A Great 2009 Season!

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

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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

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!

34th Street cast

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.

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!

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"!

Click on the image below to enlarge and read.

Thank you!

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.

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!

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!!

__________________________________________________________


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!

__________________________________________________________

"The Producers" TV spot.

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

Breathing life into "The Producers"

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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

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.