Cathy Gouge has been named the new manager for the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts. Ruben Wall, director of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, made the announcement this week.
“I am honored to be selected as the manager of the Renaissance Centre,” said Gouge. “The Renaissance Centre is a jewel in our downtown. I’m excited to have this wonderful opportunity to help it realize it’s amazing potential as a venue that showcases the arts for the benefit and enjoyment of our entire community.”
She has been the interim manager since the first director, Pam Stevens, resigned in May, and was hired as a specialist when the centre first opened in 2013. She will be responsible for scheduling an array of cultural programs and classes at the facility, along with theatrical, music, social and other special events. She will also recruit performers and patrons to use the facility and assist with the promotion of events. Gouge will supervise one full-time staff person and 10 part-time staff and oversee an operating budget of $210,000.
A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Gouge holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from Stony Brook University and a Masters in Elementary Education from Dowling College. She was a performing arts teacher at Franklin Academy Middle School from 2008 to 2013 and a first grade teacher at Franklin Academy Elementary School from 2002 to 2007. Gouge is also a co-founder of Forest Moon Theater. She and her husband, Terry, have a daughter, Bailey.
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This is the best thing that could have happened for the future of the Renaissance Centre…