Another school year has come to an end and for graduating
seniors a new phase of life is about to begin. For some, the future
may hold fame or glory. For those who have developed a passion and
appreciation for the arts, a lifelong advocacy may develop. For
graduating Gilroy High School senior Megan Donahoe, this passion
and advocacy is already deeply ingrained.
Another school year has come to an end and for graduating seniors a new phase of life is about to begin. For some, the future may hold fame or glory. For those who have developed a passion and appreciation for the arts, a lifelong advocacy may develop. For graduating Gilroy High School senior Megan Donahoe, this passion and advocacy is already deeply ingrained.
Donahoe has been a student representative on the City of Gilroy’s Arts and Culture Commission since July 2009. As her sophomore year was coming to an end, her drawing and painting teacher, Miss Tobin, encouraged her to take the open position as the high school representative to the Commission. Donahoe accepted and she found it amazing.
“A whole new world was opened,” Donahoe said. She learned about city policies regarding public art, and also expressed her opinions regarding commission business and shared news about youth involvement in the arts.
Donahoe was born in Walnut Creek, but her family moved several times before settling in Gilroy. She enrolled at Acension Solorsono Middle School during sixth grade. However, she didn’t take arts classes until her sophomore year at Gilroy High School.
That year, she took an elective and was cast as a soloist villager in “Beauty and the Beast”. While rehearsing for the musical, Phil Robb encouraged her to audition for Concerto Delle Donne. She passed the audition and then had to choose between music and art. She chose choir and in her senior year not only sang with the prestigious Chamber Choir, but traveled with them on a fantastic nine-day European tour, singing in spectacular venues such as cathedrals in Vienna and Budapest.
In addition to singing, Donahoe also has a gift for acting with a flair for comedy, which she displayed in her role of the queen in “Cinderella”.
“I will miss the theater experience,” she said. “I always loved art projects. They were fun and relaxing, but still intellectual, and gave me a chance to unwind. Art, music and theater have changed my life, giving me confidence, pride and opportunities that I never knew existed. Everyone should try every artistic outlet they can. Art is what brings passion to our lives and it would be tragic to eliminate it from our schools.”
Donahoe is quick to sing the praises of her mentors, Mr. Stocks, Mr. Robb and Miss Tobin, for giving her invaluable opportunities.
Donahoe will continue her education at Stanford University where she will major in international relations. She loves history and will no doubt rekindle her passion for the arts as she continues her studies. She also hopes to have enough free time to take advantage of the Stanford golf course.
In addition to seven commissioners, the City of Gilroy Arts and Culture Commission has two student representatives. Juliana Vanni, a junior, will continue her term representing Christopher High School, and a new representative from Gilroy High School will be selected.
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Limelight Theater’s “Norman, Is That You?” opens June 17 at the Gilroy Center for the Arts. Directed by Kevin Heath and produced by Alan Obata, the comedy features Bill Tindall, JoAnna Evans, Lance LaShelle, Charity Berg and Kevin Heath.
Heath passed on this short synopsis to give us a hint of the madcap plot: Ben Chambers’ wife left him, his brother has betrayed him and when he visits his son for support, the surprises are just beginning. Follow Ben through his journey from Dayton to New York City as he deals with his family, a therapist and more surprises than he can handle.
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Although he is sadly missed, memories of Tom Engebretson continue to bring smiles to those who knew him. His poetic political commentaries filled with unique humor and wit will long be remembered. I will never forget his portrayal of Mr. De Pinna in SVCT’s production of “You Can’t Take It With You”.
His appearance in a toga over bare legs and garters was as much fun for him as it was for the audience. Always jolly and optimistic, Tom loved his family, his wife, Carol, and his community.
Thank you, Tom, for bringing us so much joy.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
“Curtains”
– June 3,4,10,11 at 8 p.m.; June 5 at 2:30 p.m.
– Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, 17090 Monterey St., Morgan Hill
– Details: www.svct.org or call (408) 842-SHOW
“Norman, Is That You?”
– June 17 – July 9; Friday and Saturday 8 p.m.; June 26 matinee, 2 p.m.
– Gilroy Center for the Arts, Monterey and Seventh streets, Gilroy
– Details: (408) 472-3292
“Art of Our Fathers and Mothers”
– Through July 10; Tuesday and Wednesday 2 – 6 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
– Gilroy Center for the Arts, Monterey and Seventh streets, Gilroy
Fifth Street Live!
– Friday evenings 7 – 9 p.m.; June 17 – Aug. 26
– On Fifth Street, between Monterey and Eigleberry streets, Gilroy
– Free. Bring our own chair
AUDITIONS
South Valley Civic Theatre’s “Inherit the Wind”
– June 17, 7 p.m., check-in 6:30 p.m.
– June 18, 10 a.m., check-in 9:30 a.m.
– June 18, 2:30 p.m., check-in 2 p.m.
– SVCT Warehouse, 16840 Joleen Way, Building F, Unit 4, Morgan Hill
– Parts for 21 men, 6 women, 3 to 6 children. Prepare monologue if auditioning for major role
– Details: www.svct.org
