Speakers

Andrea L. Hart (she/her) is a multi-hyphenate theatre-maker whose recent work includes directing SWEENEY TODD for Cabrillo Stage; METAMORPHOSES, SPONGEBOB and MARIE ANTOINETTE for Cabrillo College, “La Bohème” and “Die Fledermaus” for Santa Cruz Opera Project. As a playwright, her work has been supported with grants from Theater Bay Area, The Puffin Foundation West, and most recently Arts Council Santa Cruz. She creates masks and shadow puppetry and loves the messy, exhilarating act of collaboration. She holds an MFA in Directing from UT Austin and currently serves as the Artistic Director of Cabrillo Stage. 

Rotary Night at the Cabrillo Stage is on Thursday, July 23rd! Get 10% off your tickets using the code Rotary26.

Charles Pasternak has served as the artistic director of Santa Cruz Shakespeare since 2023. Over the past 3 years, Charles has more than doubled SCS’ offerings, expanding from a 3-show summer repertory of shows to add a 2-show fall repertory of shows, a holiday production of A Christmas Carol (now in its third year), and a spring show. During Charles’ tenure, SCS’ yearly budget has grown by over a million dollars and tickets sales are up over 25% across the board. As an actor, director, and teacher, Charles' national career spans over two decades. As an Artistic Director, Charles specializes in fiscally responsible, repertory theatre. He's passionate about Shakespeare, artistic excellence, and company - knowing each of these elements can build a high-functioning financial model in a difficult field.

Chris is the co-founder and Director of Product Development for California Local, the virtual home for daily local news, community resources and connections to the people and groups making a positive impact in your community. He is also co-founder / co-owner of Cruzio, one of the first local independent Internet Service Providers on the planet. Chris accumulated decades of experience as a manager, corporate executive, and hands-on, full-stack software developer. And, as a homeowner and business owner in a small town, he has developed a keen appreciation of the local civic fabric and a passion to promote local journalism as a means of getting citizens more active in their communities. Chris and his wife Peggy Dolgenos sit on various boards.