The Impact of Giving
Quincy Community Theatre (QCT) is more than just a place where stories come to life; it’s a beacon of creativity, education, and community engagement. Donations to QCT have a far-reaching impact, fostering a vibrant arts culture and ensuring the continuance of a 100-year legacy that enriches lives. As the Development Coordinator at QCT, I have the privilege of writing about the positive impact of our programming in grant applications every day, but I realize that it’s also important to share with you, our patrons and donors, the incredible significance of your financial support.
The Value of Arts Education
In addition to the education that takes place onstage in our productions, QCT plays host to dozens of classes and workshops year-round for students of all ages. We even take our show on the road, visiting 10-12 schools each year to present our spring student theatre production to over 1,500 students. Investing in arts education reaps significant benefits for individuals and the community at large. Studies have found that students who engage in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, children involved in arts education exhibit increased problem-solving abilities and higher empathy levels—skills essential for future success.
Contributions to QCT serve to support educational programs that reach thousands of students annually, offering a creative outlet and a means to develop critical life skills. It’s often recognized that students who have the arts as part of their education not only become valuable employees in their adult life, but more well-rounded and engaged citizens for the entirety of their lives.
Megan Carmody, a music and theatre teacher who has hosted our annual spring “QCT On the Road” student theatre tour in the Lewis County C-1 district writes in part:
“My students are so excited after these productions that many are influenced to audition for our elementary musical in the fall. As an educator, I am thrilled that my students get to watch quality theatre without ever having to leave our building. As a theatre director, I am even more thrilled at how influential QCT is in bringing excitement to my program. My students would lose so much if this opportunity went away.”
The Value of Producing Live Community Theatre
Live theatre creates a unique, shared experience that fosters a sense of community and belonging. It encourages dialogue, reflects social issues, and promotes cultural understanding. Economic studies show that for every $1 spent on the arts, $8 are returned to the local economy. Our organization alone brings over 25,000 audience members to downtown Quincy each year. By supporting QCT, you help sustain a venue that not only entertains but also educates and inspires. Every performance brings together diverse groups of people, enriching the social and economic fabric of Quincy.
Ways to Give
Supporting Quincy Community Theatre is easy and can be done in several ways. Donations can be made online via our website, by calling or visiting our Box Office, or through regular postal mail. Consider becoming a monthly sustaining donor to maximize the value of your gift. Planned giving, such as bequests or charitable trusts, offers another route for impactful, long-term support. Additionally, volunteering your time or becoming a show sponsor are excellent ways to contribute to QCT’s ongoing success.
Your contribution, no matter the size or style, plays a crucial part in keeping the arts vibrant and accessible in Quincy and the surrounding area. Join the QCT family in nurturing creativity, fostering education, and celebrating the magic of live theatre. Together, we can keep the arts alive for generations to come.