| 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
  
  
|
Click Here for Pictures of the Building:
MAT Affiliations:
Greater Grand Rapids Arts Council
Community
Theatre Association of Michigan (CTAM)
Christians In Theatre Arts (CITA)
Contact us! |
