The Theatre Arts Program provides elementary and secondary students the opportunity to develop their vocal, dance, and acting abilities. For almost two decades students have been performing large theatrical productions for the school and community. Students gain experience in all aspects of production from acting, staging, lighting, and sound. The Theatre Arts Program focuses on developing sensitive talented theatrical artists who can glorify Christ in this engaging medium.
Nathan Gioconda, our Theatre Arts teacher, is organized, driven, and effective at using a variety of efficient methods of teaching while focusing on the individual needs of each student. Being an educator and active performer has allowed Mr. Gioconda to continue perfecting his craft while learning how to teach it to others. Voice being his main instrument; Mr. Gioconda has performed in numerous productions ranging from musical theater, opera, to dramas. He also has extensive experience playing in concert bands, marching bands, and hand bell choirs, the saxophone and clarinet being his secondary instruments. Mr. Gioconda attended Salisbury University and received his BA in music education. He received his voice training from Cynthia Sanner (Juilliard) and John Westly Wright (American Spiritual Ensemble).
Mr. Gioconda has had the privilege of performing at The John F. Kennedy Center (Washington, DC) where he was described as, “musically subtle, yet emotionally forceful.” He has been accepted to such programs as the Tanglewood Institute, Interlochen Arts, and Westminster Choir College. Gioconda has also been a NATS finalist in the senior men’s category and took home 3rd place in the talent division at IMTA (New York City). Mr. Gioconda is currently a regular performer with OperaDelaware and Baltimore Concert Opera.
At Red Lion, Mr. Gioconda is also responsible for upper school choir, band, drama, lower school general music, and Reach Choir. Apart from music Nathan is an avid outdoors men and amateur polo player.
Red Lion Christian Academy students have performed in a variety of musicals. Among the recent performances are Wizard of Oz, Guys and Dolls, The Little Mermaid, Meet Me in St. Louis, Willy Wonka, Barnum, Beauty and the Beast, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dream Coat, Seussical the Musical, High School Musical, Annie Warbucks, Nifty Fifties, Cinderella, and Once Upon a Mattress.