If you’ve seen a stage show in the regional area in the past decade or so, it was likely championed by Carrie Gorn.
The long-time PR figure worked in the Philadelphia theater and arts community, with organizations like Quintessence Theatre Group, Curio, EgoPo, Tribe of Fools, Wilma Theater, Philadelphia Theatre Company, People’s Light, and many others for most of her life.
Gorn passed away suddenly on Jan. 29 at the age of 49, and the venues that she helped serve — and she enjoyed spending time in — are honoring her with a Theater Dimming this Thursday, Feb. 6. Taking place at 7 p.m., the light dimming is the request and wish of Carrie’s daughter, Rosie, who, just like her mother, has a fierce love for the performing arts and is an up-and-coming performer herself, a release notes.
Carrie is survived by her daughter, her husband Chad, her stepfather Tim McDermott, and her sisters Stacy Graves (nee McDermott) and Emily McDermott.
Gorn graduated from Lycoming College with a degree in Communications and went on to establish a career as a freelance Public Relations Consultant. Her firm, Perpetual Motion PR, was founded as a one-woman show in 2007, and she spent much of her time immersing herself in the arts and culture world of the city. Since her passing last week, friends and colleagues have been offering their memories of the PR pro on social media.
The Dimming will take place for a full minute on Thursday, in addition, theaters that do not have marquees or a physical address will be sharing a Go Fund Me campaign which will support Rosie’s college fund. The release also notes that a celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 8, at Alleva Funeral Home (1724 E. Lancaster Ave., Paoli PA) from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Sharing of memories will begin at 2 p.m.
Donations in her name may also be made to the Wolf Performing Arts Center, 1240 Montrose Ave., Bryn Mawr, Pa. 19010.
