Scholz receives Quincy Community Theatre’s most prestigious award at 2024 season celebration

QUINCY — Quincy Community Theatre celebrated its 2024 season Jan. 10 at Town & Country Inn and Suites. The evening began with a formal dinner, followed by an awards and recognition ceremony honoring the remarkable contributions of QCT’s volunteers and participants.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of QCT’s most prestigious award, the Enid Ireland Award, to Susan Scholz. The award, named for the woman who helped relaunch the theatre after World War II, recognizes outstanding dedication to QCT’s mission. Scholz was honored for her decades of service on stage and behind the scenes.

In the student theatre program, “The Rosie,” named for long-time volunteer Rose Lacquement, was awarded to Cecilia Bruening. A dedicated student of QCT’s education program, Bruening has participated in numerous classes and was a past recipient of the Burning Flame Award for her exceptional effort and positive attitude.

Additional awards included the Ghost Light Award, recognizing individuals who go above and beyond in their contributions to productions. This award was presented to:

• David Samuels (Matilda)
• Dan Stephens (Shakespeare in Love and Cinderella)
• Randy Wolfmeyer (Newsies and Cinderella)
• Glenn Boettger (Newsies)
• Quinton Metcalf (THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL)
• Mark Snider (Cinderella)
• Casey Mercurio (Cinderella)
• Diana Mast (Cinderella)

The Burning Flame Award, celebrating outstanding effort in student productions, was awarded to:

• Georgia Wisslead (Matilda)
• Ava Kaelke (Lost Girl)
• Izzy Nichols (The Phantom Tollbooth)

The Executive Director’s Award went to Julie Schuetz for her extensive volunteerism as a performer, backstage contributor, and former board president.

The Artistic Director’s Award was presented to Dominic Regner for his involvement and contributions across several productions.

The Paul Denckla Technical Director’s Award honored Marissa Rabe for her backstage work throughout the year.

QCT also recognized the following individuals who, combined, contributed more than 6,000 hours of volunteering:

• Kaitlyn Beth
• Cecilia Bruening
• Adrienne Fisk
• Donna Haire
• Ava Kaelke
• Jeremy Kurfman
• Quinton Metcalf
• Logan Mulch
• Marissa Rabe
• Dominic Regner
• Sara Turnbow
• Gretchen Wolfmeyer
• Randy Wolfmeyer

The evening included a special performance of “Don’t Lose Your Head” by the cast of QCT’s upcoming production of “Six: Teen Edition.”