Quincy Community Theatre

History:
The Quincy Community Theatre (QCT) has been delighting audiences with musicals, mysteries, comedies, and dramas since 1923. Originally named the Quincy Community "Little" Theatre, the organizers pursued their craft by presenting two or three plays a year at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy. The Little Theatre was formally organized in 1928 by Mrs. Charles Dazey, wife of the famous Broadway playwright, Charles Dazey, and by Paul Weisenborn, a Quincy attorney. At this time, plays were being produced in Quincy at the old Empire Theatre. In the early 1930’s smaller shows moved to the old First Baptist Church, a move that made year round productions possible. Major productions were still staged at the Empire Theatre. When using the church was no longer possible, the plays were staged at the Quincy Senior High School auditorium.

During WWII, the shortage of male actors forced theatre activities to cease. When the theatre finally resumed productions, in 1953, it was as an outdoor summer theatre. For the next ten years, the productions were held on the lawn of the Art Barn located on historic Maine Street.In 1964 the theatre found its first permanent home at 13th and Payson Avenue with the purchase of the former Trinity Parish Hall. The first full-time managing director was hired in 1973 and other staff positions have been added as growth has continued.In April 1989, the theatre joined forces with the Civic Center Authority and the Quincy Convention and Visitors Bureau and applied for a state grant to be used to build a Civic Center/Theatre complex. This $5.6 million grant was awarded on July 2, 1990.

The $1.25 million goal for matching funds was reached on September 18, two years later. Construction of the new complex was completed in the spring of 1995. In the new location, members voted to rename the organization, dropping "Little" to become the Quincy Community Theatre. The 498-seat theatre was dedicated on September 8, 1995 with an inaugural performance entitled "Memories-A Musical Revue." In 1998, the theatre celebrated 75 years of its founding.Today, the Quincy Community Theatre serves as a showcase for community talent and as a major theatrical resource for the Tri-state area, offering five major productions, two student productions, and a variety of workshops and classes each year. The organization provides an outlet for community members to display their talents in quality live theatre with a wide array of productions.