12/22/2025
We here at Cabrillo Stage, like so many in the theater community are saddened by the loss of a remarkable woman who had such a huge impact on so many artists over the years. Donna Lynn Gorman will be greatly missed by so many. We share this beautiful tribute with you, written by Donna's sister, Carol.
It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Donna Lynn Gorman, honoring her work for Cabrillo College Theater & Cabrillo Stage, collectively for over 30 years.
“You’re Donna’s sister?” “I LOVE your sister!” “She’s the best!” “Donna saves us every night!” “We love you, Donna!” — HUGS ALL AROUND!
This was our experience every summer we attended the many musical productions our sister, Donna Gorman, was a part of. It wasn’t hard to see why these appreciative cast members and production staff came to love Donna so readily. Donna’s mild-mannered delivery, her joking demeaner and appreciative tone mattered to this passionate, fun-loving, buzzing group of theater workers.
We never wondered why Donna would spend over 40 years doing theater, “in her spare time” and choosing to don a fully black outfit, her fashion statement each backstage season. THIS was her dear theater family with which she chose to “play with” year in and year out. Donna was a perfectionist, and she expected great things from these people. She took seriously the immense responsibility of delivering a GREAT SHOW. But, she accomplished this while being fun-loving and friendly with everyone, a definite collaborative effort!
How did Donna’s passion for theater grow? Well, she was the oldest daughter of Aptos residents, Wayne & Jane Gorman, our dad being a community theater actor for over 30 years himself. Starting in 1965, Dad felt right at home on the stage, setting a high bar for himself, and loving this new theater family too. THIS is how Donna and the whole family spent our summers, as kids– Dad would go to the theater each night, and we would get to watch rehearsals UNTIL THE BIG NIGHT ARRIVED, and we would see Dad entertain the audience on opening night! Our mom, Jane, was occasionally in a summer show, but mostly working on costumes as a savvy seamstress, Mom becoming a big fan of community theater too! As we girls grew older, we often took part in the plays, sometimes on stage, but mostly in the dark recesses of “backstage”, where the magic happened and where Donna played!
Back in 1965, 11 year-old Donna was a “dog patcher” in the chorus of “Lil’ Abner”, along with Wayne, who played a lead role, Pappy Yokum. But, ONSTAGE was NOT Donna’s thing! When she was old enough, she would work as assistant to many talented behind-the-scene workers, growing skilled in set construction in Kiss Me Kate (1966) & Wizard of Oz (1967), lighting, sound, props crew, and becoming “Properties Mistress” for West Side Story (1975), and eventually a full-fledged STAGE MANAGER for the complicated musical, Cabaret (1980), and for many years after that. Once she had achieved the status of Stage Manager, WE could be part of her staff! Eventually, nieces and nephews were excited by Donna’s involvement with the theater, and the growing family continued to enjoy these productions together for many years, hearing Donna tell of the backstage victories and occasional mishaps (laughable, not dangerous,) and giving us a tour of the backstage magic!
Supportive players in Donna’s life include her dear wife of nearly 25 years, Lynn Steele; sisters, Vicki, Carol & Jenny; friends with whom Donna has worked closely on theater productions; and her dear loyal and supportive long-time friends–you all know who you are! Donna Gorman will be truly missed, but is undoubtedly still performing her duties as a “most heavenly stage-manager”!
