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Master Arts Theatre

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about Master Arts Theatre

mission statement, history, affiliations
Master Arts Theatre Mission Statement 

Master Arts is an independent, non-profit, community theatre guided by a Christian world-view. Master Arts' mission is to develop artists and to engage audiences in theatre that is enriching, encouraging, and enlightening, thereby positively impacting West Michigan.

Master Arts Theatre offers four main stage shows per year, a second stage production and two youth summer stock productions. In addition to our main stage productions, we offer summer camps for youth, regular classes for children through adults, and a number of touring troupes that perform in a variety of venues.

Master Arts has been active in dramatic arts ministry since 1985. As we constantly move forward, Master Arts continues to build a bridge between the arts and the church.

History Highlights 

1985 Organized to provide preparation and opportunities for the local Christian artists to serve the church and community through the dramatic arts.
  First two Touring Troupes formed:
“The Parable”
& “Emmanuel”
Touring Troupes still active today.
Click Here for More Information on the Touring Troupes
1986 First Street Theater troupe performed
Street Theater still very active today.
Click Here for More Information on Street Theater
1987 Pris McDonald appointed as Executive Director – has served ever since. 
1988 First monthly “Workshop Training Session” for interested artists. 
Master Arts still provides Fall and Winter Classes in Drama.
Click Here for More Information on our Fall and Winter Class Schedules
1989 First of three annual area wide Master Arts Festivals was held. First stage play produced by Master Arts as part of the Festival:

The Book of Job
arranged for the stage by Orlin Corey
designed by Irene Corey
and directed by Pris McDonald

1991 College credit was offered for “Mime” & “Directing Church Drama” courses. 
  First five-day Arts Day Camp held – and every year since 
Click Here for More Information on Youth Summer Schedule
1992 First stage play produced for public (no Festival):

Fiddler on the Roof
book by Joseph Stein, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, music by: Jerry Bock,
based on Sholom Aleichem's stories by special permission of Arnold Perl
and directed by Pris McDonald

One or more productions offered yearly ever since.
Click Here for More Information about What is in Current Production

or Click Here to see the list of plays produced since 1989

1994 Moved to Grand Village Mall – performed

J.R.R. Tolkein's
The Hobbit
dramatized by Patricia Gray
directed by Pris McDonald

The Hobbit was performed to full houses with additional performances needed. 

1996 First two-week Youth Summer Stock program by and for youth

Winnie-the-Pooh
dramatized by Kristin Sergel
from the stories of A.A. Milne

Youth Summer Stock now offered yearly.
Click Here for More Information on Youth Summer Schedule

  First year for a schedule of four productions per year – special rates for Season Subscribers.
Click Here for More Information about Season Subscriptions
1999 The Mall was sold. Continued operating in an office on Baldwin Street, Jenison. 
2001 Renovate a facility located at 75 Vee Street SW in Grand Rapids, MI. Open new theater with

Snoopy!!!
based on the comic strip "PEANUTS" by Charles M. Schulz
music by Larry Grossman, lyrics by Hal Hackady
directed by Pris McDonald
assistant director/choreographer Cassie Holmes

Eventually the street name was changed to 77th St SW

2003 A long time dream for Master Arts became a reality on Friday, November 14th, when the Board signed the final papers to purchase the current location at 75 77th St SW. Master Arts had been operating and performing in borrowed, rented or leased space since its beginning in 1985. The acquisition of our own facility provided permanency and set the stage for great possibilities for the future.
2005

20th Anniversary Celebration
with Jeannette Clift George

Jeannette Clift George is the founder of A.D. Players. Her film debut was in the World Wide Picture The Hiding Place, portraying Corrie Ten Boom. Ms. George is equally well-known as an author, playwright, Bible teacher and national speaker.
Special Guest Speaker: Diet Eman
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Click Here for Pictures of the Building:

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MAT Affiliations:
Greater Grand Rapids Arts Council

Community Theatre Association of Michigan (CTAM)

Christians In Theatre Arts (CITA)

Contact us!

Edited 5/27/08