Staff : of The Lancaster Academy for the Performing Arts!
Training us....in what we do!!
Administration Department
Jean Newswanger, Executive Director
Jean graduated from Grace College with a B.S. in Fine Arts. She has been involved with the Academy since 2004, along with her 4 children and husband, Keith. She has served in many different areas of the Academy and is excited to be involved in building the Fine Arts department and serving as Executive Director. Her passion for the glory of God in the arts and her love of homeschooling motivate her commitment to the Academy.
Jean graduated from Grace College with a B.S. in Fine Arts. She has been involved with the Academy since 2004, along with her 4 children and husband, Keith. She has served in many different areas of the Academy and is excited to be involved in building the Fine Arts department and serving as Executive Director. Her passion for the glory of God in the arts and her love of homeschooling motivate her commitment to the Academy.
Nancy Herr, Bookkeeper
Nancy worked for an accountant during and after graduating high school. That is where she discovered her love of bookkeeping. She continues her love of bookkeeping by handling the books for her husband’s dairy farm. Nancy became involved with the Academy when her daughter, Joy, participated in their musical summer camp, Seussical Jr. They both continued being involved until Joy’s graduation in 2017. Nancy is very happy to reconnect and serve with the Academy as their bookkeeper.
Nancy worked for an accountant during and after graduating high school. That is where she discovered her love of bookkeeping. She continues her love of bookkeeping by handling the books for her husband’s dairy farm. Nancy became involved with the Academy when her daughter, Joy, participated in their musical summer camp, Seussical Jr. They both continued being involved until Joy’s graduation in 2017. Nancy is very happy to reconnect and serve with the Academy as their bookkeeper.
Choral Department
Dr. Bruce Gerlach, Choir Director
Dr. Bruce Gerlach hails from Washington Boro (Lancaster Co.). He graduated from Penn Manor. He has a BS in Music Ed from The King’s College (NY), a Master of Music in composition from West Chester University (PA) and a Doctor of Musical Arts in conducting from Southern Seminary (KY). Bruce began his career as music minister in several Lancaster area churches. He then moved to the Midwest for 28 years teaching at the college and university level. He recently retired and moved back to PA with his wife, Margie. They have 2 children and several grandchildren. Bruce is currently teaching music theory and composition part-time at Lancaster Bible College.
Dr. Bruce Gerlach hails from Washington Boro (Lancaster Co.). He graduated from Penn Manor. He has a BS in Music Ed from The King’s College (NY), a Master of Music in composition from West Chester University (PA) and a Doctor of Musical Arts in conducting from Southern Seminary (KY). Bruce began his career as music minister in several Lancaster area churches. He then moved to the Midwest for 28 years teaching at the college and university level. He recently retired and moved back to PA with his wife, Margie. They have 2 children and several grandchildren. Bruce is currently teaching music theory and composition part-time at Lancaster Bible College.
Elisa Chodan, Choir Director
Elisa received a Master of Music degree in Voice Performance following an undergraduate degree in Music Education, both from Bob Jones University. While in college, she performed extensively in choral, solo voice, instrumental, theater, musical theater, and opera settings. She has competed regionally and nationally in solo voice competitions with the National Association for Teachers of Singing and is a member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA), and National Association for Music Education (NAfME). She is currently the Head of the Music Department at Veritas Academy in Leola and teaches general music and choir. She also maintains a private voice studio at Creative Pursuits Studio. Elisa performs locally with the Wheatland Chorale and recently interned with renowned British choral ensemble VOCES8 throughout Europe. As a LAPA alumnus, she is honored to come alongside present LAPA students and further equip them to make art to the glory of God.
Elisa received a Master of Music degree in Voice Performance following an undergraduate degree in Music Education, both from Bob Jones University. While in college, she performed extensively in choral, solo voice, instrumental, theater, musical theater, and opera settings. She has competed regionally and nationally in solo voice competitions with the National Association for Teachers of Singing and is a member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA), and National Association for Music Education (NAfME). She is currently the Head of the Music Department at Veritas Academy in Leola and teaches general music and choir. She also maintains a private voice studio at Creative Pursuits Studio. Elisa performs locally with the Wheatland Chorale and recently interned with renowned British choral ensemble VOCES8 throughout Europe. As a LAPA alumnus, she is honored to come alongside present LAPA students and further equip them to make art to the glory of God.
Karen Pawson, Piano Accompanist
Karen Pawson's love for accompanying began when she was in 8th grade and was asked to accompany the high school choir. She graduated from Cedarville University in 1995. While there, she enjoyed playing for chapel services with a worship band and traveling with a music group who toured, representing the college, on weekends and for 10 weeks in the summer. Now, she is a homeschooling mom of four and is active in her church where she also enjoys playing with the worship team. She has been accompanying Academy choirs since 2012.
Karen Pawson's love for accompanying began when she was in 8th grade and was asked to accompany the high school choir. She graduated from Cedarville University in 1995. While there, she enjoyed playing for chapel services with a worship band and traveling with a music group who toured, representing the college, on weekends and for 10 weeks in the summer. Now, she is a homeschooling mom of four and is active in her church where she also enjoys playing with the worship team. She has been accompanying Academy choirs since 2012.
Theatre Department
Bonnie Bosso, Theatre Director & Instructor
Bonnie is a theatre professional with more than 30 years of experience in a variety of areas which include directing and managing. She worked in NY as a stage manager, as the Director of Entertainment for Hersheypark, and for 20 years at Sight and Sound, most recently as their VP of Production. She is currently employed by Franklin and Marshall College as their Production Manager. Bonnie has directed shows for the Academy since 2011 and also instructs the advanced theatre students.
Bonnie is a theatre professional with more than 30 years of experience in a variety of areas which include directing and managing. She worked in NY as a stage manager, as the Director of Entertainment for Hersheypark, and for 20 years at Sight and Sound, most recently as their VP of Production. She is currently employed by Franklin and Marshall College as their Production Manager. Bonnie has directed shows for the Academy since 2011 and also instructs the advanced theatre students.
Reji Woods, Theatre Director & Instructor
Reji Woods is a performer, director, and arts educator, with a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Central Florida Conservatory Theatre. A Florida native, he has performed throughout the United States as well as in Paris, Amsterdam, and India, and now calls Lancaster County home! Reji is a 6-year veteran of Sight & Sound Theatres (Psalms of David, Voices of Christmas, Joseph, Miracle of Christmas, Jonah, Noah, and Moses), and a 6-year veteran of PRiMA Theatre (Glee Live!, 80’s Relived, West Side Story, Chess, Oz: In Concert, A PRiMA Christmas, and multiple PRiMA Cabarets). He is the co-founder/owner of Bending Threads Cabaret Company based in New York, NY, and Reji Woods Productions based here in Lancaster. Reji’s Broadway, Off-Broadway and New York credits include Rocktopia, The Wiz, Black Nativity, Romeo & Juliet, and Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe. He has also enjoyed an extensive national tour and regional theatre career with his favorite credits including Big River, Smokey Joe's Café, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Seussical: The Musical, Jamaica, Guys & Dolls, Is There Life After High School?, and Little Shop of Horrors. Reji has appeared in films, television, and commercials nationally, most recently as a vocalist on the 2018 Grammy Awards. He looks forward to utilizing his teaching, directing, choreographic, and vocal directing skills throughout the year to nurture young Christian artists while teaching at Lancaster Academy.
Reji Woods is a performer, director, and arts educator, with a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Central Florida Conservatory Theatre. A Florida native, he has performed throughout the United States as well as in Paris, Amsterdam, and India, and now calls Lancaster County home! Reji is a 6-year veteran of Sight & Sound Theatres (Psalms of David, Voices of Christmas, Joseph, Miracle of Christmas, Jonah, Noah, and Moses), and a 6-year veteran of PRiMA Theatre (Glee Live!, 80’s Relived, West Side Story, Chess, Oz: In Concert, A PRiMA Christmas, and multiple PRiMA Cabarets). He is the co-founder/owner of Bending Threads Cabaret Company based in New York, NY, and Reji Woods Productions based here in Lancaster. Reji’s Broadway, Off-Broadway and New York credits include Rocktopia, The Wiz, Black Nativity, Romeo & Juliet, and Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe. He has also enjoyed an extensive national tour and regional theatre career with his favorite credits including Big River, Smokey Joe's Café, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Seussical: The Musical, Jamaica, Guys & Dolls, Is There Life After High School?, and Little Shop of Horrors. Reji has appeared in films, television, and commercials nationally, most recently as a vocalist on the 2018 Grammy Awards. He looks forward to utilizing his teaching, directing, choreographic, and vocal directing skills throughout the year to nurture young Christian artists while teaching at Lancaster Academy.
Rachel Werner, Theatre Instructor
Rachel Werner, an Academy alumnus, has studied Musical Theatre at Lancaster Bible College. Rachel has enjoyed performing locally with the Academy, Lancaster Bible College, Piercing Word, Servant Stage, and a recent film venture with Motion Glass Studios. Some of her favorite stage credits include: Pride and Prejudice (Mrs. Bennet, LAPA ‘14 & LBC ‘17), Anne of Green Gables: The Musical (Marilla Cuthbert), and Fiddler on the Roof (Yente/Golde u/s). Rachel has also greatly enjoyed learning under Bonnie Bosso as Assistant Director for the Academy’s productions of Murder in a Nunnery and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Rachel has also worked as Assistant Director for Veritas Academy, and Stage Manager for Piercing Word. Although she loves being on the stage, Rachel’s real passion is for passing on her love of creative storytelling to others and is very excited to return to the Academy as the Primary Theatre instructor. Isaiah 41:10.
Rachel Werner, an Academy alumnus, has studied Musical Theatre at Lancaster Bible College. Rachel has enjoyed performing locally with the Academy, Lancaster Bible College, Piercing Word, Servant Stage, and a recent film venture with Motion Glass Studios. Some of her favorite stage credits include: Pride and Prejudice (Mrs. Bennet, LAPA ‘14 & LBC ‘17), Anne of Green Gables: The Musical (Marilla Cuthbert), and Fiddler on the Roof (Yente/Golde u/s). Rachel has also greatly enjoyed learning under Bonnie Bosso as Assistant Director for the Academy’s productions of Murder in a Nunnery and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Rachel has also worked as Assistant Director for Veritas Academy, and Stage Manager for Piercing Word. Although she loves being on the stage, Rachel’s real passion is for passing on her love of creative storytelling to others and is very excited to return to the Academy as the Primary Theatre instructor. Isaiah 41:10.
Andrea Calderon, Theatre Dance Instructor
Andrea Calderon, originally from Lexington, Kentucky, holds a BFA in Performing Arts/Dance from Western Kentucky University. Andrea has performed, taught, and choreographed around the country over the past 15 years. Currently, Andrea teaches dance at Premiere Danse Academy, Lancaster Bible College, and Sight and Sound Conservatory. Performance credits include five years with the award winning show Country Tonite in Pigeon Forge, TN (Matt Davenport Productions) and Branson, MO (Starlite Entertainment) as a featured dancer. She also spent two years working with her husband at Fee/Hedrick Entertainment, where she performed in The Miracle, Joseph…Dreamcoat, and Christmas at the Smoky Mountain Opry. Locally she has been seen with The Magic and Wonder Show, Servant Stage Company, PRiMA Theatre Company, and as a back-up dancer for Weird Al Yankovic at The American Music Theatre. Andrea feels very blessed and grateful to God that she has been living out her dream of dancing and sharing the joy of dance with others! Love and thanks to husband Wally and daughter Joyanna for their unending support. Psalms 149:3
Andrea Calderon, originally from Lexington, Kentucky, holds a BFA in Performing Arts/Dance from Western Kentucky University. Andrea has performed, taught, and choreographed around the country over the past 15 years. Currently, Andrea teaches dance at Premiere Danse Academy, Lancaster Bible College, and Sight and Sound Conservatory. Performance credits include five years with the award winning show Country Tonite in Pigeon Forge, TN (Matt Davenport Productions) and Branson, MO (Starlite Entertainment) as a featured dancer. She also spent two years working with her husband at Fee/Hedrick Entertainment, where she performed in The Miracle, Joseph…Dreamcoat, and Christmas at the Smoky Mountain Opry. Locally she has been seen with The Magic and Wonder Show, Servant Stage Company, PRiMA Theatre Company, and as a back-up dancer for Weird Al Yankovic at The American Music Theatre. Andrea feels very blessed and grateful to God that she has been living out her dream of dancing and sharing the joy of dance with others! Love and thanks to husband Wally and daughter Joyanna for their unending support. Psalms 149:3
Leah Rooney, Theatre Dance Instructor
Leah Rooney began her training at. Linn McDonald Dance Co. where she studied all styles of dance for over ten years. Additionally, Leah studied under such names as, Barbra Weinberger founder of the PA Youth Ballet, Doug Bentz of Point Park University and School of American Ballet. She was one of 30 dancers in the state selected to attend PA Governor’s School of the Arts where she majored in ballet and minored in voice. She has performed lead roles in numerous ballets such as, Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, and Lise in La Fille Mal Gardee. Musical Theatre credits include: The King and I (Eliza), Phantom (Belladova) Bucks County Playhouse, Christy (Christy) Footloose, Crazy for You, Kiss Me Kate Prather Family Theatres. In 2007 Leah joined the cast of Sight & Sound Theatres where she took on the role of Dance Captain for the premier show, In The Beginning. Other shows at S&S include; Daniel (Queen Amitis), Psalms Of David (Story Teller) Miracle of Christmas (Orpha), Jonah (Jonah's Sister). Leah continues to perform and choreograph in the Lancaster County area, where she resides.
Leah Rooney began her training at. Linn McDonald Dance Co. where she studied all styles of dance for over ten years. Additionally, Leah studied under such names as, Barbra Weinberger founder of the PA Youth Ballet, Doug Bentz of Point Park University and School of American Ballet. She was one of 30 dancers in the state selected to attend PA Governor’s School of the Arts where she majored in ballet and minored in voice. She has performed lead roles in numerous ballets such as, Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, and Lise in La Fille Mal Gardee. Musical Theatre credits include: The King and I (Eliza), Phantom (Belladova) Bucks County Playhouse, Christy (Christy) Footloose, Crazy for You, Kiss Me Kate Prather Family Theatres. In 2007 Leah joined the cast of Sight & Sound Theatres where she took on the role of Dance Captain for the premier show, In The Beginning. Other shows at S&S include; Daniel (Queen Amitis), Psalms Of David (Story Teller) Miracle of Christmas (Orpha), Jonah (Jonah's Sister). Leah continues to perform and choreograph in the Lancaster County area, where she resides.
Anne Richey, Set Designer
Anne Flinchbaugh Richey graduated from Philadelphia College of Textiles and Design with a B.S. in Interior Design. She is a homeschooling mother of three who has been designing theater sets for the Academy since the 2013 production of The King and I. She enjoys the collaborative process of set design and really appreciates the support of the Academy's wonderful building and painting volunteers. Her husband Paul is also a huge help and doesn't mind that their house and garage are transformed into Oz or Narnia in preparation for a big show.
Anne Flinchbaugh Richey graduated from Philadelphia College of Textiles and Design with a B.S. in Interior Design. She is a homeschooling mother of three who has been designing theater sets for the Academy since the 2013 production of The King and I. She enjoys the collaborative process of set design and really appreciates the support of the Academy's wonderful building and painting volunteers. Her husband Paul is also a huge help and doesn't mind that their house and garage are transformed into Oz or Narnia in preparation for a big show.
Gail Mbugua, Makeup Designer
Gail Mbugua, her husband Peter, and their daughter have been part of the Academy since 2012. Gail grew up loving all aspects of the performing arts, including vocal, instrumental, theater, and dance, earning many honors and student directing across all disciplines. In college she traveled with a small vocal ensemble and participated in choral and wind ensembles. Her love for missions moved her out of the performing arts realm, and she earned degrees in English Education and Bible. Peter, a former pastor, holds degrees in Bible, Music (Trumpet and Church Music), and a Master’s in Counseling. Together they run The Benjamin Wellness Center, a non-profit with a medical clinic in Kenya, and lead mission trips to Kenya regularly. Gail is thankful for the Academy’s vision to provide quality performing arts education and opportunities for homeschooling families.
Gail Mbugua, her husband Peter, and their daughter have been part of the Academy since 2012. Gail grew up loving all aspects of the performing arts, including vocal, instrumental, theater, and dance, earning many honors and student directing across all disciplines. In college she traveled with a small vocal ensemble and participated in choral and wind ensembles. Her love for missions moved her out of the performing arts realm, and she earned degrees in English Education and Bible. Peter, a former pastor, holds degrees in Bible, Music (Trumpet and Church Music), and a Master’s in Counseling. Together they run The Benjamin Wellness Center, a non-profit with a medical clinic in Kenya, and lead mission trips to Kenya regularly. Gail is thankful for the Academy’s vision to provide quality performing arts education and opportunities for homeschooling families.
Instrumental Department
Sandy Johnson, Orchestra Director
Sandy Johnston grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania where she began her study of violin with Salvadore Cresce. She earned her B.S. in Music Education and M.A. in Music at Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a concentration on violin where she studied with Delight Malitsky. In order to become a string specialist while at IUP she also took viola lessons from Larry Perkins and cello lessons from Jane Trimarki. Sandy taught instrumental music in the Indiana Area School District until her daughter was born. Always maintaining a private studio at home, most recently Sandy has taught at Lancaster County Christian School and Lancaster Bible College. She is the director of Summer Strings at LBC, is part of a performing trio, Accord Trio, and plays for various local groups. Sandy and her husband, Scott, along with their children, Annie and Seth, live in Lititz.
Sandy Johnston grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania where she began her study of violin with Salvadore Cresce. She earned her B.S. in Music Education and M.A. in Music at Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a concentration on violin where she studied with Delight Malitsky. In order to become a string specialist while at IUP she also took viola lessons from Larry Perkins and cello lessons from Jane Trimarki. Sandy taught instrumental music in the Indiana Area School District until her daughter was born. Always maintaining a private studio at home, most recently Sandy has taught at Lancaster County Christian School and Lancaster Bible College. She is the director of Summer Strings at LBC, is part of a performing trio, Accord Trio, and plays for various local groups. Sandy and her husband, Scott, along with their children, Annie and Seth, live in Lititz.
Kathy Horein, Band Director
Katheen is a graduate of Ball State University with a B.S. in Music Education. After relocating to Pennsylvania, she received her Master’s degree from West Chester University and taught music in the Central Dauphin School District and the School District of Lancaster. Kathleen most recently taught instrumental and general music at Lancaster Country Day School. Kathleen has performed with the Harrisburg, Lancaster and York Symphonies. She has also performed with the Allegro chamber orchestra, Lancaster and Reading Pops orchestras, the Lancaster Woodwind Quintet and the Fulton Theater and Opera Lancaster’s pit orchestras. She is a member of the National Association for Music Education and the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. She is also a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Delta Pi and Pi Lambda Theta. Kathleen is a former faculty member of the York Music Center Summer Camp and Strings Excell Music Camp. She is currently serving on the board of the Lancaster County Youth Symphony and the Lancaster/York Musicians Union.
Katheen is a graduate of Ball State University with a B.S. in Music Education. After relocating to Pennsylvania, she received her Master’s degree from West Chester University and taught music in the Central Dauphin School District and the School District of Lancaster. Kathleen most recently taught instrumental and general music at Lancaster Country Day School. Kathleen has performed with the Harrisburg, Lancaster and York Symphonies. She has also performed with the Allegro chamber orchestra, Lancaster and Reading Pops orchestras, the Lancaster Woodwind Quintet and the Fulton Theater and Opera Lancaster’s pit orchestras. She is a member of the National Association for Music Education and the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. She is also a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, Kappa Delta Pi and Pi Lambda Theta. Kathleen is a former faculty member of the York Music Center Summer Camp and Strings Excell Music Camp. She is currently serving on the board of the Lancaster County Youth Symphony and the Lancaster/York Musicians Union.
James Martin, Percussion Instructor
James Martin is a percussionist and drummer who performs with numerous groups and in various venues. He is a member of Manor BIC Church and plays for the praise band. He has two degrees from Millersville University and teaches percussion at various locations. Jim has performed for the Academy's orchestra and musicals and coached a couple of students on their parts with the orchestra.
James Martin is a percussionist and drummer who performs with numerous groups and in various venues. He is a member of Manor BIC Church and plays for the praise band. He has two degrees from Millersville University and teaches percussion at various locations. Jim has performed for the Academy's orchestra and musicals and coached a couple of students on their parts with the orchestra.
Don Peris, Guitar Instructor
Besides being a composer and recording artist on his own and with his wife, Karen (recording as the innocence mission), an engineer and producer, an instrumentalist, accompanist and Director of Liturgy at Historic St. Mary's Church, and the Director of Guitar Studies at Lancaster Catholic High School, Don has been joyfully and peacefully teaching the guitar to students of all ages since 1992.
Besides being a composer and recording artist on his own and with his wife, Karen (recording as the innocence mission), an engineer and producer, an instrumentalist, accompanist and Director of Liturgy at Historic St. Mary's Church, and the Director of Guitar Studies at Lancaster Catholic High School, Don has been joyfully and peacefully teaching the guitar to students of all ages since 1992.
Fine Arts Department
Jean Newswanger, Fine Arts Instructor
Jean graduated from Grace College with a B.S. in Fine Arts. She has been involved with the Academy since 2004, along with her 4 children and husband, Keith. She has served in many different areas of the Academy and is excited to be involved in building the Fine Arts department and serving as Executive Director. Her passion for the glory of God in the arts and her love of homeschooling motivate her commitment to the Academy.
Jean graduated from Grace College with a B.S. in Fine Arts. She has been involved with the Academy since 2004, along with her 4 children and husband, Keith. She has served in many different areas of the Academy and is excited to be involved in building the Fine Arts department and serving as Executive Director. Her passion for the glory of God in the arts and her love of homeschooling motivate her commitment to the Academy.
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