An email I received today!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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?

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!

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

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

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"

Richard and Oscar!

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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.