Volunteer Spotlight: Gabbriella Rose Kearns
Our July Spotlight Volunteer, Gabbriella has been a familiar face around QCT this summer, assisting with Triple Threat Boot Camp, JERSEY BOYS, and summer classes, with the intent to learn more about the magic of putting a production together and how to lead! Gabbriella is currently a junior at WIU, majoring in Music Business with a minor in Theater. She aims to further her education in theatre, and one day work for or open a venue for fine arts. During her time at JWCC, she had the opportunity to work on productions both on stage and off. Gabbriella became Theatre Guild President at the start of her second year, aiding in the creation of the now annual talent show, SUPERNOVA.
How did you first become involved with QCT?
I know a few of the volunteers who work at QCT, and they were able to put me in contact with Brendan Shea. I am a music business major with a minor in theater, so I knew this would be a great learning opportunity for me!
What made you want to be involved with Triple Threat Boot Camp?
I became a big fan of musicals back in my freshman year of college and acted in a few one-acts. One of my regrets was not getting involved in theatre sooner, so I was glad to be able to help kids at such a young age nurture their love of theatre!
If you could play any role in any play or musical, which one would it be and why?
That is a hard one. I love a lot of the musicals and plays, but I think I would have to go with Jane Doe in RIDE THE CYCLONE. She was such a mysterious character, and it would be more of a challenge vocally.
What has been your favorite/most rewarding volunteer role?
My most rewarding role has been being able to help kids in Basic Training! Seeing them from day one to the Showcase was amazing! They worked so hard, and you could really see them all become more comfortable!
What’s an area of volunteering that you haven’t tried, but would like to?
I think I would like to participate in a play or musical. I have experience from John Wood when it comes to performing for an audience, but I’ve never actually auditioned for anything besides solos for a choir concert.
What’s the funniest mishap you’ve seen happen during a live performance?
I don’t see many mishaps happen, but I’d say sometimes things would fall, and an actor was usually able to stay in character and play it off.
If QCT could produce any show with an unlimited budget, what would you choose and why?
I know QCT has done a lot of shows, but I would say HEATHERS! It is one of my favorite musicals, and in one of the adaptations of it, Barrett Wilbert Weed played Veronica, who is one of my favorite performers!
What’s one thing you wish the audience knew about what goes on behind the scenes?
I wish the audience knew how precise the lighting cues have to be and how much time they truly take. Before my experience on crew, I never knew how crucial they were! It really adds to the show!
What would you say to someone wanting to volunteer with QCT?
I would say, do what you can! Volunteer for jobs that are played more towards your strengths. If you can act and/or sing, audition, and if you love working backstage, help out there!