m a s t e r a r t s . o r g

Based on Robert Fulghum's best-selling books, Kindergarten takes a funny, insightful, heartwarming look at what is profound in everyday life. These stories celebrate our very existence, from the whimsy of childhood to the wisdom of old age. Kindergarten is a sure hit for almost any performing group.

Performances will be June 1 - 17, 2023

with performances Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

and Saturday matinees at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are $16/adults, $14 for seniors (63+),

$14 for students, and $8 for children 12 and under.

You may reserve your seats by contacting the box office at

(616) 455-1001 or by visiting www.masterarts.org.

Produced by special arrangement with

The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.

Stage Whispers     

Eric Beuker (Ed)

You may recognize Eric from previous Master Arts Theatre shows, such as WILLY WONKA, ORPHAN TRAIN and ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. He enjoys the variety involved in this show while working with such a talented cast. It has been a blessing to be on stage once again, showing these life lessons with you.

Matthew Kelly (Branislav)

Welcome, Matthew, to the Master Arts stage! Matthew has enjoyed working on this production and getting to know the cast and directors. I have always enjoyed performance arts and am loving doing my first play and grateful for the role and the ministry of this theater.

Tanya Ma (Jill)

Welcome, Tanya, to the Master Arts Theatre Stage! Tanya has been in the GOOD KAREN, BAD KAREN skit by The Murder Mystery Company, has been an extra in the 2022 TV Series LOST MAN FOUND, and played young Ti Moune in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND.

I have wholeheartedly enjoyed the journey of building this production, because it has made me flourish. I have improved in communication, confidence, problem solving, and teamwork. My gratitude includes working with a wonderful cast and directors. It is my hope that the audience will be able to connect with their inner child and feel connected to others through the stories we share today.

Esther Nijsse (Narrator)

Welcome, Esther, to the Master Arts Theater stage! While this is Esther’s first show with us, she is certainly no stranger to the theater, having participated in theater productions as an actor, set designer, backstage crew, and assistant director with her homeschool group. She was also a student in the stage acting class at the Lamplighter Guild and participates in the church choir. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

Brenda Riegler (Kathleen)

You may recognize Brenda, as she recently played Rebecca Nurse in THE CRUCIBLE at Master Arts Theater. Other credits of hers include THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, BRIGADOON, and ENCHANTED APRIL, which she was in with her husband, Walt. She has also acted Jewish Theater, Heritage Theater, and Shadblow Theater. As a kindergarten teacher, I love the heart of this story!

Walt Riegler (Fred)

Walt recently he directed the production of THE CRUCIBLE at Master Arts Theater. Other credits of his include CYRANO DE BERGERAC, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, BITTER FRIENDS, and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. He was also in Master Art Theatre’s production of ENCHANTED APRIL with his wife, Brenda and enjoys being able to be on stage with her again.  

Colleen Thompson (Assistant Director)

Colleen was most recently seen in A CHRISTMAS CAROL and OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS at Master Arts, but has appeared in other theaters in the Grand Rapids area. Live every day with kindness.

Cathy Van Lopik (Director)

Cathy is certainly no stranger to Master Arts Theater. She recently directed QUILTERS and acted in OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS. Cathy also has done shows, both as actor and director, with Holland Community Theater, Caledonia Community Players, Jewish Theater, and Grand Rapids Civic Theater, to name a few. She loves that with this show they don’t need a lot of props and special effects to tell a compelling and meaningful story. I think that after the pandemic, we need to learn how to live as a community again. The stories in this play do a wonderful job showing us how to do that.