Mikayla Assmus, Director of Theatre Arts
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Ms. Assmus holds a BA in English from Colorado State University and is a Career and Technical Education teacher with a focus in Production and Managerial Arts. Ms. Assmus began teaching at Fossil Ridge High School in the 2021 as an English and Theatre teacher. Throughout her time at Fossil she has worn many hats. She has taught a variety of English courses, SaberCat 101, RIDGE Leadership and Ambassadors. The 2026-2027 school year marks her first year teaching all of the drama courses we offer at FRHS. She has directed seven musicals and one play in her time at Fossil. Two of those musicals have been selected to perform at the International Thespian Festival, including the Pilot Production of Kimberly Akimbo the Musical High School Version (FRHS was the first school in the world to perform this show). She loves all things theatre and is so thrilled to have her dream job directing theatre at Fossil Ridge High School.
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John Garner, Technical Director
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Over the past 30 years, John Garner has served as the technical theatre director, vocal director, or stage director of over fifty five shows. He has worked with all levels of theatre, from elementary to professional in many different capacities. Mr. Garner has worked at Fossil Ridge HS since 2013, directing choirs and teaching theatre. In 2019, he was recognized as Colorado Theatre Teacher of the year by the Colorado State Thespian Conference. He has worked diligently to implement CTE (Career and Technical Education) credit for technical theatre classes, helping students get credit and experience toward working in the entertainment industry.
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Bri McCormick, Music Director
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Bri McCormick has taught choral music since 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University. Bri serves as Treasurer for the Colorado All State Choir and as Music Director for Fossil Ridge Theatre. Her work with FR Theatre has been recognized at the state level with multiple Bobby G Awards for music direction and best pit, and her choirs consistently earn Superior ratings, including featured performances at CMEA and Carnegie Hall. She is also a founding member of the adult choir, NOCO Singers and enjoys performing with the ensemble. Bri lives in Windsor with her husband, Alec, their children and their pug, Batman.
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Topher Lengerich, Choreographer
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Topher is a full-time professional creative artist, specializing as the resident choreographer at FRHS. He holds a BM in Musical Theatre from Catholic University of America with a minor in Music Education. For Fossil Theatre, Topher has directed movement since 2023 for Bright Star, Alice by Heart, Carrie, Shrek: the Musical, and Kimberly Akimbo, and has been honored to present his work on the ITF Mainstage and at the Bobby G Awards. He is also a Resident Director at PAA Colorado and the Education Director at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre in Grand Lake. His All Shook Up at THAC was recognized with an Onstage Colorado Award for Best Choreography. You can find him singing Sunday mornings with the recently viral Gsus Band at St. Joe’s in Greenwich Village, or out at sea as a Vocal Director with Royal Caribbean Entertainment.
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Rebecca Spafford, Costumes, Hair and Make-Up Director
Joel Atella, Rehearsal Pianist
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Joel Atella is a native of Fort Collins and a PSD graduate, having attended Dunn, Lesher, and Rocky Mountain HS. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. For over a decade, Joel honed his skills behind the scenes, serving as a Stage Manager, Tour Manager, and Assistant Director for renowned performing arts organizations across the United States, including the Indianapolis Symphony, San Diego Opera, and Opera Colorado. When not making or listening to music, Joel is an avid skier and loves to read and cook. He currently serves as the Assistant Collaborative Pianist and sings with the Larimer Chorale and is thrilled to support the Fossil Ridge Vocal Arts and Theatre Programs.
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