In-House Staff & Officers
Company Director
Production Manager
Theatre Instructor
Tech Director for our shows!
Paul Kocel
BFA Musical Theatre Performance
MA Leadership
Paul Kocel has a BFA in Musical Theatre and also studied acting at Queen Margaret College drama school in Edinburgh Scotland. He worked professionally since he was 14 in Television, Music Videos, Regional Theaters, National Tours, Cruise Ships, Nickelodeon and several theme parks. At 27, Paul was commissioned as an Air Force Officer during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Following his service he obtained his Masters in Leadership from Denver Seminary. Paul and Valerie own Summit Group Event Services providing sound, lighting and hydraulic mobile stages for all things live events. He is thrilled to bring his wide range of experience back to the stage and might even consider stepping back onto the stage himself one day!
BFA Musical Theatre Performance
MA Leadership
Paul Kocel has a BFA in Musical Theatre and also studied acting at Queen Margaret College drama school in Edinburgh Scotland. He worked professionally since he was 14 in Television, Music Videos, Regional Theaters, National Tours, Cruise Ships, Nickelodeon and several theme parks. At 27, Paul was commissioned as an Air Force Officer during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Following his service he obtained his Masters in Leadership from Denver Seminary. Paul and Valerie own Summit Group Event Services providing sound, lighting and hydraulic mobile stages for all things live events. He is thrilled to bring his wide range of experience back to the stage and might even consider stepping back onto the stage himself one day!
Company Director
Operations Manager
Music Director for our shows!
Valerie Kocel
BM in Music Therapy (vocal concentration)
Valerie Kocel has a degree in music therapy and completed her music therapy internship in Cleveland, OH at University Hospitals with Deforia Lane in 2002. As a child she grew up singing at various churches with her parents and continued singing in choir and performing in musicals as she entered middle school and high school. As a music therapist, she worked in hospitals, home health and school districts for 20 years, led a successful youth drama team in Amarillo, TX and has taught music/choir at local private schools for the past 8 years. She is also no stranger to the stage or summer camps as she has performed in musicals and operas (Merry Widow with Amarillo Opera & Amahl and the Night Visitors with West Texas A&M University) since high school and was on staff with Wild Week Camps in Texas, Adam’s Camp in Colorado & Sky Camp in Amarillo. She is one of the keyboardists on the worship team at Harris Creek Baptist Church and plays when she is able! Valerie enjoys teaching music and inspiring students to express themselves through the art of storytelling and singing.
BM in Music Therapy (vocal concentration)
Valerie Kocel has a degree in music therapy and completed her music therapy internship in Cleveland, OH at University Hospitals with Deforia Lane in 2002. As a child she grew up singing at various churches with her parents and continued singing in choir and performing in musicals as she entered middle school and high school. As a music therapist, she worked in hospitals, home health and school districts for 20 years, led a successful youth drama team in Amarillo, TX and has taught music/choir at local private schools for the past 8 years. She is also no stranger to the stage or summer camps as she has performed in musicals and operas (Merry Widow with Amarillo Opera & Amahl and the Night Visitors with West Texas A&M University) since high school and was on staff with Wild Week Camps in Texas, Adam’s Camp in Colorado & Sky Camp in Amarillo. She is one of the keyboardists on the worship team at Harris Creek Baptist Church and plays when she is able! Valerie enjoys teaching music and inspiring students to express themselves through the art of storytelling and singing.
Guest Camp Directors
Director: High School Musical Jr
Consulting Director for our shows!
Wally Calderon
BFA Musical Theatre Performance
Originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Wally earned his BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Ohio Northern University. For 15 years, Wally traveled the country as a freelance performer, director, and choreographer. Notable residencies and stops included Hershey Park (Hershey, PA), The Palace Theatre (Manchester, NH), The Miracle Theatre (Pigeon Forge, TN), and the highly credited Stage Door Manor in upstate New York. Wally also lived and worked out of New York City for 5 years. Most recently, Wally spent five amazing years with Sight and Sound Theatres in Lancaster, PA and Branson, MO. While there, he had the opportunity to serve as an actor, Production Stage Manager, Assistant Director, Choreographer, and was honored to be able to direct productions of Miracle of Christmas (2016 Lancaster, PA & 2017 Branson, MO), as well as Jonah (2017 Lancaster, PA). In 2017, Wally accepted the position as Artistic Director for a small non-profit theatre company, Servant Stage. Spending 6 wonderful years in this position, Wally helped to build this company and also built their youth theatre and education program. In January of this year, Wally decided to take a break from the theatre life to spend more time with his wife Andrea and daughters Joyanna and Juliet. While not currently a full time part of the industry, theatre and passing on his experience has always been and will always be a passion!
Psalms 149:3
BFA Musical Theatre Performance
Originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Wally earned his BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Ohio Northern University. For 15 years, Wally traveled the country as a freelance performer, director, and choreographer. Notable residencies and stops included Hershey Park (Hershey, PA), The Palace Theatre (Manchester, NH), The Miracle Theatre (Pigeon Forge, TN), and the highly credited Stage Door Manor in upstate New York. Wally also lived and worked out of New York City for 5 years. Most recently, Wally spent five amazing years with Sight and Sound Theatres in Lancaster, PA and Branson, MO. While there, he had the opportunity to serve as an actor, Production Stage Manager, Assistant Director, Choreographer, and was honored to be able to direct productions of Miracle of Christmas (2016 Lancaster, PA & 2017 Branson, MO), as well as Jonah (2017 Lancaster, PA). In 2017, Wally accepted the position as Artistic Director for a small non-profit theatre company, Servant Stage. Spending 6 wonderful years in this position, Wally helped to build this company and also built their youth theatre and education program. In January of this year, Wally decided to take a break from the theatre life to spend more time with his wife Andrea and daughters Joyanna and Juliet. While not currently a full time part of the industry, theatre and passing on his experience has always been and will always be a passion!
Psalms 149:3
Director: High School Musical 2 Jr., 13 Jr. & Madagascar Jr.
Leah Rooney
Leah has 15 plus years of performing, teaching and choreographing experience. 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. 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. Musical Theatre credits include: The King and I (Eliza), Phantom (Belladova) Bucks County Playhouse, Christy (Christy) Footloose, Crazy for You, Prather Family Theatres, War Of The Roses, Much Ado About Nothing (Margaret) Several years ago 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.), JESUS ( Young Mary and Rachel ), Leah continues to teach,( Sight & Sound Conservatory, Premiere Danse Academy, Cavod Academy) choreograph, (Lancaster Academy for the Performing Arts, Family Life (NY) Cavod Theatre, and direct (Piercing Word, Real Theatre (Waco,TX) in the Lancaster County area where she resides with her son Connor. Colossians 1:17
Leah has 15 plus years of performing, teaching and choreographing experience. 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. 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. Musical Theatre credits include: The King and I (Eliza), Phantom (Belladova) Bucks County Playhouse, Christy (Christy) Footloose, Crazy for You, Prather Family Theatres, War Of The Roses, Much Ado About Nothing (Margaret) Several years ago 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.), JESUS ( Young Mary and Rachel ), Leah continues to teach,( Sight & Sound Conservatory, Premiere Danse Academy, Cavod Academy) choreograph, (Lancaster Academy for the Performing Arts, Family Life (NY) Cavod Theatre, and direct (Piercing Word, Real Theatre (Waco,TX) in the Lancaster County area where she resides with her son Connor. Colossians 1:17
Director: Frozen Jr., Seussical Kids, Annie Jr., Alice in Wonderland Jr. & Finding Nemo Kids
Reji Woods
BFA Musical Theatre Performance
Reji Woods is a versatile performer with a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Central Florida Conservatory Theatre. He has performed throughout the United States as well as in Paris, Amsterdam, and India! Reji is the co-founder/owner of Bending Threads Cabaret Company based in New York, NY, and the founder of Reji Woods Productions based in Lancaster, PA. He has also enjoyed an extensive Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tour, and regional theatre acting career. Reji was featured on the small screen on the 2018 Grammy Awards, in a recurring role on the sixth season of Orange Is the New Black, and in a featured role in the third season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. He has also appeared in the independent film, The Karaoke King, the award-winning short film, Moving Violation, and has been featured in DVD Stage Recordings of Jonah, Noah, Moses, and Voices of Christmas all produced by Sight & Sound Theatres. Reji was most recently featured on Season 16 of America’s Got Talent as a part of JW’s Inspirational Singers, and just completed filming the independent feature, Tapawingo, starring Jon Heder, Gina Gershon, and Billy Zane. Reji is the Executive Director of the Miss Lancaster County Scholarship Organization. He currently resides in Ephrata, Pennsylvania with his beautiful wife Audra, and their adorable cat, Molly.
BFA Musical Theatre Performance
Reji Woods is a versatile performer with a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Central Florida Conservatory Theatre. He has performed throughout the United States as well as in Paris, Amsterdam, and India! Reji is the co-founder/owner of Bending Threads Cabaret Company based in New York, NY, and the founder of Reji Woods Productions based in Lancaster, PA. He has also enjoyed an extensive Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tour, and regional theatre acting career. Reji was featured on the small screen on the 2018 Grammy Awards, in a recurring role on the sixth season of Orange Is the New Black, and in a featured role in the third season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. He has also appeared in the independent film, The Karaoke King, the award-winning short film, Moving Violation, and has been featured in DVD Stage Recordings of Jonah, Noah, Moses, and Voices of Christmas all produced by Sight & Sound Theatres. Reji was most recently featured on Season 16 of America’s Got Talent as a part of JW’s Inspirational Singers, and just completed filming the independent feature, Tapawingo, starring Jon Heder, Gina Gershon, and Billy Zane. Reji is the Executive Director of the Miss Lancaster County Scholarship Organization. He currently resides in Ephrata, Pennsylvania with his beautiful wife Audra, and their adorable cat, Molly.
Choreographer: High School Musical Jr., Raise Your Voice, High School Musical 2 Jr., Frozen Jr., Annie Jr., & Alice in Wonderland Jr.
Director: Raise Your Voice
Kelly Donah
BFA Musical Theatre Performance
Kelly is originally from Bethlehem, PA. She has a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Shenandoah University. She currently resides in NYC and continues to pursue a career in theatre and TV/film. She most recently performed in multiple choreography showcases with Broadway professionals, as well as an original play called WEAPON IN WAITING that made its inaugural NYC debut in April. She has also shared the stage with Broadway star Laura Osnes. Other favorite credits include Rumpleteazer in CATS the Musical (North American Tour), Servant Stage company (Lancaster, PA), and Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (Winchester, VA). Kelly cannot wait to return for another year of Real Theatre Company’s summer camps. It’s going to be an amazing summer, let’s make some magic!
BFA Musical Theatre Performance
Kelly is originally from Bethlehem, PA. She has a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Shenandoah University. She currently resides in NYC and continues to pursue a career in theatre and TV/film. She most recently performed in multiple choreography showcases with Broadway professionals, as well as an original play called WEAPON IN WAITING that made its inaugural NYC debut in April. She has also shared the stage with Broadway star Laura Osnes. Other favorite credits include Rumpleteazer in CATS the Musical (North American Tour), Servant Stage company (Lancaster, PA), and Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (Winchester, VA). Kelly cannot wait to return for another year of Real Theatre Company’s summer camps. It’s going to be an amazing summer, let’s make some magic!
Choreo Assistant: Frozen Jr & High School Musical 2 Jr.
Choreographer: 13 Jr. & Madagascar Jr.
Gracie Jordan
BFA Dance Performance & Choreography
BS English (Creative Writing Minor)
Gracie Jordan is a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and writer residing in New York City but originally from the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She graduated from Towson University in 2023 with a BFA in dance performance and choreography, as well as a B.S. in English with a creative writing minor. She has performed leading roles and pas de deux for Towson University’s dance company, and currently studies under seasoned Rockettes, Broadway professionals, and prominent choreographers and performers in NYC. She recently had the chance to perform at a Jets Halftime Show and has shared her choreography at multiple Christian-based performances. Gracie also teaches dance with Dance Workshop and is a certified 200-hour yoga and Pilates teacher who teaches across Manhattan, including at Steps on Broadway and other fitness studios. Gracie’s passion lies in sharing her love of dance and spurring students on to their deepest potential, and she’s ecstatic to return to Real Theatre Company again this summer!
BFA Dance Performance & Choreography
BS English (Creative Writing Minor)
Gracie Jordan is a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and writer residing in New York City but originally from the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She graduated from Towson University in 2023 with a BFA in dance performance and choreography, as well as a B.S. in English with a creative writing minor. She has performed leading roles and pas de deux for Towson University’s dance company, and currently studies under seasoned Rockettes, Broadway professionals, and prominent choreographers and performers in NYC. She recently had the chance to perform at a Jets Halftime Show and has shared her choreography at multiple Christian-based performances. Gracie also teaches dance with Dance Workshop and is a certified 200-hour yoga and Pilates teacher who teaches across Manhattan, including at Steps on Broadway and other fitness studios. Gracie’s passion lies in sharing her love of dance and spurring students on to their deepest potential, and she’s ecstatic to return to Real Theatre Company again this summer!
Choreographer: Seussical Kids & Finding Nemo Kids
Choreo Assistant:
Annie Jr. & Madagascar Jr.
Erin Duerksen
Erin has 13 years of dance experience with a total of 10 years at Joy’s School of Dance in Waco, TX where she was a company dancer for 2 years. Over her career, she has studied and performed ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, contemporary, hip-hop and musical theater. She is no stranger to the stage and has played various lead roles for Real Theatre Company in High School Musical Jr. and 13 Jr., as well as acted in several productions for Valor Theatre: Our Town, A Comedy of Errors, Anne of Green Gables, Charlotte’s Web, Broadway Knights, Godspell Jr., Little Women and a One Act Play rendition of Ville du Havre. Erin graduated this year and will be attending Baylor University. She is majoring in Spanish with a minor in dance. She choreographed for Real Theatre Company’s Seussical Kids and is excited to return this year for Finding Nemo Kids!
Erin has 13 years of dance experience with a total of 10 years at Joy’s School of Dance in Waco, TX where she was a company dancer for 2 years. Over her career, she has studied and performed ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, contemporary, hip-hop and musical theater. She is no stranger to the stage and has played various lead roles for Real Theatre Company in High School Musical Jr. and 13 Jr., as well as acted in several productions for Valor Theatre: Our Town, A Comedy of Errors, Anne of Green Gables, Charlotte’s Web, Broadway Knights, Godspell Jr., Little Women and a One Act Play rendition of Ville du Havre. Erin graduated this year and will be attending Baylor University. She is majoring in Spanish with a minor in dance. She choreographed for Real Theatre Company’s Seussical Kids and is excited to return this year for Finding Nemo Kids!