Barb Rowell, former director of Quincy Community Theatre, dies at 85

Barb Rowell, who directed the Quincy Community Theatre for nearly a quarter-century and led the transition from a small neighborhood facility to a fully-functioning community theater, has died.

She was 85.

From the Quincy Community Theatre:

“All of us at QCT were saddened to learn of the recent passing of Barbara Rowell, Managing Artistic Director of Quincy Community Theatre from 1983 to 2006. Barbara’s impact on QCT’s past, present and future cannot be overstated– she was not only a true champion of the art form, but also a fierce advocate for centering the theatre as a cultural cornerstone of our community. During her decades-long tenure as QCT’s leader, Barbara directed countless productions, tirelessly promoted the theatre’s programming, and taught numerous theatre classes– QCT’s education program began under Barbara’s stewardship. Barbara was the very definition of a “hands-on” leader; her willingness to jump in and work at every level of a production, and in every corner of the theatre, was the true measure of her passion for Quincy Community Theatre.

Perhaps most visible of Barbara’s diverse legacy is the very building that our theatre occupies. It was through Barbara’s singular vision and determination that QCT became a permanent resident of the brand-new Oakley Lindsay Civic Center in 1995. Far from its humble beginnings as the Quincy “Little” Theatre at 13th and Payson, Barbara found a new home for QCT– in a venue to match her grand vision for what community theatre can be. In this regard, Barbara Rowell’s contribution to Quincy Community Theatre is literally written in stone.

Looking back at her outsized achievements, it’s hard to believe that Barbara began her journey with QCT as a volunteer. Or, better still, that part is easy to believe. Barbara’s entire life was driven by a deep and abiding love for the theatre, for her community, and for Quincy. Her efforts to advance this institution were not for personal gain, but to share that love with as many people as she possibly could. And Barbara Rowell did, indeed, change many, many lives. She may rest assured that Quincy Community Theatre– the house that she built– will continue to change many more.”

Rowell, who passed away Thursday, was a graduate of Culver-Stockton College.

Hansen-Spear Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.