A new series offering a behind-the-scenes peek at the myriad of Visual and Performing Artists living and working in the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley
Ray and Cindy Gorski have a dream for Scotts Valley. They dream of a venue that brings people together—kids, adults, and families alike. And what if that venue was also a vehicle for creative collaboration and gave local citizens an opportunity to have a platform to express their imaginative voices in their community? What if there were musical theatre productions, guest speakers, open mic nights, comedy nights, and music? What if that resulted in joy for those who engaged in it, and also for those who witnessed it?
Is this a pipe dream? Not for the Gorski’s. They believe that to fulfill your dreams “you don’t have to do big stuff; you just have to do something.” And that is exactly what they are helping to do, piece by piece. Through a collaboration of the Scotts Valley Community Theatre Guild, Scotts Valley Performing Arts, and many others, (including generous contributions by the City of Scotts Valley), the Gorski’s are assisting in transforming half of the former roller rink on Kings Village Road into a performing arts center. The demolition (spearheaded by Ray) has been completed by volunteers, and donations of architectural plans and electrical installation have helped to solidify the first phase. Add to that a very generous donation of theatre seats, and other theatrical equipment from the 1440 Foundation (located at the former Bethany College) and the dream has begun to be realized.
In addition to contributing to the performing arts center, the Gorski’s are active theatre artists. Cindy teaches drama at Pacific Collegiate School and produces eight or nine productions a year there. Her students have performed at the Fringe Festival in Edenborough, Scotland, as well as annually at the Thespian Festival in Los Angeles. Ray, an engineer by trade, has held a love for theatre since he first performed in college, and has provided technical support to Cindy’s productions for years, as well as making numerous on-stage appearances himself. They met when Cindy sang an aria from the opera Carmen to him while employed as a singing waiter at a restaurant in Santa Barbara.
What makes this duo enticing, compelling, and magical is their clear dedication to their community and their unshakeable belief in the power of the performing arts to transform youth and adults alike. They are convinced that “Theatre is a vehicle for a broader world view. It helps children and adults find their voice. By finding that voice, they are transformed. Then they, in turn, transform others.”
Want to help with the dream? Volunteers and donations are welcomed and needed. Contact Ray at rg*******@sb*******.net.
Dr. Kathie Kratochvil has been on the Theater and Creative Arts faculty at San Jose State University for 16 years. She has worked professionally in the performing arts community in Santa Cruz County in multiple artistic and educational capacities for over 30 years. She is a founding member of Mountain Community Theatre in Ben Lomond.
