Meet our Bountiful Volunteers!
Our volunteers are the heart and soul of QCT! We wanted to take a moment to feature just a few of our volunteers working on stage and off to bring The Trip to Bountiful to life! Are you interested in being a part of future productions at QCT? Visit our Volunteer page to learn more!
Tell us a little about yourself!
LeAndre – My name is LeAndre Wittner, and I’m from Quincy Illinois. I love to read and be outside.
Me – I am Me Crouch, born and raised off and on in Quincy or the surrounding area. I recently graduated from Truman State University with a theatre degree and a computer science minor. This completed a long journey with them beginning twenty years ago with their middle-school program, Joseph Baldwin Academy, where I learned my first programming language, but also witnessed my second-ever theatre experience and felt drawn to the craft. My return to Quincy the following school year gave me the opportunity to take theatre as a class and be cast in three productions at QHS.
Doris – Doris Malacarne, a Quincyan since 1972. I was in the Quincy Public School system as a teacher for 34 years. I’m retired now, do a lot of volunteer work, and tend to my cats and my vast estate in Quincy. 😉
How did you get involved with QCT?
LeAndre – I actually auditioned for Rent last year but I didn’t get a part. But I ended up being a part of the crew and I absolutely loved it! My first onstage experience was Shakespeare in Love, as a part of the ensemble and it was a blast!!
Me – My first show with Quincy Community Theatre was with a student theatre production of the musical Little Women, directed by Brandon Thomsen in 2008. The true push of what got me to audition was while I was a teaching assistant for Brenda Stalder and the encouragement she and other students showed me throughout the process. A few other QHS students I had acted with were also cast in the production and several of the adults who were involved in that production are involved in The Trip to Bountiful, so there are strings of familiarity that continue throughout my entire journey thus far with QCT.
Doris – I got involved in 1976 and I was thrilled to be in the ensemble of Mame at the “Little” Theatre on 13th & Payson. That started my journey of new friendships and a very fun hobby.
What is your role in/for The Trip to Bountiful?
LeAndre – My role in The Trip To Bountiful is Thelma
Me – I’m assisting in two aspects: I’m helping to coordinate props for the show, and I also auditioned and was cast in the role of the Sheriff.
Doris – I am the Stage Manager.
What is the most challenging part of the process of doing a show for you?
LeAndre – The most challenging aspect of being a part of a show, is the work-life balance. A lot of us have full-time jobs out of shows. But being a part of a QCT show is always fulfilling and rewarding. It’s always worth it!
Me – For me personally, not specific to doing theatre, just a life skill that I am working on improving, but that is pacing myself throughout. I have a natural instinct for all-or-nothing, but often in life that leads to burnout of one form or another. I have side projects that I dip into when I need to but need to make sure they don’t pull me in too heavily; all about balance.
Doris – As a Stage Manager, it’s watching all the little pieces of the puzzle (actors, director, set, props, costumes, and script) slowly come together. Sometimes, it can be nerve-racking!
What is something about the process of doing a show or The Trip to Bountiful story that audiences may not know or realize?
LeAndre – This show is so real and raw. Things that the characters are dealing with in this show could be something your family or friends might be experiencing as well.
Me – I was surprised and had to remind myself of the geography of the story. Being used to higher speed limits and routes, and with biases regarding the size of Texas, I was surprised to learn that the distance between the two points is relatively small compared to how easy it is to go 50 miles for someone with a car these days. But for Mrs Watts, that 50-60 miles is just out of reach of visiting for so long, and time seems to flow by her regardless of the distance.
The process of theatre itself is a form of divination for me, not unlike tarot or astrology. I see themes that I am working with in regard to my own life within the stories that I am drawn to work on; as I apply to graduate schools and decide on post-undergraduate plans, I find decisions that may take me away from Quincy for a long time, or forever depending on where I end up and a thousand variables I will have no control over. As family has passed away in recent years or moved out of town, the ease of returning does too. It goes back to finding balance, and for me, that is the journey that audiences will take with us and Mrs. Watts on her trip to Bountiful.
Doris – I hope the audience realizes that every person involved in a show has a passion for telling a good story onstage. Every story– comedy, drama, or musical— makes for a meaningful experience at the theatre.
Talk about creating the world of The Trip to Bountiful from your or your character’s point of view.
LeAndre – I think the biggest part of creating the world of The Trip To Bountiful is embodying the roller coaster of emotions that flow through each scene.
Me – For the Sheriff, the world of The Trip to Bountiful changes from his first scene near the end and the beginning of the final scene. There are probably a hundred ways to see this role, but one straightforward way is duty, and what is our duty in the world to one another, to our elders, and to nostalgia and home. There is a duty to comfort, to assist, and to remember and respect… and the short time that the Sheriff is with Mrs. Watts is full of those callings of duty.
Doris – My job is to assist the director, cast, designers, and crew by coordinating all the details that make up the show. Once the show opens, my job is to call all the cues that bring up the lights, for example, or move the set from one scene to another. I personally just love this story. It feels like a page from my life; I truly feel for Carrie Watts and her desire and frustration. That’s why I wanted to be part of this production.
What would you say to encourage someone to get involved at QCT?
LeAndre – If anyone is considering getting involved with QCT, I would recommend volunteering as an usher first. You meet a lot of the community whether they are an audience member, or they are also ushering. You also get to stay and watch the show if there are seats available!
Me – Quincy Community Theatre offers unique opportunities to find purpose, connection, and creative expression. Whether you’re looking to be part of a supportive community or seeking a platform to explore and express different facets of humanity, QCT provides a space where beginners and seasoned performers can grow. It’s about discovering yourself, understanding others, and being part of something that brings people together.
Through my own involvement, I’ve found that it’s a place where passion meets purpose and where you can find a sense of belonging while contributing to something greater than yourself. Whether it’s on stage, behind the scenes, or helping in other capacities, there’s a role for everyone, and each person’s contribution is valued.
Doris – I would say “Go for it!” There’s a lot of camaraderie that occurs whether you’re building the set, delving into a character, donating a chair, or learning a new skill. The whole process gives a little oomph to one’s daily life. Isn’t that what makes us useful on this planet?