QCT Welcomes New Artistic Director
Following a nationwide search, Quincy Community Theatre has announced the selection of Ethan Nienaber as its new Artistic Director.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ethan back to QCT after working with him during last summer’s NEWSIES,” said Burgundy Hill, QCT’s Executive Director. “The show left a lasting impression on our patrons, the community, and most importantly, our volunteers. In even such a short period of time, he showed immense care for our entire community and passion for advancing our mission of perpetuating theatre entertainment and education forward in the tri-states. I look forward to seeing the long-term impact that Ethan will make.”
Nienaber is a director, producer, and educator originally from the Twin Cities, MN where he grew up performing for companies like Children’s Theatre Company and History Theatre. Nienaber went on to study Acting at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where he received his BFA. Upon graduating, Nienaber was a Kenan Fellow at Lincoln Center Education and also interned with New York Musical Festival and Ensemble Studio Theatre before joining Broadway Podcast Network as Assistant General Manager later in his career. A critically acclaimed director, his New York credits include: A CHRISTMAS CAROL (5-time Tony Award winning 1st National Broadway Tour, Assistant Director), EMOJILAND THE MUSICAL (Off-Broadway [NYT Critic’s Pick] & National Tour/Proshot, Associate Director), DECKY DOES A BRONCO (U.S. & Off-Broadway premiere), MADWOMEN OF THE WEST (Off-Broadway premiere, Associate Director), and JERICHO (Off-Broadway & World Premiere, Assistant Director). An avid director and dramaturg for new works, Nienaber has also supported many World Premiere productions or readings with companies such as Lincoln Center Education, Atlantic Theatre Company, 59E59, The Attic Theater Company, American Theater of Actors, General Mischief Dance Theater and more. Since his return to the Twin Cities in 2020, Nienaber’s regional directing credits include: INTO THE WOODS and FOOTLOOSE (GREAT Theatre), SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (Lakeshore Players Theatre), NEWSIES (Quincy Community Theatre) and more. He is also the Co-Founder/Producer for The Forge Series – a new work incubator supporting the next generation of musical theatre writers in the Twin Cities area – with whom he has directed multiple sold-out readings for since the company’s birth in 2022.
“It is an immense honor to be stepping into the role of Artistic Director for Quincy Community Theatre, especially after getting to know some of the passionate staff, volunteers and patrons while directing NEWSIES last summer,” said Nienaber. “I look forward to upholding the organization’s history of producing premier entertainment while also fostering the rich well of talent and creativity in our region. Having experienced firsthand how welcoming the Quincy community is, I cannot wait to find innovative ways to expand the programming our organization offers so we can continue to extend that warm welcome to everyone who takes an interest in theatre.”
Nienaber will succeed former Artistic Director Brandon Thomsen. Nienaber has already started remotely, helping to plan the 2026 season and begin preproduction for JERSEY BOYS, which he will direct. He will join the company in person in the coming weeks.