About the Patriot Players
Liberty High School's Drama Department
We are a dynamic theatre department, dedicated to providing exciting and enriching productions for our students, parents, and community. We host a chapter of the International Thespian Society and participated in the 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards.
Liberty offers several classes: Theatre Arts 1, Theatre Arts 2, Theatre Production, and Technical Theatre. (see more info on our classes page)
Washington State Thespian Society "The Thespys"
Truman Ricks ('18) and Joey Hughes ('18) earned a Showcase position at State competition in Duo Scene (2018)
Julianna Azares-Burns ('20) earned Superior rating in Costume Design
Zoe Carlson ('20) earned Superior rating in Stage Management
Makayla Burley ('23) and Emelia Hartford ('23) earned a Showcase position at State Competition in Duet Musical (2022)
The Drama Department earned a Superior Rating for a cutting from Midsummer Night's Dream in the Spring of 2023.
Patriot Players were ranked as a Silver Honor Troupe (2023)
Eli Gelinas and Angelina Chen both are featured in the short film showcase at State 2025
Patriot Players were ranked as a Gold Honor Troupe (2025) ((current))
Fifth Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards
Honorable Mentions for Orchestra and Stage Crew for The Music Man (2017)
Winner for Best Lobby Display for The Music Man (2017)
Honorable Mentions for Scenic Design, Orchestra, and Actor (Kyler Granados) for Guys and Dolls (2018)
Nomination for best small ensemble, The Burger Palace Boys, for Grease (2019)
Honorable Mentions for Set Design and Costume Design for Cinderella (2022)
Nomination for Student Direction, Mia Hartford, Cinderella (2022)
Our LHS Staff
Dr. Michael Butterworth
Michael Butterworth, Ph.D has been the Theatre Director at Liberty since 2015. He has degrees in Theatre from the University of Washington, the University of Montana, and Wayne State University. He has produced and directed over 40 high school and college productions, and several regional theatre productions including Pinkalicious, the Musical at Millbrook Playhouse, and Dead Man's Cellphone at Montana Actor's Theatre.
April Phillips
Erick Price