Classes

QCT’s education program, open to students of all ages, is dedicated to providing innovative arts education instruction, high-quality student production work, and mentorship opportunities for our community’s emerging theatre artists.
QCT’s friendly and expert staff instructors ensure the highest level of engagement and challenge for students at every skill level; whether you are a first-timer or a veteran performer, great arts education can inspire confidence, improve creative problem-solving, and exercise collaboration skills unlike any other discipline.
Classes are typically offered in the spring (February-March), summer (June-July) and fall (October-November); special sessions and/or masterclasses are programmed throughout the year on a rolling basis. No prior theatre experience is required unless specified in the class description.
Upcoming Classes
Ages 3-5 | Grades K-2 | Grades 3-5 | Grades 6-8 | Grades 9-12 | Adults
Ages 3-5
Little Theatre People
Instructor: Brendan Shea
Fridays | Jun 30 – Jul 21 | 10:15 – 11 AM
Our creative play class for our littlest actors returns this summer with all-new stories! Summer 2023’s theme, “Pet Pals”, will focus on stories that feature furry companions.
Skills Learned:
• Characterization
• Attention & Listening Comprehension
• Improvisation
• Creative Play
Tuition: $50
Grades K-2
QCT Kids Company
Instructor: Brendan Shea
Fridays | Jun 30 – Jul 21 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
QCT’s popular Kids Company acting and storytelling class is all about “Animal Adventures” this summer! Practice your best lion roar and get ready for a wild time!
Skills Learned:
• Characterization
• Attention & Listening Comprehension
• Improvisation
• Teamwork
Tuition: $50
Grades 1-4
Basic Training
Camp: August 7-12 8:30 AM – Noon
Showcase: August 12 at 7:30 PM
Basic Training is designed for students entering grades 1-4. This program provides young performers with lessons in musical theatre in preparation for an appearance in the TTBC Showcase! Triple Threat Boot Camp (TTBC) is a week-long workshop that provides introduction to the musical theatre disciplines of acting, singing, and dancing.
Tuition: $150
Grades 3-5
Super QCT World!
Instructor: Brendan Shea
Thursdays | Jun 29 – Jul 20 | 10 AM – Noon
Get ready to level up your acting and writing skills in a theatre class that celebrates all things VIDEO GAMES! Students will learn how to use their body, voice and imagination to bring their favorite characters to life, then work together to create a choose-your-own adventure live action game!
Skills Learned:
• Acting
• Creative Problem-Solving
• Teamwork
• Confidence
Tuition: $70
Grades 5 – College

2023 Triple Threat Boot Camp
Camp: August 7-12 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Showcase: August 12 at 7:30 PM
Applications for Boot Camp are due July 7.
Email qct@1qct.org or call (217) 222-3209 with any questions.
Triple Threat Boot Camp (TTBC) is a week-long workshop that provides intense training in the musical theatre disciplines of acting, singing, and dancing. Students entering grades 5-college are divided into age-appropriate levels and work with theatre professionals to create a Broadway-style musical revue to be performed at the end of the week.
For younger students, consider Basic Training above (grades 1-4).
Students must complete the application for review. Following acceptance, they may register for the program.
Grades 6-8
Perfect the Audition: Musical Theatre (Jr.)
Instructor: Elizabeth Mannhardt
1-week intensive (Mon.-Fri.) | Jul 10 – Jul 14 | 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Learn how to rock the room at your next musical audition with expert guidance from guest instructor Elizabeth Mannhardt. You’ll learn everything from choosing the right material, to connecting with the song; you’ll even practice how to introduce yourself and perform for a mock audition panel.
Skills Learned:
• Singing
• Confidence
• Musical Theatre
• Public Speaking/Social Skills
Tuition: $80

Schmiddle School
Instructor: Alison Shafer
Mondays | Jun 26 – Jul 24 | 9 – 10 AM
Explore the history and evolution of musical theatre through dance. We will focus on five shows: Oklahoma, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Annie, Seussical and Hamilton. We will explore these five shows and their place in musical theatre history including story, plot, characters and especially movement. Styles of movement specific to each show and how the movement and songs further the stories will be discussed. We will learn one dance combination from each show.
Skills Learned:
• Confidence
• Choreography
• Musical Theatre
• Public Speaking/Social Skills
Tuition: $50
Grades 7* – 12
Outside In: Physical Acting Lab
Instructor: Megan Masterman
Wednesdays | Jun 28 – Jul 26 | 11:00 AM – Noon
This advanced acting course will introduce students to Laban’s Effort Actions, an actor training method; students will then apply these skills in interpreting short scenes, texts, and monologues including Shakespeare. Led by guest instructor Megan Masterman.
*Advanced 7th graders (who have previously taken a class and/or participated in a student theatre production) are invited to register.
Skills Learned:
• Physical Theatre
• Acting
• Movement Improvisation
• Teamwork
Tuition: $50
Grades 9-12
Perfect the Audition: Musical Theatre (Sr.)
Instructor: Elizabeth Mannhardt
1-week intensive (Mon.-Fri.) | Jun 26 – Jun 30 | 1:00 – 3:00 PM
A musical theatre audition intensive for serious high school performers, featuring guest instructor Elizabeth Mannhardt. You’ll learn everything from choosing the right material to connecting with the song; the week will culminate in a performance for a mock audition panel.
Skills Learned:
• Singing
• Confidence
• Musical Theatre
• Public Speaking/Social Skills
Tuition: $80
Adults 18+
Scenic Painting
Instructor: Harrison Clarke
Mondays | Jun 26 – Jul 24 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Learn various painting techniques that scenic designers use to bring worlds to life on stage. Assistant Technical Director Harrison Clarke leads this hands-on class. Make sure you wear clothes that you don’t mind getting messy!
Skills Learned:
• Scenic Design
• Painting
• Teamwork
• Creativity
Tuition/Fees: $60 (includes materials)
Musical Theatre Audition Workshop
Instructor: Elizabeth Mannhardt
One-Day Workshop | Jul 8 | Noon – 4:00 PM
Get a head-start on your next musical audition with this intensive one-day workshop for adult performers. Guest instructor Elizabeth Mannhardt will share her unique approach to selecting audition material and acting the song.
Skills Learned:
• Singing
• Confidence
• Musical Theatre
• Public Speaking/Social Skills
Tuition: $40
QCT Improv Club
FREE | Open to adults 18+
Upcoming dates: June 30, August 4 | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Stop by QCT select dates for our FREE Improv Club! No registration is required, just drop in and join fellow acting enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned performer or have never set foot on a stage, QCT’s Improv Club is a great way to meet new friends and sharpen (or develop) your acting skills!
If you have questions, email Brendan Shea at brendan.shea@1qct.org
Photo Consent Policy
I understand that by registering myself or my child for class, I grant full permission to Quincy Community Theatre to either use my or my child’s photograph, name, and/or likeness in any publication or advertising materials (printed and electronic, including, but not limited to, brochures, Facebook, www.1qct.org, etc.). I also waive all rights of privacy or compensation to which I may have in connection with the use of my or my child’s photograph, name, and/or likeness. If I do not give consent, I will submit notice in writing to the Box Office before the first class.