David Oxton   
Fine Arts Department Chair; Photography

Boston University; Massachusetts College of Art
Rockport College, M.F.A.
 

Appointed in 1992, David Oxton is our Department Chair and a working commerical and fine art photographer.  His images have appeared in a wide variety of publications, including Newsweek magazine.  For the past several years, David has been working on a project in which he has taken over 500 portraits of strangers on the street.  He also teaches at the Maine Photographic Workshops during the summer.

Paul Wann   
Drama

University of Minnesota, B.A.
Tufts University, M.A.

Paul was appointed to the faculty of the Academy in 1985, and he teaches both English and acting classes, while directing two seasons of Afternoon Drama.  He performs in plays in Newburyport and Boston, and has recently tackled such roles as Friar Laurence in 'Romeo and Juliet', the father in Nikki Silver's 'Pterodactyls,' Willy in 'Happy Days,' and Hamm in 'Endgame.'

Irina Okula
Ceramics

Fontbonne College, B.A.
Southern Illinois University, M.F.A.
 

Irina came to the Academy in 1987, where she has taught ceramics and even coached the girls tennis teams.  A well-known Potter from Ipswich, MA, Irina has traveled the world in pursuit of the art of ceramics for over 40 years.  From Japanese teapots to Mayan ruins, from Chinese workshops to Native American wood firings, Irina has dedicated her life to learning about pottery, and teaching it to others.

Geoff Brace   
Visual Art; Film; Drama

University of Wisconsin, B.S.
Lesley College, M.Ed.

Appointed in 1999, Geoff Brace teaches courses in Film, Art, and directs one season of Afternoon Drama.  He is also involved in a joint effort between youth groups of Lawrence, MA and The Governor's Academy, as they share in the joy of creative exploration.

Joe Repczynski  
Technical Theater

University of New Hampshire, B.A.
 

Joe was appointed to the faculty of the Academy in 2002 after having worked as a professional stagehand in the entertainment industry for many years.  He has worked on many national productions, such as Blue Man Group, and has served as Technical Director for North Shore Music Theatre's 'Summer Stages' programs.  Joe also recently founded a photography company and has shot many weddings across the region, and even as far away as Scotland.

Christopher Drelich   
Choral Director; Performing Arts Center Manager

University of Massachusetts, Lowell, B.M.E.

Appointed in 2003, Chris directs the choral ensembles and teaches music electives here at the Academy, and serves as the manager of our Performing Arts Center.  He also serves as Director of Music at Christ Episcopal Church in Exeter, NH, and has written many choral arrangements for local and regional performing groups.  An avid local historian, Chris is a member of the Town of Newbury's 375th Anniversary Committee. 

Belle Struck   
Visual Art

Arizona State University
Portland State University
 

Belle Struck, 1994 graduate of the Academy, was appointed in 2006 to teach visual art and media classes.  She is a gifted painter and graphic designer, and has exhibited works in the Newburyport and surrounding area.  Belle also designs posters, CD covers, and programs for other local artists and has been known to have a variety of papier-mache animals guarding her home.

Radmila Repczynski
Choral Accompanist; Piano instruction

Pamela Smith
Director of Dance

Bonnie Jean Wilbur
Drama Assistant; Costume Shop