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, workshops, and/or masterclasses are programmed throughout the year on a rolling basis. No prior theatre experience is required unless specified in the class description. All classes and workshops, unless otherwise noted, will take place in the QCT Lab Theatre. Enter through the Stage Door on Kentucky Street.
2024 fall Classes
Little Theatre People
Ages 3-5
Fridays, November 1 – 22 | 11:15 am – 12:00 pm | Tuition: $40
A seasonal class where our youngest performers bring a story to life through creative play. Each week, we read a story together and bring our own unique version to life. This semester, we’re adding COSTUMES!
Skills Learned:
- Characterization
- Attention & Listening Comprehension
- Improvisation
- Creative Play
QCT Kids Company
Grades K-2
Fridays, November 1 – 22 | 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm | Tuition: $60
Another seasonal offering, Kids Company members use guided improv to re-imagine stories new and old. Students engage their imaginations to invent new characters, new plotlines– even new endings to the week’s chosen story! Every Kids Company semester includes new stories and new opportunities to deepen your child’s connection to the stage. This semester, we are stepping things up with a greater focus on acting and design– including COSTUMES!
Skills Learned:
- Characterization
- Attention and listening comprehension
- Improvisation
- Teamwork
Monster Factory!
Grades 3-5
Tuesdays, October 29 – November 19 | 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm | Tuition: $60
Students will design their own scary (or not-so-scary) monster from scratch– then come up with short scenes that star our original gruesome gang of ghouls!
Skills Learned:
- Creating a character
- Playwriting
- Acting
- Teamwork
Escape the Lab
Grades 6-10
Wednesdays, October 30 – November 30 | 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Tuition: $60
Can you escape the Lab? We will put our creative design skills to the test as we transform QCT’s Lab Theatre into our very own escape room. Then, on the last day, we will let friends and family try it out!
Skills Learned:
- World-building
- Collaboration
- Creating a character
- Design
Audition Perfection
Ages 16+
Tuesdays, October 29 – November 19 | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm | Tuition: $60
Guest instructor Patrick Regner leads this in-depth performance class designed to level-up your auditioning skills. Students will select a song or monologue (you don’t have to sing!), get coached on how to make their piece stand out, and then simulate a typical professional audition and callback. This course is perfect for experienced performers seeking an edge in their next audition or high school students considering conservatory applications!
Musical Theatre: Acting the Song
Adults 18+
Fridays, November 1 – 22 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Tuition: $60
Join guest instructors Nicole Dieker and Larry Finley in a unique musical theatre class focusing on singing technique, developing confidence as a soloist, and building a repertoire that suits you as a performer. The course will culminate in a cabaret-style open class on the final day.
Workshops
QCT 101: Stage Management
Ages 16+
Tuesday, September 10 | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm | Tuition: Free
Have you been curious about what a Stage Manager does? Seasoned Stage Managers Ellen Taylor and Drew Quintero discuss all things related to this important behind-the-scenes production role in the theatre. You’ll learn about the Stage Manager’s involvement in the audition process, production meetings, rehearsals, calling a show, strike, and much more! This is a free workshop, but space is limited. Please RSVP below.
Skills learned:
- Communication
- Organization
Cinderella Audition Lounge
All ages
Wednesday, September 18 | 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm | Tuition: Free
To audition for a show takes a lot of courage. Sometimes, taking the first step to show up at the Stage Door is the most daunting part of the process. At QCT, we want all performers (especially first-timers!) to feel safe showing up and singing in front of people they may not know– so come give it a try at this casual, fun hangout led by your fellow QCT volunteers. You will get an opportunity to sing in front of a non-judgmental and welcoming group of QCT community members, then give that same support as they practice their songs! This is a free workshop, but space is limited. Please RSVP below.
Ongoing Adult Classes and Groups
QCT Improv Club
Instructor: Brendan Shea
Friday, August 30
Friday, September 27
Friday, November 1
Friday, November 22
8:00 – 9:00 PM in the Lab Theatre, enter through the Stage Door on Kentucky Street
FREE
Our popular FREE Friday night Improv Club is back this summer! This is a casual, low-stakes, drop-in event where we learn improv comedy games, play those games together, and laugh (like, A LOT). No experience, materials, or registration is necessary– just show up ready to try something new, meet some cool people, and exercise that funny bone. Even if you’re on the fence about getting on stage, come by and watch us play (trust us, you’ll want to jump in). Bring a friend! Improv Club is for adults 18 and up.
The Act II Players
Upcoming Performances
Friday, August 16 at Curtis Creek
Wednesday, August 28 at Illinois Veterans’ Home
This group, open to 18+, is free to anyone who loves reader’s theatre and enjoys entertaining their peers. The group meets every Tuesday, 10-11 am at Calftown Coffeehouse and performs at local senior care facilities. For more information on how to get involved, please email qct@1qct.org or call the box office at (217) 222-3209.
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.