Gloria Dorcy Watts
Then
Once upon a time I dreamed of performing on a Broadway stage! Now I have a former student who not only did but has two Tony Awards!
After leaving high school, I continued my education and pursuit of theatre. I was in many theatre companies, including: Theatre West, Actor's Studio and The Globe Shakespeare. I also acted in a few films and so many plays. I also worked in the garment industry, where I was able to set selling appointments around my acting interviews and rehearsals!
When I had my first child, I took a leave of absence from theatre, thinking I would go back in a few weeks. WRONG! I fell instantly in love with something more than theatre. I decided to go back to school to study education and then feel qualified to teach and direct children's theatre. My career then took flight! I was the first in California to offer after-school production classes (in the SF Bay Area). My daughter, Katie (and later daughters Sara & Mary) could all go with me and become active participants!
Over the past 34 years, I have directed adults and children and I have taught at Pierce College and in the LAUSD & LVUSD & Oak Park School districts. I have been The Resident Director at The Hidden Hills Playhouse for the past 28 years and at Bell Canyon Broadway for the past 18 years. This is my 11th year at St. Mel School in Woodland Hills. I have directed over 500 plays & feel that I am the luckiest woman in the world.
After leaving high school, I continued my education and pursuit of theatre. I was in many theatre companies, including: Theatre West, Actor's Studio and The Globe Shakespeare. I also acted in a few films and so many plays. I also worked in the garment industry, where I was able to set selling appointments around my acting interviews and rehearsals!
When I had my first child, I took a leave of absence from theatre, thinking I would go back in a few weeks. WRONG! I fell instantly in love with something more than theatre. I decided to go back to school to study education and then feel qualified to teach and direct children's theatre. My career then took flight! I was the first in California to offer after-school production classes (in the SF Bay Area). My daughter, Katie (and later daughters Sara & Mary) could all go with me and become active participants!
Over the past 34 years, I have directed adults and children and I have taught at Pierce College and in the LAUSD & LVUSD & Oak Park School districts. I have been The Resident Director at The Hidden Hills Playhouse for the past 28 years and at Bell Canyon Broadway for the past 18 years. This is my 11th year at St. Mel School in Woodland Hills. I have directed over 500 plays & feel that I am the luckiest woman in the world.
Now (with my daughter Katie)
I am so grateful to this computer age, which has made it possible to find so many old friends. I encourage all to attend our 50th weekend events ! So fun. We all shared a special time at the 65th Birthday celebration in 2012, a time that only belongs to us! I look forward to seeing all of you again.
Accepting the Woman of the Year Theater Award in 2009
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My three talented and wonderful daughters: Sara, Mary and Katie (2010)
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So proud of my former student and "son" Michael Alden for winning back to back Tony Awards for best Musical revival, Porgy & Bess & Pippin
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With my daughters Mary and Katie
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Donna Irwin, Diane Dooley, Gloria Dorcy
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With Sara, Mary and Katie
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With my grandson, Soul (April 2014)
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Comments
Dear Gloria -
I loved reading your amazing life story and feel I lived some of your experiences through your writing! Bravo for all the young lives you have enriched over the years with your teachings of the love of the theatre arts! We may not have been together in person very often these past 50 plus years.....but our friendship remained steadfast. Can't wait to see you and your beautiful daughters and family soon. Make sure you let Mick Fleetwood know of my arrival date so he will be sure to be there too! ;-)
---xoxo Donna Irwin McGarr
I loved reading your amazing life story and feel I lived some of your experiences through your writing! Bravo for all the young lives you have enriched over the years with your teachings of the love of the theatre arts! We may not have been together in person very often these past 50 plus years.....but our friendship remained steadfast. Can't wait to see you and your beautiful daughters and family soon. Make sure you let Mick Fleetwood know of my arrival date so he will be sure to be there too! ;-)
---xoxo Donna Irwin McGarr
Gloria: I appreciate your comments on my story, but WOW! What a story YOU tell, lady!
You're living a great (perhaps GLORIA-ous) life, and thanks for sharing it with
us!
Milt Rouse
Milt Rouse
I’ve heard so many stories about your career as an impresario and about your daughters since we reconnected for the 40-year reunion committee. A theatrical life well lived! Someday I’d like to actually meet your girls. Thanks for being such a great GCHS booster and historian. P.S. I wonder what Americo Gomez is doing these days ;-)?
Kirk Lamb