VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: JEREMY KURFMAN
If you’ve been to a show at QCT in recent years, you’ve likely witnessed Jeremy Kurfman’s incredible talent on stage. But there’s more to Jeremy’s contributions than you might realize! Beyond his captivating performances, Jeremy has also dedicated countless hours volunteering in other roles, showing his commitment to every facet of our theatre community.
How did you first become involved with QCT?
I first became involved with QCT around sixth grade or so through a class called “I Want! I Want! I Want!” taught by the Director of Education at the time, Brandon Thomsen. That class led to another, which led to the Triple Threat Bootcamp, and then I was hooked!
What was your most memorable moment working on a production?
So many great memories come to mind, but a real stand-out one was during a performance of LEGALLY BLONDE that happened to land on my birthday. Over the course of the show, I received several birthday wishes written for me live on stage, one from Jennafer White who played Elle Woods, and one from Mekia Gay and Shawn Jones who often had a funny note prepared for me to discover during a courtroom scene. Not only was it a very kind gesture, but it reminded me that having fun is an essential part of any production, especially when the show has as much energy as LEGALLY BLONDE did.
If you could play any role in any play or musical, which one would it be and why?
In a few decades, I would love to play Miguel de Cervantes/ Don Quixote in MAN OF LA MANCHA. It’s one of my favorite musicals and one of my favorite characters. A dreamer with a heart of gold who sees the world not as it is, but as it ought to be. Every character in the show bursts with charm, and to exist in that world for even a moment would bring so much joy to me. Nobody is allowed to put on the show again until I’m the prime age to play him though, so give it about 30 years.
What has been your favorite/most rewarding volunteer role?
I’ve taken a liking to being part of the crew for student theatre productions when I can. Getting to know the next generation of QCT and watching the incredible talent at work is always remarkable.
What’s an area of volunteering that you haven’t tried, but would like to?
There are so many different opportunities for volunteering at QCT that it’s hard to pick just one, but I’m interested in learning more about the technical elements like lights and sound. They’re still a little daunting to me though, so I think the next step for me is operating a spotlight. That job seems to come with great seats!
What’s the funniest mishap you’ve seen happen during a live performance?
It would have to be during SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, when Dan Conboy, playing Richard Burbage, lost his pants in the midst of a sword fight. A rogue blade got caught in the fabric and, despite his best efforts, down they came. A true performer, Dan kept the story alive and continued the scene while stripped down to his tights. My favorite part of the story is that despite exchanging dialogue with Dan moments later, I never noticed his wardrobe malfunction and would never have known if I hadn’t been told about it afterward.
If QCT could produce any show with an unlimited budget, what would you choose and why?
I would want nothing more than to see a QCT production of either THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG or PETER PAN GOES WRONG. With an endless budget to make a perfectly imperfect set, the talent at QCT could bring the house down both figuratively and literally.
What’s one thing you wish the audience knew about what goes on behind the scenes?
I wish they would understand the camaraderie backstage. Putting on a show over the course of months, through trials and triumphs, brings a group of people together — even if it’s just for the run. I’ve witnessed many special moments this year alone that really speak to that. Watching the crew of MATILDA dance along in the wings because they know the choreography by heart. Having one person, then two, then three assist me in a particularly urgent quick change during SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, not being asked but seeing a need and cheering each time their new job was done. Being one of a dozen castmates waiting backstage with bated breath during “Sante Fe” and the silent celebrations that followed when Nicholas nailed it. Being able to revel in the success of others and the team as a whole is one of the reasons I’ll always love theatre, and this one especially.
What would you say to someone wanting to volunteer with QCT?
Get involved! There’s a place for everybody.