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QCT SPOTLIGHT: Harrison Clarke

Clarke_Harrison_SquareAt Quincy Community Theatre, we count ourselves lucky. Of the hundreds of students who flow through our doors, we have the opportunity to watch many of them grow, and learn, and find their place within the organization as adults.

This season, Harrison Clarke has done more than find his place—he’s made himself indispensable backstage. Learn more about him in this month’s “Spotlight”…

 

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

A: I am 18 years old and was born in Quincy, IL. I first became involved at QCT back in 2009. Shortly after my 3rd grade production of THE WIZARD OF OZ, my mother told me about auditions for a play called MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET at QCT. I really wanted to audition for another show, so I did and I got in. That’s where I truly fell in love with theatre.

 

Q: What do you love most about theatre?

A: I like both acting and working backstage a lot, both for different reasons. If I had to choose one I would choose backstage because I like to see the development of the set from beginning to end. I also like knowing the ins and outs of everything and knowing how everything works.

 

Q: What sort of backstage work do you enjoy?

A: I often help with building, painting, lighting, and serve as a crew member moving buildings and other set pieces. Working on shows appeals to me because that’s what I want to do with my life after I graduate college. I want to be a tech director for a theatre.

The coolest thing I’ve done backstage is test the chair from SWEENEY TODD that was so much fun to go down.

 

Q: What was it like transitioning from student theatre to the main stage?

A: Transitioning from student theatre to the main stage wasn’t that hard for me since my first show was a main stage show.

I continue to perform/volunteer because QCT Is such a good environment to work in. Everyone is so supportive and hard working. I’ve made many friends while at the theatre, spanning from many different ages. I’ve even met some of my now best friends there, and I know we will keep the memories we made there for the rest of our lives.

 

Q: What have you learned from your time at QCT?

A: I have learned a lot from QCT. I’ve learned you should always follow your dreams and that you are never too old to perform. I’ve also learned life skills, such as better social skills and how to be confident in myself. In the shop, I’ve learned a lot of new techniques from Lorne and Danny that I’ll need for my future career.

I hope I can continue to volunteer and perform at QCT to further my skills and get closer to my dreams.

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