Paul Tomei never expected his life to travel full circle the way it has. He grew up in Pollock Pines but left the area after high school to pursue a college degree and career in acting and directing. “I had a passion for the stage,” Tomei explains. “I loved being able to transform into someone else.” Though he wound up working as an actor in Los Angeles, he felt something was missing. “I wanted [a job that was] more artistically fulfilling and grounding,” he says. “In the back of my mind, I thought teaching would be interesting,” so in his spare time, Tomei got his credential. He originally anticipated working overseas, but when an opportunity to teach drama at El Dorado High School arose, it proved an offer too good to refuse. 

Twenty years later, Tomei has no regrets about the decision. He’s back in his hometown, happily married with one child, and able to spend each day inspiring others to pursue their dreams. His students learn key life skills, such as communication and collaboration, and some have even gone on to become performers or stage technicians. For his efforts, he became the 2018 recipient of the Normadene Carpenter Award, granted by the El Dorado Arts Council. “I couldn’t have done anything without the help of the families, parents, friends, and community members who have been there to support me through all these years of hard work,” Tomei humbly asserts. “This really is a great place to live.”  

By Amber Foster

Q&A

What advice would you give to your younger self?
Follow your heart in all matters and listen closely.

What comes to you naturally?
Sharing, cooperation, collaboration, and teamwork.  

Biggest life inspirations?
Nature and the joy I find in simple moments.

What are you most proud of?
Becoming a parent.

Favorite humanitarian causes?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and UNICEF.

Best words of wisdom you’ve received? 

“You are enough.”

What’s next?

Providing more accessibility to the arts in our community; I’m in the process of working with See the Elephant, a new professional theatre company in Placerville. 

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