Volunteer Spotlight: Marion Dye

Posted on October 14, 2025

This month’s Spotlight Volunteer is no stranger to the stage! Having performed for the first time at age five, Marion Dye has been actively involved in theatre for nearly her entire life. She is a second generation Theatre Practitioner, and she enjoys all aspects of theatre including performing, directing, writing as well as working back stage. Marion believes deeply in the power the arts have to transform our lives through imagination, creativity, and originality. She’s directed productions of Cinderella, Peter Pan, Wizard of Oz and Fairy Tale Christmas and performed inTwelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice, Cymbeline, The Baker’s Wife, The Applicant, And They Dance Real Slow in Jackson, Carmen, Evita, Jekyll and Hyde and The Dinosaur Play. She enjoys teaching and working with artists of all ages, and is delighted to be part of the staff at Center Stage. Marion earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. She is currently serving as Properties Supervisor in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical and has taught several classes with us at QCT. We are honored to include her in our community and to feature her this month!

How did you first become involved with QCT? 
I became involved at QCT, then QCLT, when I was about 7 years old in the early 90’s. My family had recently moved to Quincy and my Mom, Connie Phillips, took the Children’s Theater Director position. My first show there was The Wizard of OZ. What has been your most memorable moment working on a QCT show? I have had so many over the years! One of my favorites was when QCT did an original production called Skyride. In that show, I had the opportunity to perform with both my parents at the same time on stage, and that was very special for me. As was having the chance to perform an original work. 

If you could play any role in any play or musical, what would it be and why? 
Peter Pan in Peter Pan! This was my favorite show growing up and I have always wanted to FLY!

Tell us about your involvement in Diary of a Wimpy Kid and what it’s like working on the same production as your son, Breck? 
I have been wanting to help with props on a show for a while now, and this seemed like a good time to jump in. I have enjoyed the chance to use a different set of creative skills. Working on the same production as my son has also been fun and helped me feel more involved. I love to get his perspective on the props and hear his suggestions.

What do you hope young actors will gain from participating in shows and classes?
There is so much I hope young actors gain from participating in theatre: responsibility, self confidence, team work skills, dedication, community, belonging, and joy just to name a few. However, the one I found most valuable for myself as a young performer was empathy, the gift of living as someone else, even if just for a few moments on stage. To see the world from another’s perspective, most especially when it is a character you don’t agree with. That lesson has shaped, and continues to shape, my life. 

If QCT could produce any show with an unlimited budget, what would you choose and why? This is a tough question as there are so many, but I would say The Lion King. It is such beautiful and unique production. I would love for Quincy audiences to experience the magic of the puppetry and costuming in that show!

What’s one thing you wish the audience knew about what goes on behind the scenes? 
The sheer amount of TIME spent on bringing these shows to life! So many, many, many hours of time go into making each production special and enjoyable. These hours, contributed by our community, is what makes QCT a special place!

Is there any area of volunteering that you haven’t tried yet, but would like to? 
The next thing on my list to try out is working in front of house as an usher or box office attendant. They have such and important job and I would love to learn more about how they work their magic.

What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering at QCT? 
I would say, “Go for it! The adventure awaits!” Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, gain new skills and learn how it all comes together. Try just one small thing, you never know where it might lead.