Bryant Turnage (He/Him) - Creative Director

Bryant is a theatre artist whose career has been defined by dynamic leadership and a deep passion for Shakespeare. A native of Albuquerque, he honed his craft under the mentorship of the late Davey Marlin-Jones, earning his MA in Theatre and MFA in Playwriting at UNLV before relocating to Springfield, MO, in 2004. Since then, he has become a driving force in the local theatre scene, both as a performer and director, with a particular emphasis on classical works.

As an actor, Bryant has brought compelling authority to some of Shakespeare’s most iconic roles, including Prospero (The Tempest), Claudius (Hamlet), and Puck (A Midsummer Night’s Dream). His command of the Bard’s language and psychological depth has made him a standout in the Springfield theatre community.

As a director, Bryant has demonstrated visionary leadership in staging challenging works, including two productions of Waiting for Godot and The Real Inspector Hound* His most notable contributions, however, have been through Shakespeare at the Columns, where he has directed bold productions such as Titus Andronicus and Romeo & Juliet, reinvigorating these classics for contemporary audiences.

Bryant’s creative leadership extends to playwriting, where his irreverent Hamlet vs Zombies: Something is Rotting in the State of Denmark won Best of the San Francisco Fringe, showcasing his ability to reimagine Shakespearean themes with modern wit.

Beyond performance and direction, Bryant serves as a dramaturg, mentoring emerging playwrights and fostering new works. His dedication to cultivating theatre—whether through Shakespeare, new plays, or experimental projects—reflects his commitment to artistic excellence and collaborative leadership.

Amy Newsom (She/Her) - Executive Director

Amy Newsom is passionate about non-profit leadership and fostering creative communities. Newsom graduated with a BFA in Theatre from Stephens College and has since been an active presence in the Springfield theatre scene as an actor, director and producer - including serving as Vice President of the Actors Theatre of Missouri board and being a founding member of Devising Original Theatre Springfield (DOTS). In addition to her work with Queen City Shakespeare Co., Newsom is pursuing a master's degree in arts management at the University of Oklahoma and works as a risk specialist for a local credit union.

Andrew Magnus (He/Him) -Technical Director

Board Members:

Jaimie Isham

Hailey Magnus

Misty Lane