Volunteer Spotlight: Kristie Bradshaw
We are elated to share our October Volunteer Spotlight, Kristie Bradshaw!
Kristie began her time at QCT as Lady Merrill in the 2001 production of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS. After a 16-year break, she came back in 2017 and has since been seen in such QCT classics as HELLO, DOLLY!, HARRIET THE SPY, YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, The Virtual Playwright’s Festival, CLUE, and SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE. She has spent volunteer time ushering, painting, working in the Box Office, and on props, as well as giving tours of the theatre. She has been a part of several production teams and is currently serving as Stage Manager for THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH.
What was your most memorable moment working on a production?
There are so many! When I first came back in 2017, I had the privilege to be able to act on stage alongside my daughter, Maddie, in HELLO. DOLLY! and HARRIET THE SPY. Those are cherished memories for sure. When my father passed away last year, the entire company of RENT was so supportive and wonderful! I’ll never forget their kindness. And of course, last year at Quiltas…when I was honored to receive the Ghost Light Award for CLUE…I still do not have the words to express my appreciation for that recognition! Oh…and every single moment that I spent working on THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME!!! A student once gave me a keychain for my backpack which reads “The stage is my happy place.” This is absolutely true for me, especially here at QCT!
What is an area of volunteering that you haven’t tried, but would like to?
I actually have been a Tour Guide for school groups/other groups coming into QCT, but I would like to do more of that in the future. I think that it is SO important to bring in students from across the area…especially those from rural schools who might not offer a lot of fine arts activities. A tour may be the first time that many kids have been in a live theatre environment. Hopefully, this will spark someone’s interest to come back to see a show to audition or volunteer themselves.
What is one thing you wish the audience knew about what goes on behind the scenes?
Once you become involved, QCT does truly become an extension of your family. Through QCT I have met my current best friends, mentors, trip buddies, and Wednesday Night Trivia Team! The hard work, dedication, and professionalism of the staff are a large part of what makes this organization so wonderful. Combined with the welcoming atmosphere of your fellow volunteers, why wouldn’t you want to become involved?!?
