Wednesday, September 22, 2010

A letter from Dominic.

Dear Patrons and volunteers of Quincy Community Theatre,

In January 2003, at twenty-one years old, I sat down for breakfast in Sandwich, Illinois, with an energetic woman from Quincy. (The woman was Barbara Rowell from a town I had never heard of.) At the conclusion of this meeting, I was offered a job directing the show “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” for the student theatre program at Quincy Community Theatre. During that short stay I began to fall in love with Quincy, its people and QCT. (Above: Dominic at age 21 - Photo: Andrew Schneider)


Following the production of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”, I would go on to become the Director of Student Theatre/Head of Education for two and a half years. During which time, I worked with thousands of students and hundreds of educators, learning all the while from everyone I came in contact with, no matter their age. Those two and a half years seemed to fly. By the end of them, I had met - on stage at QCT- the woman who would go on to become my wife. I also found myself entering a new stage in my professional life; I was named Managing Artistic Director of the largest and strongest community theatre in the state of Illinois and one of the largest community theatres in the country.

Now twenty-four, married, and a father, I would go on to lead Quincy Community Theatre into a new era. An era of computerized ticketing, touring shows, new marketing initiatives, strengthened bonds within the business community and yes, “Urinetown”.

I am now twenty-nine years old -still married (believe me, working in theatre, this is an accomplishment) the father of two children and I find myself, yet again, at a crossroads with a curtain about to fall on one stage of my life and another curtain waiting to rise on a new stage. (Left: Dominic at age 29 - Photo: Chet Coonrod)

I will be leaving Quincy Community Theatre at the conclusion of the 2010 season. Although I was not planning to leave quite yet, an opportunity has presented itself, which will be thrilling for my family and me – an opportunity that will continue to further my experience and bring my career to the next level. I will be opening and running a 1,000-seat auditorium in the western Chicago suburbs. I grew up in this area and now I have the honor of giving this area the joy of live entertainment.

A Nation-wide search to fill my position will begin immediately. I will continue on as a consultant on an as needed basis throughout early 2011.

I have enjoyed every moment of my time in Quincy and truly believe I am who I am because of everyone I have had the privilege of working with—from the businesses who have supported QCT to the patrons whose applause keeps me going. Thank you for entrusting your theatre in my humble hands for the past five years. It has been a true joy making you laugh, cry, and yes, even think. Thanks for all the encouragement and applause; it has meant more to me than you could ever know.


Dominic Cattero
Managing Artistic Director
Quincy Community Theatre
2005-2010