacie is FHS Theatre's Resident Music and Choreography genius! She is now raising two adorable future theatre girls with her husband!

April joined the FHS Theatre staff in 2009 and has enjoyed directing everything from Musicals to  Shakespeare. It has been a great joy for her to come back to the FHS black box after acting and singing inside its walls as a student at Flathead High School.

 April has a Bachelor's Degree from The University of Providence in English and Secondary Education. She is currently working on her French Minor and loves teaching part-time while still having room for theatre and her family. 

"Every staff member and student I have worked with has enriched and blessed my life. I am so grateful to be a part of Flathead Theatre's legacy. It is a special place to call home."

Margo Sorensen joined FHS Theatre Department in 1995 to help with publicity and public relations. She has also worked behind the scenes with the technical side of the department. She graduated from Flathead in 1990 and Western Oregon State College in 1994 with a Humanities Degree.

 "The FHS Theatre Department is constantly updating and changing to match the changing technology of professional theatre. With cutting edge technology, a caring and skillful staff, and extraordinary students anything is possible in FHS Theatre."