February Volunteer Spotlight: Mekia Gay
For our February 2023 Volunteer Spotlight, QCT spoke with Mekia Gay. She has been involved at Quincy Community Theatre for almost five years!
From onstage roles, crew, and most recently as Assistant Choreographer in Disney’s Moana, Jr. we discussed her experiences over the years – including her recent recognition with a Ghostlight Award at QCT’s 2022 QUILTAs ceremony!
QCT: How did you get involved/what inspired you to get involved with the theatre?
Mekia: I got involved at QCT in 2018 when they did Mamma Mia. I had seen the movie once so I didn’t know much about it, but I had friends that did Sweeney Todd who convinced me to audition for it with them. Although I was a nervous wreck, I’m thankful I was able to go through with the audition because being in the show allowed me to meet new people and that whole experience is what inspired me to continue doing shows at QCT.
QCT: You recently won a Ghostlight Award at QUILTAs! Congrats! What was that experience like for you?
Mekia: I was actually very surprised to win an award. I had not expected anyone to nominate me but I’m truly grateful they did. It was a very exciting experience. I don’t have many words to describe how thankful I was and luckily I was able to hold back tears. I just enjoy helping people when I can because knowing I made someone’s day a little easier or a little better is what makes me happy. I can say that it would’ve been great to have some kind of gut feeling about it or something like it so I could’ve planned a speech just in case but overall I’m just glad I didn’t ramble.
QCT: You’re working as Assistant Choreographer along with Shawn Jones in Disney’s Moana, Jr. What has that experience been like? What are you most excited for in this production?
Mekia: Working on this show is a fun new experience for me. I have never helped with choreography for a musical before and it’s very different from how we choreograph numbers for a dance recital. I’ve always been in the shows learning the routines and then wondering why the choreographer chose that specific move to tie the whole story together, so it is really cool to be able to step into a different kind of role and to understand a show from a whole new perspective.
I am most excited to hear the music and to see everything come together. The music in this show is so beautiful and the kids sound so good. This show is going to be amazing.
QCT: 2023 is QCT’s 100th year. With so many exciting productions ahead, what other shows in QCT’s 2023 season stand out to you, and why?
Mekia: I am so looking forward to RENT. That show is my number one favorite musical. It is the first musical I ever saw and I watched it basically every single day. I love the message of embracing life and living it as best you can and as long as you can. I relate to the show and its characters in so many ways and I know it has been a show that so many people have wanted and I’m grateful QCT is doing it. I am also really excited for Clue and Peter Pan. All of the shows this year are sure to be amazing. I mean, what better way to celebrate the 100th year than to have back-to-back hit shows?
QCT: What would you say to encourage someone else to get involved at QCT?
Mekia: My advice would be to go for it. This is a place of opportunity where you can express yourself without being judged. Where you can be accepted and be around like minded people who just want to create and entertain and to bring more joy into people’s lives. It’s also a place to make new friends and to make lasting memories. It may even help you learn more about yourself as well as build your self-confidence so I say give it a shot. If any of that is something you’d love to be a part of then I think you’d love it here.
