Quincy Community Theatre

Theatre Cafe and Freedon of Expression

2012-01-13T11:18:00.000-08:00

I got an interesting call from a season ticket holder this morning regarding our Theatre Cafe, which is a series of short comedic plays, with strong language and adult situations, which we are stating is for "Mature Audiences" only. You see the reason behind doing this (besides helping to raise funds for three separate arts organizations) was to give our members a chance to stretch their artistic wings a bit. In order to satisfy our average season ticket holder, we do need to be a bit conservative in our choices for the main stage. But every once in a while, we need to challenge ourselves...as artists, as patrons, as human beings.
She was upset that we were doing something like this, and thought that the police should be on hand in case it gets out of control (it is a BYOB event). The sad part of this conversation was that this patron was informed by a friend who heard a radio interview and was disappointed that we were doing this. First off, how can someone complain about something they don't know anything about? All of her information was second hand. Secondly, the patron stated "us doing this show would jeopardize our area public TV station, and if someone bought tickets to Theatre Cafe, our station would close down!" How Bizarre! I don't see the connection, especially since a number of the patrons attending this event are the types that donate to causes like public broadcasting. She also mentioned that the head of the QNSFA Society was a menace and was bringing America down. How absurd, that someone who assists people to express themselves in a wonderful country like America, which was based on personal freedoms is bad for our country! One of the beautiful things about America is that if you don't want to come to a play...don't come! But if you do want to loose some the Sugary side effects of the holiday season, stop by with a beverage of your choice, spend a few hours with us and laugh a little bit. Laughter is good for the soul. So is compassion and understanding.

Yes, Virginia

2011-11-11T13:57:00.000-08:00

Soon, Yes, virginai...opens. Over 50 cast members! Yikes!! Having a great time, and how wonderful is it that we have many new cast members that have never been on our stage, along with many veterans. We open Thanksgiving weekend. What an inspiring way to spend the holiday with loved ones. Tickets are on sale now. We've also added a matinee on Saturday, december 3 at 2 PM!

I am amazed at how relevant this story is to our society today. Really hope you all have a chance to catch this production.

The Fantasticks to Open

2011-09-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

When I accepted the position as MAD at QCT, I was pleased to learn that The Fantasticks was one of the shows on the schedule for 2011. This is one of my favorite pieces of theatre. I felt that it was a perfect time to bring in a Guest Artist as a performer for the role of El Gallo, not because we couldn't find someone capable of performing the role here, but that it is good exposure for our members to work alongside someone who is pursuing a career in the theatre. It gives our members a chance to talk about their past as well as for our younger members to get some first-hand exposure to what it is like to be a working actor. I brought in Scott McGowan, who's voice is warm and rich and his range is just right for the role. We also have a Fantastic cast of Patrick Regner as Matt, Libby Ruth as Luisa, Jim Rupp as Hucklebee, Kevin Jobe as Bellomy, Paul Denckla as Henry, Paul Wood as Mortimer and Sarah Anderson rounds off the cast as the mute. Catie Hellige serves as the stage manager.
In October 1980, the original production sold its millionth ticket becoming the longest running show in American history, and the longest running musical in the world. The Fantasticks eventually ran 17,162 performances at the tiny Sullivan Street Playhouse in NYC before closing in January 2002, after an almost forty-two year run (more than twice as long as Cats). In the thirty-second year of its run, the show won a special Tony Award in 1992, and Schmidt and Jones won the prestigious Richard Rodgers Award in 1993. The Fantasticks is based on Edmond Rostand’s Les Romanticks, loosely using Romeo & Juliet as source material (Star-crossed lovers, Feuding Families) as well as other strong Classical influences. It was the beginning of the end of the Rodgers and Hammerstein revolution, and it paved the way for unconventional shows like Anyone Can Whistle, Cabaret, Company, Celebration, Promises, Promises, and others.

The Fantasticks utilizes the essence- the boiled down core of what makes musical theatre work. This was a musical born of one of the most fascinating periods in American history, the 1950s, when traditional domesticity was being challenged, when organized religion was being challenged, when the unquestioned authority of parents and other "experts" was being questioned, and when young Americans were becoming obsessed with individuality, with rebellion, with freedom, with art as a means to criticize social and political structures, and most disconcerting of all, with Modern Jazz. All this would find full bloom in the sixties, but the seeds were there in the 1950s with the Beat writers, when composer Harvey Schmidt and writer Tom Jones, two young New Yorkers were creating their masterpiece.

In order for The Fantasticks to succeed, it has to be real. It has to happen every night with nothing faked. The magic has to be real. It is cynical yet a clear-eyed view of Love and Marriage. Its simplicity allows us to connect with The Greater Truths. Its unconventionality allows us to let go of some of the the trappings of a big Broadway Musical and rejects conventions for convention’s sake such as the 4th wall and realistic sets…it is something very Pure, primal, truthful and in my opinion, beautiful.

Once again, I am so very pleased with the caliber of performances here at QCT and have had an enjoyable rehearsal process and hope you all have a chance to come support QCT and be entertained by one of the most enduring theatrical productions of all times! I hope you find the music, story and characters as charming and memorable as I do.

(Some of this BLOG was taken from an article by Scott Miller)

My First Musical @ QCT

2011-07-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

Well, last week Joseph...opened. My first direction of a musical here at QCT. We had spectacular crowds, a wonderful opening party and superlative words for the production were heard by regulars and newbies alike. I recently received a card from a long-time subscriber who said "Awesome, great, fabulous, incredible, delightful etc...Jospeh...is at the top of all QCT musicals I have seen!" What more could a director ask for?

What I want to comment on is the professionalism of all involved. We are indeed a community theatre, where we depend on volunteers to help build the set, usher for performances, serve as running crew back stage and act upon our stage.

Yet, coming from the professional world, I can't tell the difference. We have an incredibly talented pool to draw from, as is seen by not only the leads in this production, but in every role, including our talented "kid Chorus."

One of the joys of working here is our staff. Everyone involved does such a great job, it makes me look good.

So to everyone, from the actors who rehearsed 20 hours a week for 6 weeks, to the production team that created such fantastic work to every audience member that helps to keep the arts alive in Quincy, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Moving to q

2011-07-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

Watching my plane take off as the rising sun silhouetted the Manhattan skyline; I was reminded of that brash young man who 27 years ago landed in NYC for the very first time in his life. With very little cash in his pocket, no place to live, no job, just an acceptance to a classical training program for actors in the heart of the theatre district, this intrepid youth defied convention.
I feel only a few years older than that guy, even though my elbow creaks, my neck gets tight and I need to sport reading classes in order to screw a flat together.
I was leaving that Mecca of culture for the last time as a resident of that vibrant art scene and moving to the calm, quaint community of Quincy, Illinois, where rush hour lasts from 5:05 PM to 5:10 PM. Where, like cheers “everyone knows your name”. ..where the artistic community consists of a much smaller pool of fish...where the tastes of the average patron is, perhaps, a bit less adventurous.
And yet, this town of 40-some thousand supports so much culture, takes pride in the athletic youth and works diligently to maintain the beautiful structures that proudly stand on dogwood lined streets that I once again have those butterflies in my belly-just as that brash youth did way back then!
How exciting to be able to direct full-scale musicals. To select a play that has more than 4 characters in it. You see, in the professional world where I came from, the economic reality to producing theatre was strangling artistic options. We needed to find ways to more with less. Now, I feel honored to work with such dedicated volunteers and have a staff that I can trust and depend on to fulfill the mission to engage our community through the exposure of the arts.
I can’t wait for my wife to join me so I can share with her all of the wonderful things I have discovered so far.
I can’t wait to finish casting my first production.
I can’t wait to stretch and expand my artistic muscles and the community’s sensibilities.
I hope you are all ready to take that journey with me. Hop on the QCT express and let’s have the ride of our lives!

Trip to Chicago

2011-06-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

The alarm was set for 4:30 a.m. and after a night of rehearsals for Joseph and the…and a champagne toast for the purchase of our new home, it was a bleary-eyed morning. But we didn’t care because my wife and I were off to Chicago on the train for the first time since moving to Quincy.
I was asked to serve on a grant review panel for the Illinois Arts Council, and being new to the area, jumped at the chance to get to know some of the players in the Chicago theatre scene. My wife on the other hand, was doomed to wander the streets during the day, forced to venture into museums, dine in a wide array of ethnic eateries and last but not least, be subjected to some of the finest theatre in the country (next to QCT of course!).
My days were spent gathered around a table with other key executives of theatres from around the state, reading and discussing the incredible programs that are offered at every level--from Tony-winning theatres to small rural barns sewing a couple of cows together to make a curtain. The one thing all of these groups have in common is a desire to put on the best darn show they can, with whatever resources they have on hand.
That is why I am so excited about being the MAD of QCT because we have such wonderful resources at our disposal: a beautiful facility, a caring board, a dedicated staff and talented members of our community and region to grace our stage, and last but not least, an incredible supportive business and patron base.
I had a blast in the windy city, experiencing all that fine city has to offer, but it’s good to be home, ready to return to rehearsals, decorating our historic home and planting roots in our new hometown.

Boeing Boeing Cast!

2011-03-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I've cast my first production here at QCT. The play is Boeing Boeing- a classic French farce by Marc Camoletti translated by Beverley Cross. The cast is as follows: Bernard-Bill Twaddle, Robert-Greg Ellery, Bertha-Vicki Dempsey, Jacqueline-Emily Jones, Janet-Bobette Cawthon, Judith-Amethyst Zelle. It is listed in the Guinness World book of records as the most produced French play in history! It's about a French Lothario, Bernard a successful Parisian architect juggling three-that's right-THREE- fiances. All of them are "Air Hostesses" as they were called back then ( 1960). He tracks their timetables and with the assistance of his long suffering housekeeper Bertha, they change decor and menus. An old school chum, Robert arrives, and Bernard proudly explains his system for romance. However, a faster jet arrives, throwing this timetable out of kilter, weather helps to complicate the plot and Bernard, Robert and Bertha have a hard time keeping everything straight. I won't tell you how it ends, suffice to say it all works out in the end. You'll just have to come see it.

I have to admit, I was a bit nervous, not knowing the caliber of performers the Quincy area produces. Having come from the professional world, where we get the full range from genius to awful, I was hoping we would Vere towards the former! The day before the auditions we only had one guy, so we had a phone campaign to recruit actors to audition. Fortunately, we had a great turnout, and it was sad to turn down so many wonderful actors. I'm looking forward to the first rehearsal next week.

Don't forget about ordering your tickets for The Drowsy Chaperone. Tickets go on sale this coming Monday (March 7).

See you at the Theatre!

Lenny Bart
MAD

New Managing Artistic Director

2011-02-23T14:59:00.000-08:00

Greetings to everyone in Quincy and the surrounding areas. My name is Lenny Bart and I am delighted to be the new Managing Artistic Director for Quincy Community Theatre. I originally hail from Minneapolis, Minnesota, but have been working and living in New York City/New Jersey for the last 27 years. I am a professional actor, director and designer. I've taught theater at the middle, high school and college level. I've toured to 46 states, performed in Europe twice and have performed or directed in many off & off-off Broadway venues, as well as in many of New Jersey's finest theatres (feel free to log onto NY Times web site or Google me if you are interested in reading some of my acting or directing reviews).

For the last 10 years I was Artistic Director for 12 Miles West Theatre Company as well as an actor and director for Pushcart Players (both in NJ). 12 Miles West led a nomadic existence for a while due to the volatile real estate market, and the company was having difficulties maintaining funding and developing an audience base or being able to offer educational programs due to the fact we were sharing other groups' spaces. When Pushcart Players offered me their Artistic Director position, I took it. I loved the company, but I discovered that I was in a place where 95% of my time was dealing with administrative duties. I felt a need to be more involved on the artistic side.

I came across the ad for the MAD position a few months back and decided to apply for the job. When I advanced to the next round of consideration, I began to do some research on Quincy. I just couldn't believe my findings: A town of approximately 40,000 that supported a theatre, a symphony, an art center and opera company, a blues festival, a film festival, multiple museums major media outlets and more! How could it be? When the Search Committee flew me in for the final round, I decided to bring my wife Tricia along so we could see if this town was for real-and it was. Everyone has been so nice and supportive that I can only try my hardest to do a great job! I know that Barbara and Dominic had both done an exceptional job in the past and that I have big shoes to fill. But fill I will with the help and support of this exceptional community. I look forward to learning from our fantastic staff and board of directors (current & past) and in continuing to work in a cooperative manner with all of our generous donors, season ticket holders and sponsors. I know how the arts can make an impact on peoples lives, and I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work on producing and presenting some of the finest theatre Quincy can provide.

Please come on by and say hello. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone.

Lenny Bart
MAD, QCT

An email I received today!

2010-10-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Dominic:

Today, Tuesday, October 19, at 2:15 p.m. EDT, the White House is holding a live chat with leaders from the President’s Committee on the Arts & the Humanities (PCAH). Tune in live or watch the archive afterward. You can also submit questions to be answered by the participants via the White House Facebook page. Participants in this first-of-its-kind live online chat will include:

Chuck Close, PCAH Member and visual artist (view bio)
Margo Lion, PCAH Co-Chair (view bio)
George Stevens, Jr., PCAH Co-Chair (view bio)
Damian Woetzel, PCAH Member and ballet dancer (view bio)

Further details and instructions on how to submit a question are available on the White House blog. This event is in celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month and will be available on the White House live chat archives.

"The World of Magic" at QCT this weekend!

2010-10-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

llusionist David Thomas and the award-winning "World of Magic" show presents a Las Vegas style magical stage show with amazing escapes, fire illusions, pyrotechnics, beautiful lavishly costumed dancers and stunning choreography. Below are some pictures of "World of Magic".

Mesmerizing illusions and theatrical imagination define this enhanced realm of The World of Magic complemented by luminous scenery and spectacular magic.

This is one show you won't want to miss! Purchase tickets right now at http://www.1qct.org/onstage.html.

From President Barack Obama regarding the arts!

2010-10-04T16:47:00.000-07:00

Throughout history, the arts and humanities have helped men and women around the globe grapple with the most challenging questions and come to know the most basic truths. In our increasingly interconnected world, the arts play an important role in both shaping the character that defines us and reminding us of our shared humanity. This month, we celebrate our Nation's arts and humanities, and we recommit to ensuring all Americans can access and experience them.

Our strength as a Nation has always come from our ability to recognize ourselves in each other, and American artists, historians, and philosophers have helped enable us to find our common humanity. Through powerful scenes on pages, canvases, and stages, the arts have spurred our imaginations, lifted our hearts, and united us all without regard to belief or background.

The arts and humanities have also helped fuel our economy as well as our souls. Across our country, men and women in the non profit and for profit arts industries bring arts and cultural activities to our communities, contributing tens of billions of dollars to our economy each year. Today, arts workers are revitalizing neighborhoods, attracting new visitors, and fostering growth in places that have gone too long without it.

As we work to bring the power of the arts and humanities to all Americans, my Administration remains committed to providing our children with an education that inspires as it informs. Exposing our students to disciplines in music, dance, drama, design, writing, and fine art is an important part of that mission. To promote arts education and pay tribute to America's vibrant culture, First Lady Michelle Obama and I have been proud to host a White House Music Series, Dance Series, and Poetry Jam. We have been honored to bring students, workshops, and performers to "the People's House;" to highlight jazz, country, Latin, and classical music; and to invite Americans to listen to the music of the civil rights movement, hip hop, and Broadway.

By supporting the fields that feed our imagination, strengthen our children's education, and contribute to our economy, our country will remain a center of creativity and innovation, and our society will stand as one where dreams can be realized. As we reflect on the contributions of America's artists, we look forward to hearing their tales still untold, their perspectives still unexplored, and their songs still unwritten. May they continue to shed light on trials and triumphs of the human spirit, and may their work help ensure that our children's horizons are ever brighter.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2010 as National Arts and Humanities Month. I call upon the people of the United States to join together in observing this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to celebrate the arts and the humanities in America.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

A letter from Dominic.

2010-09-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

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

The 2011 Season is Anounced!

2010-08-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

Cinderella - Feb. 3-6

** Frank, Liza and Sammy - Feb. 11-12

* The Drowsy Chaperone - March 18-20, 24-27

** Say Goodnight Gracie - April 8-9

** Click, Clack, Moo - April 16

*Boeing, Boeing - May 5-7, 12-15

Children's Letters to God - June 9-12

** IO (Formerly Improv Olympic) Improvised Musical - June 18

*Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - July 22-24, 28-31, 5-7

*The Fantasticks - Sept. 23-25, 29-Oct. 2

*The Giver - Oct. 27-30

** American Stars in Concert, Featuring American Idol Stars, celebrate Motown! - Nov. 4-5

*Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus - Nov. 25-27, Dec. 1-4

* Signifies shows on the season ticket
** Signifies shows in the touring series

Could there be an Arts in Education Week in our countries future?

2010-07-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.Con.Res. 275, legislation designating the second week of September as "Arts in Education Week." Authored and introduced by California Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA), this resolution is the first Congressional expression of support celebrating all the disciplines comprising arts education. This is a very positive showing of support for arts education and comes at a key time when Congress is making plans to overhaul federal education policy. Take two minutes to send a message of support for arts education to your member of Congress!

The resolution seeks to support the attributes of arts education that are recognized as instrumental to developing a well-rounded education such as creativity, imagination, and cross-cultural understanding. H.Con.Res. 275 also highlights the critical link between those skills and preparing our children for gaining a competitive edge in the global economy. This is an important message for policy makers to acknowledge as they prepare to reauthorize federal education policy.

As a House resolution, the bill does not require signature by the President upon its passage. You can read the resolution at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.CON.RES.275:.

We salute Rep. Speier and the more than 101 original cosponsors for their support of arts education and for this truly special recognition of the value of culture for our country's students.

The Cast of "All Shook Up" is announced!

2010-06-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

The cast includes

Todd Rost as Chad
Alicia Mager as Natalie
Lana Anderson as Sylvia
Mia Bergstrom as Lorraine
Drew Quintero as Dennis
Cindy Melton as Sandra
Bobette Cawthon as Matilda
Ian Taylor as Dean
Larry Bugh as Earl
Bill Stalder as Jim

Ensemble includes

Sarah Anderson, Graham Barnard, Dylan Bainter, Kara Bainter, Brendan Brand, Andrew Farnsworth, LaRon Grant, Valerie Hernandez, Michelle Kasparie, Katie Kraushaar, Larry McNett, Taylor Mullin, Patrick Regner, Jacob Rokusek, Shayna Rost, Sierra Schnack, Lee Smith, and J.D. Stalder.

A letter from Shirley Madigan

2010-06-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

The following letter is an update as to the status of Illinois Arts Council grant money, which has yet to be paid. This means many arts organizations which have not yet received their grant through the state may not receive the funds promised.

May 27, 2010

Dear Grantee:

I write today to apprise you once again of the current status of state payments. Unfortunately, there is still no change for the better. The State of Illinois is still in dire financial condition.

The Illinois Arts Council has sent letters inquiring after the prospects for payment to the State Comptroller and the Director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. We will continue to keep you updated, and meanwhile urge you to exercise fiscal prudence in your planning for the use of State of Illinois grant funds. Note specifically the terms of Section #18 in your Grant Agreement:

“18. Obligations of the State will cease immediately without penalty of further payment being required if in any fiscal year the Illinois General Assembly fails to appropriate or otherwise make available sufficient funds for this agreement.”

Again, our thanks for your continued hard work to provide quality arts programming and artwork throughout the state of Illinois. And our most sincere apologies for the hardships these historic delays in payment are causing.

Sincerely,

Shirley R. Madigan
Chairman
Illinois Arts Council

New study shows value of being exposed to the arts in school

2010-03-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

The following is an article from the March 20, 2010 edition of The Morning Call

When I chose to devote my afterschool hours in high school to dance classes and theater rehearsals, I wasn't trying to improve my math grades or increase my chances of being satisfied with my future career (although in retrospect, I should have played every instrument for the sake of my Algebra III grade). Being accepted into a good college was on my mind, but I didn't realize the lasting effects that show choir and ''The Nutcracker'' would have on my future.

James S. Catterall of UCLA's Graduate School of Education and Information Studies would say that these activities do indeed have a presence in my life, even though I am not a professional performer. Catterall is a leading researcher in the fields of education and arts learning and engagement. He recently published his 12-year study concluding that ''individual artistic engagement can spark long-term positive developments for students, and cohesive arts-rich cultures in schools also produce outcomes called 'doing well' and 'doing good by doing art.'''

His new book, ''Doing Well and Doing Good by Doing Art,'' details the effects of secondary school arts activities as they relate to school environment, socioeconomic backgrounds, and the lasting effects at ages 20 and 26. (He will be the keynote speaker at Lehigh Valley Arts Council's annual arts-in-education workshop at 1:30 p.m. April 14 at Penn State Lehigh Valley's Center Valley Campus.)

Catterall's team surveyed more than 25,000 students in American secondary schools during the late 1990s and followed up with more than 12,000 of them throughout the 12 years. His original studies established ''for the first time in any comprehensible way that students involved in the arts are demonstrably doing better in school than those who are not.'' Specifically, he found correlations between music and mathematic achievement and theater arts and human development. Most of these findings would seem logical -- reading music involves counting and fractions, and being able to portray a character on stage requires reading comprehension as well as an understanding of personality traits.

What sets Catterall's newly released data apart from other studies is the long-term conclusions he drew from following up with students at ages 20 and 26. Additionally, from the beginning he noted the socioeconomic backgrounds of all of the students and found that low-income students benefited from arts learning more so than students (regardless of arts involvement) from higher income areas.

So what did he gather from his follow-up data? Catterall surveyed the likelihood of volunteerism, voter registration and college enrollment at age 20. About 40 percent of ''high-art'' students (those highly involved in arts activities) enrolled in college, while only 17 percent of ''low-art'' students did so. Additionally, high-art students are more than twice as likely to volunteer as adults. Surveys about job satisfaction at age 26 showed that arts involvement leads to better jobs, higher pay, more job responsibilities and promotion opportunities, and greater future aspirations. So keep practicing your piano scales, kids, it may decrease your chances of becoming a disgruntled employee down the road.

So does my secondary school arts involvement fit in with Catterall's findings?

I still can't explain my disdain for the subject of math, but I do volunteer, will graduate college and am a registered voter. And it looks like the chances are high that I will be satisfied with my job and will aspire to higher positions.

Some Pictures from "Some Enchanted Evening"

2010-03-24T13:58:00.000-07:00

Richard and Oscar!

2010-03-08T09:40:00.001-08:00

I jumped into "Some Enchanted Evening" as I do most all shows, with a basis of research to serve as the foundation for the creative process. I especially took a concerted effort in this process for "Some Enchanted Evening", as some might know I believe Rodgers and Hammerstein to have gotten a bit dusty over time, however, during my period of research these thoughts would soon change and I would find my admiration and respect for these two iconic figures in music theatre begin to grow once more. -- I made an incredible realization. The reason my feelings for Rogers and Hammerstein began to decline was due to the stagnation of their shows by no fault of there own but rather a lack of creativity and ability to take a risk on the part of the director's and production staff.

I felt that no matter where I saw a certain show I was seeing the same show I had seen before just with a different leading man singing the same notes and an ensemble moving to different locations on the stage. This is what bored my brain. After all, TO ME, why see something you have seen before. I want to see another director's vision of a certain world--which is creative, strong and takes risks, of course justified in research, and not a recreation of someone else's creative world. During my research I found a series of interviews with Rodgers and Hammerstein that I found quite interesting. The part of the interview that triggered a bolt of creativity was when Richard Rodgers said, “If somebody wants to take a 20-year old song and do his own version of it, I encourage it. I think this is one way of keeping the 20-year old song alive. I think if it were possible, which it isn’t, to force performers and orchestra’s to stick rigidly to the way the song was written, the song would be dead in three months. It would become so tiresome, so monotonous.” To me this was a magical way of Richard Rodgers himself giving me permission to do my own version of this review. In fact he was asking me to do so in order to prolong the life of his music.

As soon as I received permission from Richard, (by now we were close friends you see), my mind became entirely free and this show began to present itself in a new way. I began to see the timeless nature of their music was buried in the presentation. We could effectively speak to today’s audience and touch them in a new and fresh way while maintaining the integrity of these two musical theatre icons. With the metaphorical box many people usually think within destroyed "Some Enchanted Evening" became truly enchanted.

An update from the Illinois Arts Council.

2010-02-24T13:27:00.000-08:00

February 24, 2010

Dear Illinois Arts Council Constituents,

The Governor's Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) today launched www.budget.illinois.gov, a website that allows Illinois residents to provide feedback that will be used to shape the state's fiscal year 2011 budget.

This is the first time in Illinois' history that you can actively participate in the state's budgeting process. As you know, the State of Illinois is in dire financial condition and the budget for next year will be even worse than the current one. The potential responses for this historically difficult situation may include deep cuts or total suspension of many state programs as well as calls for additional revenue sources, as Governor Quinn has proposed. The Governor and legislators are in a very difficult position as they try to address these huge challenges. The more information they have from their constituents about how next year's budget should be constructed, the better the Governor, senators, and representatives will understand their constituents' priorities.

I encourage you to review this new website and make use of this opportunity to apprise the Governor's Office of Management and Budget of your priorities for the state's fiscal year 2011 budget.

Note that all submissions are subject to public disclosure.

Sincerely,

Terry A. Scrogum

Terry A. Scrogum
Executive Director
Illinois Arts Council

You Tube video of Suzanne LaRusch

2010-02-11T13:46:00.002-08:00

Check out this video. She will be at our theatre on February 12th and 13th 2010.

2010-02-11T13:46:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta1FRIWr53U

2010-02-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

First-Person: Activists Answer, "What Motivates Me to Speak Out for the Arts"

First-Person profiles a current event from the perspective of a member of the Illinois arts community. Please contact Scarlett Swerdlow at swerdlow@artsalliance.org or 312.855.3105 x13 if you would like to contribute to the next First-Person.

This month, we invited arts leaders from across the state to answer questions about their advocacy experiences. We are pleased to share responses from Travis Stimeling of Millikin University, Maria Mowbray of Rock for Kids, and Penny Wollan-Kriel of the Springfield Area Arts Council as well as five Facebook fans.

Travis Stimeling, Assistant Professor of Music, Millikin University, Decatur

Travis Stimeling participated in the January 13 Responsible Budget Call-In Day.

Motto: "If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough."

What motivated you to speak out for the arts with your elected officials?

The arts play a key role in helping the residents of Illinois to understand one another. Especially in these times when it seems that, as a nation, we are more divided than we have been in recent history, access to the arts is essential, as they offer us the opportunity to share our basic humanity, to publicly express our differences, and to start productive dialogues about ways to improve the quality of life for all.

(Pictured below: the Perkinson Music Center at Millikin University)

When was a time you saw the world differently?

Shortly after my son was born, I was teaching about Mahler's Kindertotenlieder in my music history class, which I had done several times before. In the opening piece of this song cycle, we find a father facing the sunrise after his son died in the night. Exhausted physically and emotionally from the prior night's tragedy, he reflects that the sun rises with the promise of a new day without regard for his own sorrow. Standing before my students, I suddenly understood this piece in a way that I never had before, connecting the father's experience to my new fatherhood, and I wept.

_________________________________________________________

Maria Mowbray, Executive Director, Rock For Kids, Chicago

Maria Mowbray met with members of Congress in 2009 at National Arts Advocacy Day and then traveled to Springfield to meet with the state representatives and state senators who serve Rock for Kids stakeholders. Maria is pictured below with State Senator Antonio Munoz (D-1) in Springfield.

Motto: "There are no problems -- only solutions." (I use this as my motto, but I have to admit I stole it from Maestro Paul Freeman of the Chicago Sinfonietta.)

What motivated you to speak out for the arts with your elected officials?

As a nonprofit organization that provides services for children living in poverty, we are often in the position of giving a voice to those who do not have one, and as arts educators, we share with students the tools to voice the abstract. It is imperative that arts organizations like Rock For Kids utilize the political system to add their voices to the discourse on what is important to us as a society. There is no better way to do this than make the effort to meet face to face with elected officials and share with them concrete evidence of the positive impact the arts are having among their constituents.

Proactive advocacy and a unified message are our strongest allies in the fight to preserve the arts and arts education in this country.

Why do you think people should care about the arts?

There are so many reasons to care about the arts! Arts tourism produces a significant amount of state and municipal revenue. Providing arts education early on in a child's life has a significant impact on cognitive development, and the creative thinking skills developed while learning in the arts can easily translate into the competitive job market. But beyond that, the arts give us the means to define and document where we've been individually and as a nation, as well as the freedom to imagine where we are going.

When was a time you saw the world differently?

Recently a student enrolled in Rock For Kid's Songwriting for Teens class in Pullman shared song lyrics about her cousin who was killed by gun violence. The resulting conversation among the students about how to interpret those feelings in music demonstrated the transformative and healing capabilities of the creative process.

_________________________________________________________

Penny Wollan-Kriel, Acting Director, Springfield Area Arts Council

Penny Wollan-Kriel participated in the January 13 Responsible Budget Call-In Day.

Motto: "Hang in there -- the arts will be around long after we are gone."

What motivated you to speak out for the arts with your elected officials?

The arts are critical and the budget allocation for the Illinois Arts Council has been decimated over the past few years. Further cuts just cannot be considered. As the administrator of an arts organization which has felt the results of the reduced budgets, I needed to voice my opinion.

(Pictured below: an art show at the University of Illinois at Springfield.)

What, if any, obstacles did you face in speaking out?

None. Since our service area is in two districts, I called both Representatives Poe and Brauer as well as Senator Bomke. The staff members I spoke with listened, thanked me for calling, and indicated they would relay the message.

Why do you think people should care about the arts?

As has been said before (and I couldn't express it any better or more succinctly): "The arts are the soul of a people."

_________________________________________________________

Heard on the Arts Alliance Illinois Facebook Page

Members of the Arts Alliance Illinois Facebook community were asked, "Why do you think people should care about the arts?"

Pat Navadomskis -- The arts develop critical thinking skills, open people up, and [let us] build and share community.

Sandra Ahten -- I don't think people SHOULD care about the arts. Care about art if it is in you to care about art. If it is not, you probably get your fulfillment in other ways. Expression will come forth in different ways for everyone. That said, I think children should be exposed to many different things, including the arts.

Chris Milostan -- Arts -- being engaged in the creative process -- is holistic integration and balance of body, mind, and spirit. It reduces stress, helps people adapt to change more effectively, and fosters innovation of new ideas, products, services, etc. Our country, planet, and the human community needs creative expression.

Beverly Holmes Hughes -- The arts hold the core of the story of who we are by sharing what we are about.

Martha Frish Okabe -- The arts provide insight into ourselves and others, and can be a source of sheer joy. Sometimes that joy comes instinctively, and sometimes one needs to be taught some basics before that art form can be appreciated. It's not always easy, but it's worth the effort.

Add your voice to the conversation at www.facebook.com/artsallianceillinois.

"An Evening With Lucille Ball" - Don't miss it!

2010-01-25T11:12:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures and quotes from around the country. This is what people are saying about An Evening With Lucille Ball - Thank You for Asking Directed by Lucie Arnez (daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez) coming to Quincy Community Theatre on February 12th and 13th.

From The Tampa Tribune

“Lucy tells fun behind-the-scenes stories about of some of her iconic episodes like “Vitametavegamin,” gives the low-down on the wine vat episode (“Stomping on the grape was like stepping into a vat of slimy eyeballs.”), and uses the story of the chocolates on the conveyor belt to talk about the genius of Vivian Vance.”

“Whether you saw them when they were new or years later when they were in syndication, I Love Lucy is a show that touched many of us in special ways. If you have fond memories of Lucy, Suzanne LaRusch’s brilliant rendition of our favorite flame-haired comedienne is a show not to be missed.”

“Suzanne’s Likeness to Lucille is uncanny!” – Madelyn Davis (original I Love Lucy Co–creator and writer)

“I think she’s awesome.” “Go BIG RED!” – Lisa Ann Walter, Judge The Next Best Thing - ABC

2009 Quilta winners

2010-01-14T08:12:00.000-08:00

The Quincy Community Theatre celebrated its 2009 season Saturday January 9th at the America’s Best Value Inn.

Volunteers were recognized for their contributions to the theatre and the 2009 QUILTA Awards for outstanding performance were presented to 10 individuals.

The evening was emceed by Ricky Haschemeyer & Craig Kurjanski (right), who have been seen on the QCT stage in multiple productions.

Quiltas were awarded to ...

Outstanding performance in a Play.

• Allyson Hayden for her role as Susan Walker in Miracle on 34th Street

• Dan Conboy for his role as Yvan in ART

• Kevin Payne for his role as Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street

• Tracie Riley for her role as Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest

• Vicki Dempsey for her role as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest

Outstanding performance in a musical.

• Lauren Costigan for her role as Ulla in The Producers

• Kevin Jobe for his role as Max Bialystock in The Producers

• Drew Quintero for his role as Carmen Ghia in The Producers

• Brandon Thomsen for his role as Leo Bloom in The Producers

• Shawn Wilson for his role as Franz Liebkind in The Producers

Winners of the Student Theatre Burning Flame award were Patrick Regner for his outstanding effort in Into the Woods, Jr. and Mackenzie Johnston for her outstanding effort in Miss Nelson is Missing.

Logan Giesing was awarded the Rose Lacquement Award, the “Rosie” for her dedication to QCT programs.

QCT’s Technical Director’s Award, presented by Paul Denckla, was given to Sally McCarl. The award recognizes Sally for her outstanding and self-less contribution to backstage work.

Dominic Cattero, QCT’s managing/artistic director, gave the Director’s Award to the crew of The Producers. The crew for The Producers had to work harder and faster than any other crew this year. There were costume quick changes that at times had 5 people helping one person change their outfit in a matter of seconds. There were scene changes with massive pieces of scenery to be moved quickly as well as during the intermission only 10 minutes to completely change the set over to be all white. This crew did an outstanding job in all areas of the show.

Russ Goodell, 2008 recipient of the Enid Ireland Award, the highest honor presented by QCT to someone who has shown outstanding dedication and service to the creation, organization and continuation of the theatre, presented the 2009 award to Robert March.

March has spent hundreds of hours playing piano for auditions, rehearsals, & performances of many musical productions. His accompaniments have consistently exhibited the highest standards of talent, musicianship and expertise at the keyboard. He has demonstrated true commitment and love of the theatre, as well as for all the arts in Quincy.

A Great 2009 Season!

2009-12-21T14:19:00.001-08:00

As we were preparing to start the 2009 season everyone at QCT was filled with excitement, anticipation and fear. You see QCT's 2009 season was one of the largest and most demanding seasons in our history; with more large shows crammed into a twelve month period than presents in Santa’s sack. After many meetings, auditions, rehearsals, opening nights and closing nights-- we did it! Looking back over the past twelve months, (which flew by), I ask myself, "how and why did the 2009 season turn out so incredibly?" I can come up with three reasons: our volunteers, our staff and our patrons. Therefore, if you are reading this and fit into one of those categories, (and chances are if you're reading this you do fit into one of those categories), thank you. Thank you for giving QCT the honor of entertaining you in 2009. We look forward to entertaining you again in 2010.

Happy New Year,
Dominic

2010 Golden Globe nominations

2009-12-15T10:58:00.000-08:00

Post your thoughts. Which shows or people do you think or hope will win.

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA
BIG LOVE (HBO)
DEXTER (SHOWTIME)
HOUSE (FOX)
MAD MEN (AMC)
TRUE BLOOD (HBO)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES -DRAMA
GLENN CLOSE: DAMAGES
JANUARY JONES: MAD MEN
JULIANNA MARGULIES: THE GOOD WIFE
ANNA PAQUIN: TRUE BLOOD
KYRA SEDGWICK: THE CLOSER

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA
SIMON BAKER: THE MENTALIST
MICHAEL C. HALL: DEXTER
JON HAMM: MAD MEN
HUGH LAURIE: HOUSE
BILL PAXTON: BIG LOVE

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - COMEDY OR MUSICAL
30 ROCK (NBC)
ENTOURAGE (HBO)
GLEE (FOX)
MODERN FAMILY (ABC)
THE OFFICE (NBC)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES -
COMEDY OR MUSICAL
TONI COLLETTE: UNITED STATES OF TARA
COURTENEY COX: COUGAR TOWN
EDIE FALCO: NURSE JACKIE
TINA FEY: 30 ROCK
LEA MICHELE: GLEE

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES -
COMEDY OR MUSICAL
ALEC BALDWIN: 30 ROCK
STEVE CARELL: THE OFFICE
DAVID DUCHOVNY: CALIFORNICATION
THOMAS JANE: HUNG
MATTHEW MORRISON: GLEE

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
MICHAEL EMERSON: LOST
NEIL PATRICK HARRIS: HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
WILLIAM HURT: DAMAGES
JOHN LITHGOW: DEXTER
JEREMY PIVEN: ENTOURAGE

What are your predictions?

Miracle on 34th Street Breaks records!

2009-12-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to announce that "Miracle on 34th Street" has broken all records at Quincy Community Theatre for attendance. "Miracle on 34th Street" is now the most attended play in QCT recorded history with 4,529 people in attendance. This is yet another reason for all of us at QCT to be thankful for our patrons who have helped to make 2009 one of the best seasons QCT has had.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

QUILTAS Are coming and you could be able to vote.

2009-12-02T09:45:00.000-08:00

QUILTAs!!!

Each year the theatre recognizes its volunteers for their contributions to the productions of the previous season at the QUILTA ceremonies. This year QCT will celebrate its 40th Annual QUILTAs. The evening features an awards ceremony, entertainment, finger foods, and dancing. Awards are given for outstanding performances in a musical or non-musical. The Director and Technical Director give awards to individuals who have volunteered in many capacities throughout the season. QCT’s highest honor, the Enid Ireland Award is also presented. Two Student Theatre Awards are presented. The Burning Flame is awarded to students who show outstanding effort and improvement. The Rosie—named after Rose Laquement, a long time volunteer at QCT—is awarded to a student who displays the dedication and volunteer service of Rose.

How can YOU get involved? Vote for QUILTAs! You are eligible to vote if you are a Season Ticket Holder or a Voting Member at QCT. To vote for musicals in 2009, you must have seen both Funny Girl AND The Producers. To vote for non-musicals, you must have seen The Importance of Being Earnest, ART, AND Miracle on 34th Street. If you are eligible to vote, PLEASE VOTE!

QUILTA Ballots are available in the Lobby. Fill one out and return it to the Ballot Box in the Box Office either after the show or any time during regular office hours (10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday). The final day to drop off your ballot is January 5, 2010.

Broadway Stars Will Celebrate Thanksgiving in TV Parade Coverage Nov. 26

2009-11-25T10:12:00.000-08:00

Below is an article from Playbill.com. I thought since we are doing a show which contains the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade it was fitting to post information about performances at the 2009 Thanksgiving day parade.

Ragtime, Dreamgirls, Alan Cumming, Jane Krakowski, Billy Elliot, Hair, Birdie, Shrek will all get screen time on Nov. 26 when NBC and CBS celebrate Thanksgiving.

The 83rd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade — marching down Seventh and Eighth Avenue to reach 34th Street, and airing on NBC-TV Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26, from 9 AM-noon — will welcome the following troupes:

Bye Bye Birdie - "Put on a Happy Face"
Hair - "Aquarius"
Billy Elliot - "Shine"
Shrek - "I'm a Believer"
The Radio City Rockettes will also appear.

Tony Award winner Jane Krakowski ("30 Rock," Grand Hotel, Nine) will perform an original song written by Emmy-nominated composers Wesley Whatley and William Schermerhorn.

Tony Award winner Alan Cumming (Cabaret) will perform "That's Life" on the M&M's on Broadway float.

Meanwhile, on the CBS broadcast of "The Thanksgiving Day Parade" Nov. 26, starting at 9 AM (ET), the companies of the New York City revivals of West Side Story, Ragtime and Dreamgirls will perform.

The cast of Broadway's Tony-nominated West Side Story will perform "America"; while the Dreamgirls trio will offer the title song from the hit musical that is currently playing Harlem's Apollo Theatre.

The entire 40-member cast of Broadway's Ragtime will sing "Wheels of a Dream" and the title song from the musical in Battery Park, against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Country music star Reba McIntyre, who earned acclaim for her performance in the Broadway revival of Annie Get Your Gun, will also perform as part of the parade festivities.

CBS broadcasts "The Thanksgiving Day Parade" (covering various American parades) beginning at 9 AM (ET); check local listings.

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of THE SOUND OF MUSIC!

2009-11-12T14:17:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 16, marks the 50th Anniversary of the Broadway premiere for the most beloved musical of all time, THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

Top five reasons to purchase season tickets.

2009-11-10T15:04:00.000-08:00

1. You are free to choose the Fixed or Flex Plan.

You can choose how you wish to buy your Season Tickets. We let you decide to either have the same great seats for all 6 shows with the Fixed Plan or to have different prime seats with the Flex Plan.

2. You get the best seats.

Whether you choose the Fixed or the Flex Plan, you can still get your reservations made before the general public, which guarantees you the best seats in the sections your season ticket is eligible to sit.

3. You enjoy a regular night out.

No time to plan your evening out? Subscribing to QCT assures you six nights out each year with no hassles and no planning.

4. You have flexibility.

Having trouble committing to a series of dates? No problem! If your schedule changes, your tickets can too! Lost your tickets or someone stole them? We'll take care of you! You are guaranteed prompt replacement of tickets.

5. You save money.

On average, your season ticket will save you 40% off of regular ticket prices. Also, Season ticket holders receive discounted rates on extra ticket purchases. You don't even have to attend all 6 shows for your season ticket to save you money! If you were to pay at the door for each performance you would spend $103. Why spend that much money when a season ticket to the entire season starts at $62.00. First time season ticket holders have an option to purchase a season ticket for $45.00. You do the math.

I look forward to seeing you all at our upcoming production of Miracle on 34th St.

Good News for the NEA

2009-11-02T13:27:00.000-08:00

October 30, 2009

Dear Dominic,

Yesterday, Congress passed a $12.5 million funding increase as part of the FY 2010 Interior Appropriations bill for both the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). President Obama is scheduled to sign this bill into law by October 31, which concludes National Arts and Humanities Month. The nation's two federal grantmaking cultural agencies will now each have budgets of $167.5 million, their highest funding levels in 16 years. As so many state and local governments have had to cut arts budgets across the country, this well-timed federal appropriations increase for the arts is a welcome infusion of funds.

Enacted FY09
NEA $155 million
NEH $155 million

FY10 Final Interior Appropriations Bill
NEA $167.5 million
NEH $167.5 million

FY09 vs. FY10 Difference
NEA $12.5 million increase
NEH $12.5 million increase

Tough Times

2009-10-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

At this time in our history Arts organizations are seeing many negative cuts. During these times I believe it is important to focus on something positive - You! After all you are the reason we are creating art. So I pose a question. What do the Arts give you? Why are the Arts important to you?

Leave your posts below. I will share these posts with the other Arts organizations in town. Remember you never have to leave you name in a post just your thoughts.

2010 Season is almost upon us!

2009-10-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

34th Street cast

2009-09-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

A post was left asking about the cast for "Miracle on 34th St.” Posted below is the cast announcement press release, which will appear in Arts Quincy during November. I am greatly looking forward to working with this group of people, some of which have appeared on stage at QCT and several brand new faces to Quincy audiences.

______________________________________________________

Miracle on 34th Street Cast Announcement

Quincy Community Theatre will present Miracle on 34th Street November 27-29 and December 2-6.

In the beloved Christmas Classic, Miracle on 34th Street, Kris Kringle (portrayed by Kevin Payne) is the personification of good will and the holiday spirit. As Santa at Macy’s Department Store, he enchants both children and shoppers until he is deemed as dangerous by his co-workers who question his competency. A young girl’s belief in Santa and the magic of the Holiday Season is at stake in a climactic courtroom decision. Miracle on 34th Street is a hilarious, tender, and charming American Holiday Classic that your entire family is sure to enjoy.

The cast includes Ally Hayden as Susan, Brandon Cassady as Fred, and Tamara Myers as Doris.

Other cast members include Megan Adams, Andrea Billeter, Steve Billeter, Sierra Brenciaglice, Tamy Cassady, Carley Chinnis, Harrison Clarke, Tishana Crabtree, Jim Dewey, J.T. Dozier, Belle Frese, Logan Giesing, Charles Hall, Allison Helton, Jessica Hofmeister, Julia Hofmeister, Valerie Howerton, William Hrudicka, Allison Hutson, Bailie McDowell, Madison McKenzie, Danica Mosley, Marifaith Mueller, Taylor Mullin, Joey Musholt, Patrick Regner, R.F. Scholz, Kayleigh Shoup, Vonda St. Clair, Randy Stocker, Kaitlyn VanderMaiden, and Paul Wood.

Miracle on 34th Street is under the direction of Dominic A. Cattero. Technical Director is Paul Denckla. Donna Haire is serving as Stage Manager.

Tickets are $17 each and will be available in the online box office at www.1qct.org beginning November 14 and in the General Box Office, located in the Oakley Lindsay Civic Center, on November 16. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Miracle on 34th Street runs November 27-28 and December 2-5 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinee performances on November 29 and December 6 are at 2 p.m. Miracle on 34th Street is brought to you by your friends at Kohl’s Cash and Carry Showroom, as well as the 2009 Media Sponsors STARadio and Comcast Spotlight.

Auditions for 34th Street.

2009-09-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe the time has come for yet another set of auditions. It seems as though we just held auditions for "The Producers".

Miracle on 34th Street auditions will be on Monday September 21st from 6:30 - 8:30 for children ages 7-15 and from 8:30 - ??? for ages 16-100. If you have every thought about auditioning for a show at QCT this is the time to do it. Miracle on 34th Street has many roles available for all ages and experience levels. If you have any questions about auditioning please call me and I would be happy to let you know what to expect or just give you some encouragement.

What you can expect at auditions...
Fun
Meet new people
Fun
Read scenes from the show
And More Fun.

Scripts are available in the QCT office for a 2-day check out. Take the script home read it and get familiar with the story and the characters. At auditions you will be paired up with other people and given a chance to rehearse the scene privately with them first and then individual groups will be called to the audition room where you will act the scene out for a group of 5-6 people. It is as painless as that. There is now need to be scared or nervous. I have never known anyone to walk out with bite marks. The most important thing to remember at an audition is that I want you to succeed, because if you succeed you will make my job easier. I look forward to seeing all of you at auditions on Monday.

Break a Leg!

"ART" is coming soon to QCT!

2009-08-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting piece of research I found when working on the show. I loved the message and thought I would share it.

"Yes, Art is the great and universal refreshment. For Art is never dogmatic; holds no brief for itself you may take it or you may leave it. It does not force itself rudely where it is not wanted. It is reverent to all tempers, to all points of view. But it is wilful -- the very wind in the comings and goings of its influence, an uncapturable fugitive, visiting our hearts at vagrant, sweet moments; since we often stand even before the greatest works of Art without being able quite to lose ourselves! That restful oblivion comes, we never quite know when -- and it is gone! But when it comes, it is a spirit hovering with cool wings, blessing us from least to greatest, according to our powers; a spirit deathless and varied as human life itself."

--John Galsworthy (1867-1933).

History on "The Second City"!

2009-08-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

Click on the image below to enlarge and read.

Thank you!

2009-08-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone involved in, "The Producers", from the performers to the sponsors, to the crew, musicians and staff, but most of all, the ingredient we could not go without in live theatre ... the audience. The show was fun to do but without the response of the live audience everyone's hard work would have gone unnoticed. I have been in Quincy for over six years now, and in all that time I have never seen such a positive response from an audience. Thank you for coming to the theatre. We look forward to seeing you next time. And remember, thank the sponsors ... Cell Tech, Emerald City Jewelers, State Street Bank, GREDF, The Travel House of Quincy, STARadio and Comcast Spotlight. Just take three minutes out of your day to write them a letter telling them how much you appreciate their support of QCT.

Thanks for laughing with us this summer,
Dominic

Arts Alliance - Newsletter.

2009-07-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

ARTS FUNDING CUT 46% IN FINAL FY10 BUDGET
Up to $5 Billion Shortfall Still Exists

Fifteen days into the fiscal year, the Illinois General Assembly passed and Governor Pat Quinn approved a budget for FY10.

The budget slashes the State's allocation to the Illinois Arts Council to $8.5 million--a 46 percent cut from FY09. The Council is the state agency that provides financial and technical assistance to artists and arts organizations. - (Including Quincy Community Theatre)-dc

The Illinois Arts Council is taking a bigger hit than many arts agencies in other states. In a recently released report, the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies estimates that while 30 states will scale back funding for the arts in FY10, the average decrease is 20 percent--compared to Illinois' 46 percent cut.

On the cuts, many members of the General Assembly and the governor himself have touted the budget as funding human and social services at 87 percent of FY09 levels. 87 percent, though, is an average--meaning some state agencies, like the Illinois Arts Council, will sustain much steeper cuts.

Impact on the Illinois Arts Council

The Council is expected to suspend some of its programs.
The Arts Council must also address how the humanities and public broadcasting will fare in FY10.
Impact on Arts Education Funding

Next Steps for Arts Advocates

Because the budget includes a shortfall of up to $5 billion, the governor and General Assembly will have to return to the table later in 2009 to continue the conversation.

Over the next few weeks, the Arts Alliance will continue to meet with legislative leaders and advance new tools and information to help make the case about the impact, assets, and needs of the arts sector in Illinois.

While legislators are on recess and in their districts, the Arts Alliance encourages you to:
Schedule a meeting with your state representative and state senator in your district to discuss the on-the-ground impact of these cuts
Tell your story to local media outlets
Keep the Arts Alliance informed of how state budget cuts and other factors are affecting your community
To identify your elected officials, visit the Arts Alliance's action center. The Arts Alliance has also developed resources to assist you in your advocacy efforts, including:
Key talking points about the arts and arts education
A guide for meetings with legislators
A guide for writing letters to the editor
A summary of findings from our survey assessing the impact of the draconian FY08 cuts to the Illinois Arts Council

Illinois Arts Council Stimulus Grants

The Illinois Arts Council is expected to announce its stimulus grants on August 18 and 19, 2009.

Of the $361,600 that the NEA awarded to the Arts Council, the Council will distribute $335,000 to Illinois arts groups in the form of $5,000, $10,000, and $20,000 grants.

At this point, 133 applicants are under consideration for a stimulus grant. According to the Arts Council, the total dollar amount requested by these applicants is $2,160,000--far beyond the $335,000 available. "All told, this means the funds going out will add up to less than 20 percent of what is needed," Terry Scrogum told the Arts Alliance.

"The Producers" is open and the reviews are in!

2009-07-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

This morning I arrived at the theatre with more notes and messages than I have ever received following an opening night. I have decided to post them here for everyone to read. I have left names off to protect the innocent. If you have a comment about, “The Producers” please feel free to leave a comment on this entry. If you want to you may select anonymous and your name will not be revealed.

Here are three of the comments I walked into this morning.

__________________________________________________________

I wanted to take a moment to let everyone know how much my husband and I enjoyed the performance last evening. We have seen many great shows, but last night's show was one of the best ever. If it is possible to pull a muscle from laughing or get bruised hands from applauding, we may have last night. Well done!
Keep up the great work.

__________________________________________________________

Unbelievable show!! Fantastic!! Perfection and hysterical! Everyone in the show is exceptional. How proud you should be!!

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To the great cast, directors and everyone who was involved......

We have not quit talking (and laughing) about the outrageously funny opening night of "The Producers"...simply an outstanding performance!!!! We all agree this was THE best production ever!!!

On behalf of everyone who attended last night and those who will be attending..."BRAVO times a million!" Thank you is not sufficient - Quincy is forever thankful and happy to have such dedicated citizens to give such a performance - we are without words!!! This was BIG stage worthy talent and entertainment!

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"The Producers" TV spot.

2009-07-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

Here is "The Producers" TV spot. Thank you to Frank Cann and Media Development. Enjoy.

Breathing life into "The Producers"

2009-07-17T12:19:00.000-07:00

We are now approaching the time in “The Producers” rehearsal schedule called tech, short for technical rehearsal. This is where everything Technical becomes embedded into the fiber of the show. These elements include but are not limited to; crew, lights, costumes, sound, orchestra, flies and special effects. Unlike the other elements in the show such as choreography, blocking and music, which have nearly two months to become solidified, the technical elements have four days, four very long days to reach perfection. Tech rehearsals will be about 10 hours in length and will consist of continual stopping and starting until each cue is absolutely perfect and ready for an audience to see. With “The Producers” these tech days will be significantly longer than the typical show due to the amount of cues the stage manager must call in this production. “The Producers” has over 200 light cues, 17 scene changes and over 50 fly cues.

How does this compare to the average show?
This is more than double the amount of cues in a typical show.

I told you this was a big show. Still don’t believe me? You’ll just have to come witness the magical spectacle that is, “The Producers”.

July 23-26 & July 29-August 2

"The Second City" will be at QCT shortly.

2009-07-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

This year is a special year for "The Second City"; it is their 50th birthday. In celebration of this we are lucky to be bringing their 50th anniversary show to our stage on August 22nd. Enjoy the commercial below. More information on "The Second City" will be posted shortly.

2009-07-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

Mel Brooks, creator of "The Producers", has imbedded many Jewish references into "The Producers". Being Jewish himself he has written about why he believes it is important for everyone to laugh at "The Producers."

" I may be angry at God or at the world, and I'm sure that a lot of my
comedy is based on anger and hostility...It comes from a feeling that
as a Jew and as a person, I don't fit into the mainstream of American
society.

Feeling different, feeling alienated, feeling cuted, feeling that
the only way you can deal with the world is to laugh - because if you
don't laugh you're going to cry and never stop crying - that's probably
what's responsible for the Jews having developed such a great sense of
humor. The people who had the greatest reason to weep, learned more
than anyone else how to laugh."

-Mel Brooks

I received this email today!

2009-07-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Quincy Community Theatre,

Today marks the start of the new fiscal year in Illinois. Unfortunately, this is the third year in a row that the State begins the fiscal year without a solid operating budget in place.

In this special update, we explore where things stand with the budget negotiations in Springfield.

While the outcome of the state budget is uncertain, the need for continued arts advocacy is clear. As activists across the state step up their efforts, we must continue to make our voices heard too.

Please act now and urge your elected officials to stand up for the arts by passing a responsible state budget.

Without further action on the budget, state funding for the arts will be drastically reduced.

To protect the arts infrastructure in Illinois, it's going to take all of us working together.

As things stand, state funding for the arts and arts education is in limbo.

In a message to Illinois Arts Council grantees on June 12, Shirley Madigan and Terry Scrogum, Chairman and Executive Director of the Arts Council respectively, highlighted how a bare-bones budget would impact the Council: "Due to the General Assembly's failure to approve the revenue plan proposed by Governor Quinn, the State of Illinois will no longer be able to provide grants for ArtsTour, Youth Employment, Literary Awards, Master/Apprentice, Open Deadline, and the Public Radio and Television stations operating grants." All remaining granting programs could expect funding cuts of 75%.

We must continue to make our voices heard too. The arts are a proven investment in our economy and workforce-creating jobs, stimulating the economy, and attracting tourists and new investments.

Since May-when we first alerted you to the catastrophic cuts facing the arts and arts education-arts advocates from across the state have generated more than 6,200 emails, letters, and calls to legislators.

In addition, the Arts Alliance:

Developed resources to assist activists, including a roll call of legislators' votes on a responsible budget, keytalking points about the arts and arts education, and a guide for meetings with legislators

Reached out directly to Governor Quinn and Illinois' legislative leaders about the importance of arts funding

Alerted the media to the devastating effect of a "doomsday" budget on the arts and arts education

Issued findings from a survey that assessed the impact of the draconian FY08 cuts to the Illinois Arts Council

Legislators Responding to Arts Advocates

As a result of your efforts, lawmakers across the state are reaffirming their support for the arts and arts education. Your efforts are making a difference.

Here's what state legislators are saying:

From Senator Heather Steans (D-7-Chicago), who received 222 messages from arts advocates since May and voted for a sensible budget solution: "Arts funding offers jobs, after school programs, free public programs, and educational programs that benefit our community. I am worried that cuts to these programs will worsen our economic situation by cutting jobs and lessen community safety by removing some of the few programs that provide youth in my district with something positive to do after school. I will be fighting to keep these programs funded."

From Representative Naomi D. Jakobsson (D-103- Champaign), who received 55 messages from arts advocates since May and also supported a responsible budget solution: "The arts play an important role in educating our children, adding to our local economy, and enhancing our communities. I am proud to represent an arts rich district in Champaign County and I will be fighting to ensure that funds for the arts are not cut."

"As budget negotiations continue, it's important that elected officials hear from the people they represent," Representative Jakobsson continued. "There's no better way for us to understand community views and opinions than to hear directly from the people of the district."

The General Assembly is expected to return to Springfield on July 14. As news on the state budget becomes available, the Arts Alliance will keep you informed.

In the meantime, please feel free to contact either Ra Joy atjoy@artsalliance.org or 312-855-3105 x14 or Scarlett Swerdlow at swerdlow@artsalliance.org or 312-855-3105 x13.

Many thanks for all you do,

Ra Joy

Executive Director

Illinois Arts Alliance

joy@artsalliance.org

312-855-3105 x14

Opening in less than a month!

2009-06-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

Here at Quincy Community Theatre we are very excited about Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” opening in just under a month now. This is the largest show QCT will have ever done. You may say, how is this possible when QCT has done shows like, “Beauty and the Beast” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat”? Well to answer that question you will have to come and see all the elaborate sets and costumes, the massive amount of dancing, the superior sound of the music and the extraordinary talent of the performers. This show contains over 100 costumes, over 50 set pieces, fun special effects, 19 unforgettable songs and laughter the old fashioned Mel Brooks way. “The Producers” was Mel Brooks’ first feature film in 1968 starring Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder. Audiences fell in love with “The Producers” once again in 2001 when it was adapted to the stage as a Broadway Musical. On Broadway “The Producers” ran for 2,502 performances and won a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards. Whether you enjoy musicals or not, this is one show you do not want to miss! The only way you won’t like Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” is if you don’t enjoy laughing.

As Carmen says in the show…

“People want laughter when they see a show, the last thing they’re after’s a litany of woe.”

“Comedy’s joyous, a constant delight, drama’s annoy us … and ruin our night.”

Choosing a season!

2009-06-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

Choosing a season for Quincy Community Theatre is a difficult task and not one that can be done alone. Many people think that I, Dominic Cattero, sit in a room and choose the shows. That is not the case. There is a committee of community members who sit, read and discuss scripts for seven months looking for a well-balanced season. This committee then reaches a decision by late July. This decision is a difficult one and must take many things into consideration. Therefore, the committee looks for a well balanced season including; audience appeal, shows that will challenge our volunteers, designers and directors, a show option for every age range and gender, shows which are financially doable and shows which are available and for which we can obtain rights. That being said there is not one show in the world that reaches all of those criteria. That is why QCT produces 7 shows each year. Our hope is that in any given season there is a show for everyone. The play reading committee's job is on of the most difficult at QCT.

Right now our play reading committee is in the final stages of this process and creating a truly well rounded season. I look forward to sharing it with everyone in August.

Please feel free to leave a post of shows you would like us to consider in the future.

Dominic Cattero

Managing Artistic Director

Arts Education - It's your carrots and peas

2009-06-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Dominic:

Today, for the first time in 11 years, the federal government

released a national report card on achievement in the arts

among 8th graders. This long-awaited report finds that

since 1997, our nation's students have not made

significant progress in developing their skills and knowledge

in the arts. The National Assessment of Education Progress

(NAEP) in the Arts report is the only continuing, national

measure of academic achievement in America's schools.

A nationally representative sample of over 7,900 eighth grade

students from public and private schools participated in the NAEP

Arts Assessment in 2008. Students were measured on their ability

to create and respond to the visual arts; whereas, the study scaled

back on music questions and only measured a student's ability

to respond and identify music. Unfortunately, theatre and dance

skills were not assessed at all due to budgetary and data

collection constraints, according to the National Center for

Education Statistics.

As reported today in the New York Times, Christian Science

Monitor, and USAToday, the findings are "mediocre," "lackluster,"

and "may make America's arts instructors kind of blue."

Not a great report card. However, new U.S. Secretary of Education

Arne Duncan gave a strong reaction in support of arts education,

"This Arts Report Card should challenge all of us to make K-12

arts programs more available to America's children ...

We can and should do better for America's students."

As you may know, Americans for the Arts has been leading a

national effort to increase federal funding and to strengthen the

role of the arts in the classroom through legislative efforts in

Congress. We have published a set of legislative

recommendations that calls for changes to the problematic

No Child Left Behind Act. Our schools need greater support

for arts education - take two minutes to send a message to

your Congressional delegation, please visit our E-Advocacy Center.

To raise awareness of the

importance of arts education,

we have also been leading,

along with The Ad Council,

the NAMM Foundation and

hundreds of local, state,

and national campaign

partners, a public service awareness campaign

titled, "The Arts. Ask For More." currently airing on radio

and television and appearing in print media.

In the television and radio ads, the arts are equated with a

healthy diet; just like kids need healthy foods on a daily basis,

kids need their daily serving of the arts. Included in the campaign

is a list of "10 Simple Ways," detailing how parents can get

involved in their child's arts education.

Please take action on this important education effort by

sending a message to your member of Congress let your voice be

heard.

Preparing "The Producers" - Team work

2009-06-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

Every show a director and his team work on presents its own series of special circumstances and it is this team's responsibility to find solutions to these unique specialties.

How do we make this show fit in our space?

Who are the people that play these characters?

How do we do the scene changes so they don't last for five minutes?

How do we make this show fit in our budget?

Where are the specialty props coming from?

Where do we get the time to alter 160 costumes?

Why did the playwright put a set in the show that is used only once for five minutes but will be the most expensive set in the show to build?

And on they go …

With "The Producers" there are probably triple the amount of these happy showisms to solve. Some of the puzzles we have already solved. "Alright, we have a great cast!" With arrival of each solution comes a sense of relief to the entire team; the reason for this is that now they can focus their energy on one of the other challenges presented by the show. Our process as a team will continue on in this perpetual - identify the challenge, find the solution, move on to the next, identify the challenge, find the solution, move on to the next, - until we reach opening night. Some might find this process stressful; those people shouldn't go on to jobs in theatre. I find it exhilarating! To accomplish that common goal on opening night, have all the answers figured out and create your own piece of art as a team- nothing beats that high as the curtain rises for the opening. I do stress the "as a team" statement in the prior sentence, because without that team your piece of art would be a fraction of what it could have been. Listening and collaborating are the keys to any great piece of theatre. I believe that I have the best professional artistic team working in theatre and I look forward to each journey we take.

Now I must go, writing this blog was only code for procrastinating on "finding the solution."

Blog Introduction

2009-06-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new blog portion of the Quincy Community Theatre website. I am hoping for this blog to be an interactive way for patrons and volunteers to directly interact with Quincy Community Theatre. Have a question about one of the programs we offer? Want information on how the theatre is run? Want to know the behind the scenes tricks to some of the magic you see on stage? Well ask away! You might even have a comment on a past show you saw at QCT, post it here. There are endless opportunities as to what can be talked about on this blog. Please keep your blogs polite, any posts that are deemed hurtful or aggressive will find their way to the cutting room floor. That being said, all posts which are constructive, whether complimentary or not, will make it to the blog.

So let the blogging begin! If it's on your mind it's probably on another persons as well.

Dominic Cattero

Managing Artistic Director