As Germantown Academy says goodbye to Ms. K Richardson, it embraces Mr. Sean Gibbons as the new director of Belfry and performing arts teacher.
Mr. Gibbons grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and has been acting since he was seven. His acting career started locally in his hometown, but gradually escalated as he auditioned in cities and became more recognized by agents.
From a young age, Mr. Gibbons had a passion for acting and later discovered his love for education.
“It’s always sort of been the only other place that I feel like most alive,” Mr. Gibbons said. “Besides the stage, it’s in the classroom or in the studio teaching.”
Mr. Gibbons plans to take things day by day and to gradually implement changes to Belfry when needed, noting that it is already a very strong program.
“So for me, it’s about making sure that in my first year, I’m listening a whole lot,” Mr. Gibbons said. “That I’m getting to immerse myself in a brand new culture of students and faculty and in a brand new state.”
Mr. Gibbons is eager to continue growing the Belfry program. His first goal is to open it up to any interested students and get everyone involved in different ways.
One of his priorities is expanding the program, advertising it more to get its name out there, and making it a memorable experience for the students. Current Belfry member Lauren Sass ‘26 also agrees and is hoping for that change next year.
“Marketing is something that I really hope to dive deeper into,” Sass said. “I feel like if we present the shows in a more fun way, it can get more people inclined to not only see it but participate in it.”
Mr. Gibbons is thrilled to introduce some exciting new courses to the curriculum. One such course is his voice and movement class, which will focus on how to use your voice and body most efficiently on stage and even outside the classroom.
Sass and Declan Dean ‘26, another member of Belfry, look forward to his arrival and the new changes he will bring.
“I feel like it’s gonna be a totally different Belfry than you’ve seen before. But I feel like that could be a good thing,” Sass said.
“I just hope he brings the same kind of energetic energy and passionate energy as we had this year,” Dean said. “As well as other unique takes on other aspects of acting and theater.”
Mr. Gibbons is enthusiastic about the present talent and opportunities, and cannot wait to join Germantown Academy this upcoming August.
“Everyone’s been so kind and lovely,” Gibbons said. “I’m really just excited to immerse myself in your community and bring what I do best and deal with conflict and challenges as they arise in a healthy way.”