Andrew M. Gorman ’05 attended Shenandoah University because he fell in love with the conservatory staff, especially the late theatre professor and creator of Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre Harold “Hal” Herman. “His calm, dedicated love for theater made me choose Shenandoah over all other schools,” explained Gorman.
Shenandoah prepared Gorman to be diverse and pull from every aspect of his education to be the consummate entertainment professional he is today. Beyond performing across the nation and around the world, he has built sets, created show scripts, cast entire productions and notated music for theatrical performances.
Gorman has more than fifteen years of experience in the entertainment industry. He has performed alongside Broadway, film and television stars Rosie O’Donnell and Adrian Zmed and received critical acclaim regionally for lead roles in productions like “Pirates of Penzance,” “Titanic The Musical” and his direction of “Smokey Joe’s Café” (starring original Broadway cast member Frederick B. Owens). While theater is his passion, Gorman has always found a home in corporate entertainment, including eight years in the cruise industry, primarily for Princess Cruises, where he worked in creation casts and originated roles in many productions, and eventually starred in his own one-man show.
In 2015, Gorman found a home in San Antonio, Texas, as the entertainment supervisor at SeaWorld San Antonio. He is now the director of events for The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. As the director of events, Gorman has the opportunity to enhance the business community with events to promote business health, economic and education growth. He is also a liaison with Military Affairs to encourage job growth after separation from uniformed services and educate the greater San Antonio business community of changing public policy.
Gorman’s most rewarding experience in the entertainment industry was when he watched the opening night of the first show he created from start to finish. “I was overwhelmed by the audience’s response to the performance,” said Gorman. “I had spent my life on stage and obtained a degree in performance. I never imagined that I would create this amazing production and find so much joy in watching versus performing. It was truly fulfilling and reminded me that you never know where your career will take you.”
Gorman’s advice to students is: “Diversity will get you EVERYWHERE. Study everything, keep your heart, mind and ears open.”