Meet Kay Lorraine of Grove Playworks in Lemon Grove

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kay Lorraine.

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Kay. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Hi, I’m Kay Lorraine, Founder and Project Director of Grove Playworks Production Company. My story starts in 2017, at the local community theatre. A large cast was needed for an upcoming StagePlay. I volunteered to help out as a background actor. Not believing I could contribute much because I suffer from depression and crippling arthritis flare-ups. But as rehearsals progressed, so did my health and self-esteem. Suddenly I was no longer depressed and stiff. The more I acted, the better I felt. So I auditioned for everything, paid and unpaid gigs, to get where I am today. At present, I’m a published author, whose first work is copyright/registered in the U.S Library of Congress. That dramatic work is the StagePlay, “No Turning Back,” written, produced, directed and acted by me.

It’s the debut production of Grove Playworks, available on DVD for distribution by a grant from the S.D Artist Relief Fund. The award-winning Grantwriter was me, as I recently earned an online Grantwriting Certificate from S.D. State University. So, I not only Playwrite but I Grantwrite too, for fun.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s mainly been a smooth road as I only accept jobs that are not too physically demanding. The theatre family is warm and welcoming to everyone. I was personally welcomed for a Shakespeare Internship with the Olde Globe Theatre in 2018. I completed the 90-day internship and learned so much about PlayMaking. I’ve also worked with the Diversionary and S.D. Repertory Theatres. My first paid acting gig was as a Zombie in a Rock Music Video. Awesome for someone my age.

The only obstacle for Grove Playworks at present is we are in dire need of a newer transportation car. We have an older vehicle that makes auditions in Los Angeles hard to get too. We are a traveling theatre production company. Reliable transportation is essential for our growth.

Grove Playworks – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Grove Playworks provides live theatre performances to underserved communities in San Diego. These communities are economically disadvantaged and have little to no access to the Arts and Culture experience. We specialize in 60 minutes of entertaining, exciting, educational Plays. The Plays always feature a musical artist from the past to help tell the story. Paul Robeson is featured in our debut. Louis Armstrong is; next, he is featured in “Turning Back Again,” the sequel to “No Turning Back.”

As a company, we are proud to be recognized by the U.S. Library of Congress. We are also most proud that during the last performance of “No Turning Back,” the whole audience remained seated during intermission. They were captivated by the story so much. No one wanted to miss anything, amazing! Our future plans include production support for the stage, screen, and film crews. Script reading and Grantwriting services are offered to the Arts and Culture Community as well.

Lastly, what sets us apart from others is the love and respect we have for each other. The love and respect we have for theatre and the love and respect we show our audiences.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career so far is the copyright for “No Turning Back.” I actually own my written work! I am proud the Play is so well received by everyone of all ages, races, and backgrounds. My hope is that this Play will become required viewing in every school curriculum nationwide. Yes, it’s that good!

Contact Info:

• Phone: 619 251-9508
• Email: GrovePlayworks@gmail.com

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