Captiol Academy of the Arts • Raising the standard in Godly Artistic Expression


		Connie Dienner Connie’s passion for the arts began in high school where she was selected for lead roles in musicals and plays. Acting gave her a platform to excel with confidence that affected every area of her life. For the last 26 years she has been directing musicals and traveling with teams in America and Europe to perform and share the message of Jesus Christ. She also worked with a team to write and perform the musical “David” to a sold out dinner theater in Lancaster. Connie has a desire to create a setting where creative people are accepted and taught how to use and channel their creativity. Her vision includes a place where they can be trained and mentored to use their gifts and talents with excellence and outstanding performance. Connie states, “It is time that the Gospel is represented in a cool, contemporary way, with excellence, that will be attractive and radical to reach this generation. It is the time and season for the Arts to be taken back for the Kingdom of God!” RETURN TO TOP
		Derek & Ashley Dienner Ashley Dienner has always enjoyed working in administration. She is very organized and detailed in everything she does. After High School, Ashley went to Acts International Bible School for 2 years where she received her Associates Degree in Theology. She is married to Derek Dienner who oversees the media/video of Chabod Academy.RETURN TO TOP
		Tahnya Lapp Tahnya has been dancing at various schools in the region from a very young age. Her passion for dance developed when she traveled and performed across the east coast on a mission trip at 14 years old. It was then that she discovered there was more to dance then looking good on stage...dance is a powerful tool that breaks cultural barriers and reaches the hearts of people without even saying a word. From 14 years of age Tahnya has lead many dance troups and choreographed for musicals like "David." After teaching ballet, hip hop and modern for three years at the Academy she will moving into a new roll as Artistic Director. Along with continuing to direct the school of dance, she will be overseeing music selections and content for the touring company and recital at the end of the year, making sure that everything we do is pure and relevant and modern to our culture. She is very excited about the potential the academy has to raise up dancers that can dance with excellence and purity unto the Lord. She has a passion to see the Kingdom of God influence the world with dance that is modern and relevant, instead of the world influencing the Kingdom. She quotes, "It's time we as Christian dancers take our place unashamedly and really dance with relevanace, power, and purpose and show the world the One who created dance in the first place." Tahnya and her husband are ordained ministers in Capitol Royal Dynasty and live in New Holland with their two young boys and another baby Lapp on the way in December '07.RETURN TO TOP
		Marie-Antonia Rothacker Marie is a graduate of Millersville University with a B.A. in English. Her dance training includes the programs at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Ballet Chicago, Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theater, and North Carolina School of the Arts. After high school, she was a member of the Southold Dance Theater Adult Ensemble which toured elementary schools. In college, she danced with the Indiana University African American Dance Company, the Franklin & Marshall Dance Company, and the Grant St. Dance Company. She also presented her choreographic work at the American College Dance Festival. Marie has been a guest teacher at Dickinson College. Before coming to Chabod, she taught at Susquehanna Dance Center and choreographed for COBALT(Contemporary Ballet of Lancaster). She also contributes to worship dance at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church. Marie currently works as Executive Assistant at Mennonite Central Committee. She truly believes that dance is a powerful gift from God that enriches the body, mind, and spirit. RETURN TO TOP
		Jessica Dixon Jessica has trained at Greater Dover Dance Academy, One Broadway in Hershey, and Broadway Dance Center in NYC. She has attended various workshops and conventions including Manhattan Dance Project (scholarship recipient), New York City Dance Alliance, Allegheny Ballet Summer Program and several Radio City Rockette training sessions and classes. She has performed in Hersheypark, Six Flags, and Disneyworld. She led the Master’s Commission dance and drama team in California and, most recently, has led the dance ministry at Praise Community Church in York for 4 years.RETURN TO TOP
		Leruant van Loon Ballroom Instructor. Coming Soon... RETURN TO TOP
		Debbie Blaise Creative Movement, Mom & Tots. Coming Soon... RETURN TO TOP
		Katie Blaise Hip Hop, Ballet. Coming Soon... RETURN TO TOP
		Ashley Stevens Ashley will be assisting Julie Krothe. She is a self taught hip hop dancer. She is naturally gifted in dance and has an amazing ability to make any move look "cool." She is excited to use her gifts and talents to inspire others to dance with style, energy, and confidence. RETURN TO TOP
		B. J. Franklin Worship Dance. Coming Soon... RETURN TO TOP
		Julie Krothe Julie is a self taught hip hop dancer. She has taken dance at other schools in the region and for the past two years, at Chabod Academy of the Arts. Julie has been a real asset to Infusion this past year. She taught at our summer camp in Pennsylvania and also at our summer camp in Aruba this past summer. She is a very gifted cheoreographer and chooses the latest christian hip hop music with the latest moves. Anyone who takes her class is sure to get a true hip hop dance expierience. RETURN TO TOP
		Gentry Austin, Drama Gentry began his love for the arts when he was cast in the fifth grade school play. Since then he has enjoyed performing whenever given the opportunity, including numerous plays, a traveling children’s choir in middle school, and most recently as Mathew in Anne of Green Gables. At a young age he learned he enjoyed working behind the scenes as well, but it wasn’t until High School that he developed his love for producing and directing. Gentry is currently directing independent films and desires to be an ambassador for Christ in the entertainment industry.RETURN TO TOP
		Ben Krothe Ben started in theater by working behind the scenes doing set design, construction and lighting in high school. It wasn’t until his senior year in high school that he performed on stage for the first time. Once “bit” by the acting bug he continued through college and then on stage at Sight & Sound. He played in various principal roles such as Peter in Behold the Lamb and The Eternal Flame. Ben was also behind the organization and production of New Life Assembly of God’s Easter Drive-Thru. He recognizes the importance of honoring God by striving for excellence in the Arts. RETURN TO TOP
		Janelle Stoltzfus Janelle Stoltzfus has enjoyed acting since a very young age. She has been a part of many musicals and plays throughout the past 20 years. Recently she has co-directed and taken the stage as "Marilla" in Chabod's production of "Anne of Green Gables." She anticipates more opportunities to be on stage and film in the years to come. Many of the past Chabod Academy of the Arts productions were written and cared for under her guidance. She has come to enjoy the "behind the scenes" work just as much as the "spotlight." She and her husband Jake live in Strasburg and have two sons, Tyler and Luke. In her spare time she enjoys reading, decorating her home, entertaining friends and family, and wearing aprons. Her favorite quote: "The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time," by James Taylor. RETURN TO TOP
		Jacques Abreu Jacques’ adventure in the arts started at a young age traveling around the world. At age 14 he went on his first missions trip to Chile and found that people responded to the arts. Returning to Chile the following year he was with a team that focused on drama. On that trip alone over 1,000 people gave their life to God because of a simple 5 minute skit that was performed. Jacques has sung in “Grease” and played different leading roles in “Joseph and the Technicolored Dream Coat,” “Celebrate,” and “David.” Then he had a serious trauma to his vocal chords ending with a hemorage in his vocal box. However, God healed him and he no longer has to worry about his vocal chords. This was truly a miracle of God. Now Jacques’ passion is to powerfully impact people’s lives with drama and use the arts to help spread the message of God’s love.RETURN TO TOP
		Danya Leugers Danya is a native of Mount Joy, PA, and has traveled in eight different countries sharing her dancing talents. She has a bachelor degree in theater ministry from Belhaven College in Jackson Mississippi. Danya recently discovered her passion for worship and the arts through mime, dance, theater and music. She loves sharing her talents with students and is able to impart both her skill and excitement to them.RETURN TO TOP
		Twila Smoker Coming Soon... RETURN TO TOP
		Kristina Gehman Kristina graduated from Eastern University in St. Davids, PA with a B.A. in General Music as a voice major. She has been singing all her life and loves it! She also loves every other aspect of music such as playing, listening and occasionally writing. Kristina is actively involved at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church on the adult worship team, small ensembles and solos. She is also a small group leader for Crossover Student Ministries and co-directs the Crossover youth band. Her heart’s desire is to serve God with her life and bring glory to Him while doing everything she can to enjoy this gift of life! RETURN TO TOP
		George Yellak Coming Soon... RETURN TO TOP
		Pam Brouse Fine Arts, Coming Soon..RETURN TO TOP
		Nancy Abreu Nancy is a dynamic teacher and interpreter who makes learning sign language very enjoyable. She is certified under the national RID, Registry Interpreters for Deaf. She has been interpreting in private practice for 30 years. Nancy assists Jeannie by interpreting for her in class.RETURN TO TOP
		Darla Anastasi With a health food store in the family, Darla has been eating and living the healthy lifestyle from a very young age. She has a strong desire to share her knowledge with others and help them achieve better health and more energy. RETURN TO TOP
		Derek Martin Gymnastics, Coming Soon... RETURN TO TOP
		Stephanie Lowery Stephanie grew up in East Africa, and first became interested in the martial arts after seeing the movie, “The Karate Kid”. On a visit back to the States in 5th grade, she had the chance to take a summer martial arts class, but that was her only involvement until moving back to the States with her family in 1996. For her 16th birthday gift her parents offered to pay for karate classes. After looking around at various karate schools she chose to join Mr. Harlan’s Wado-Ryu class in Ephrata. She received her first-degree black belt in May 21, 2005. Another milestone for Stephanie occurred on May 3rd, 2008: she graduated from Biblical Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. RETURN TO TOP