Master Arts Loses its Pioneer Founder
Pris McDonaldStaff and supporters of the local Master Arts Theatre are making plans for a life celebration for the organization's founder and long time director. Priscilla (Pris) McDonald passed away Feb. 11 in Florida at her winter home."Pris created a legacy of God-honoring creativity, theatre and theatre artists in this community," stated current MAT executive director Tim Van Bruggen.
McDonald became the faith-based theatre company's first executive director in 1987. She had continued to serve as artistic director after Van Bruggen began his duties in 2015. She retired from that role only recently.
McDonald oversaw hundreds of the theatre's productions over its 35+ year history. She also led it through various "homes" until 2003 when it purchased its current building on 77th St SW in Byron Township.
"She was an amazing lady," Van Bruggen told an audience before a recent performance of its current production, "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner."
"We're going to honor her as best we can in the months to come."
Funeral services are Sat. March 19 at Anchor Point Bible Church, 635 Seminole Rd. in Norton Shores. He suggested following the theatre's website (www.masterarts.org) or Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/MasterArtsTheatre) for information on a future McDonald memorial celebration.
