May Volunteer Spotlight: Carol Rankin
If you’ve seen a show here in the past decade, chances are you’ve seen Carol Rankin’s creativity, skill, and talent on stage —but not in the way you may think! Carol has volunteered in our Costume Shop, helping to put together the costumes that bring countless characters to life. We’re proud to feature her as our May Spotlight Volunteer!
Carol is a retired Special Education teacher. She taught at Chaddock for 14 years and 13 years with the Macomb district as a teacher and consultant. Her husband, Dennis, and she lived on a farm near West Point and moved to Quincy 10 years ago. Carol started quilting as a hobby after she retired. She does a lot of volunteer work with her church and in the community. She enjoys doing yoga and traveling.
How long have you been volunteering with QCT and in the Costume Shop?
I don’t remember the year—maybe 2017. I definitely remember my first experience. When the designer found out that I could read and enlarge a pattern, I made bustiers (bras) for men for the play PETER AND THE STAR CATCHER. I had never done anything like that before or since!
What has been your biggest sewing challenge—and your biggest “I can’t believe I just did that!” triumph since volunteering?
There are always new challenges. I just made the pregnancy bumps for WAITRESS. I had no pattern so I Googled it, but got answers on “how to fake a pregnancy”! I just had to use the try and try again method. It is always a challenge to take an adult garment and make it for a child or the other way around by using gussets and ruffles to make a garment larger. To turn a garment into a quick change or even an on-stage change is sometimes a challenge. Most of the time we do not see the costume until we see it on stage which is always a thrill and that’s when I have an “I can’t believe I made that!” moment. I consider myself labor, not management. I have learned to trust the designer’s vision in seeing what fabrics will look good together. They are always right on.
Are there any other volunteer opportunities at QCT you’re curious to try?
My husband and I usually usher on the nights that we have tickets. It is enjoyable to greet the attendees and encourage them to enjoy the show.
How did you first get involved with QCT?
We have been season ticket holders for many years, but I first got involved in volunteering in the costume shop through an article in the newspaper.
What production are you most excited about for the rest of the 2025 season?
I think Jersey Boys will be fun, but Into the Woods will probably be more creative.
We have season tickets to the Fox in St. Louis. I always think about how we could do costuming for that play and often think that the QCT production is just as well done. I’m thinking especially of NEWSIES and SIX which we enjoyed in both places but the QCT productions were every bit as good
What’s one thing about the costume construction/design for a show that audiences might not realize—but would totally impress them if they knew?
I doubt that the audience realizes just how many hours and how much talent goes into making a production. I know the costume designer works very hard at making the costumes in the right time period and has the right mood for the part. They pay attention the every detail. Also, I doubt that the audience realizes how many magnets we use to make quick changes. (Velcro makes too much noise.)
What would you tell someone who’s thinking about volunteering at QCT?
Just do it! QCT is a great place to volunteer. The staff and actors are so friendly and appreciative of the work we do. The other volunteers and staff have become good friends.