Matrix Theatre Company Names New Executive Director

Matrix Theatre Company, Michigan's premier producer of community-based, social justice theatre, announced their new Executive Director, Mary Ann McCourt, one month ahead of its 25th Anniversary Extravaganza.

When Dr. Shaun S. Nethercott, Matrix's co-founder and Executive Director, retired last October, Matrix Theatre Company engaged in a national search for a permanent replacement. Mary Ann McCourt was chosen from a competitive field of candidates and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and decades of relevant experience to the organization.

"On the behalf of Matrix Theatre Company, we are thrilled to announce our new Executive Director and celebrate the wonderful milestone of our 25th year anniversary as a non-profit community arts organization. We are fortunate to be located in the heart of Southwest Detroit community where we share a commitment with many other organizations that work for social justice values. I am excited for the future of Matrix as we continue to change lives through the transformative power of theater," Sue Sattler, Board President, stated.

Most recently, Ms. McCourt was Executive Director of Stagecrafters, a community member-based theatre in Royal Oak, was responsible for day-to-day administration and operations, and fund development among other tasks. In her tenure there, one of her greatest accomplishments was their successful 60th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Gala, honoring Stagecrafter's alum and three-time Tony Award-winning producer, Jeffrey Seller. Seller is the producer of Broadway's hot hit "Hamilton." She oversaw the capital improvements made to the historic Baldwin Theatre and served as the media spokesperson and organization's representative at the city, state, and national level.

Ms. McCourt has robust experience with both for- and non-profit companies and organizations and previously served for 13 years as the Development Officer for the Infant Mortality Program, founded by seven religious congregations and currently a program of St. John Providence Community Health System. Prior to that, she has held positions with Lawrence Technological University, Detroit Institute of Arts Founders Society, Crain's Detroit Business, and at architectural firms in Detroit and Los Angeles as their Director of Marketing and Promotion.

"I am honored to be joining Matrix Theatre Company as we celebrate this notable achievement as a community-based theatre. It is an exciting time for me to be back working in the City of Detroit. I have a great passion for the city, the arts, and making a difference in the lives of others," Mary Ann McCourt said.

Ms. McCourt will be responsible for continuing Matrix's mission of building community, improving lives, and fostering social justice through theatre and helping to financially sustain the theatre in the years to come.

This announcement comes several weeks before Matrix Theatre Company hosts its 25th Anniversary Extravaganza on June 16th at the Gem Theatre in Detroit. The gala fundraiser is the largest in the organization's history to celebrate Matrix's positive impact in lives and communities over the last 25 years. It will honor Dr. Nethercott and introduce Ms. McCourt to the community.

Limited tickets are on sale now for Matrix's 25th Anniversary Extravaganza, hosted by Pulitzer Prize- winner, M.L. Elrick, and can be purchased online or by phone. Celebration Dinner tickets are $200 and Silver Spectacular tickets are $50. Tickets and more information are available at matrixtheatre.org or by calling (313) 967-0999 ext. 7.

The 25th Anniversary Extravaganza is generously supported by Deborah F. Haller, MGM Grand Detroit, The Naoum Family, The Skillman Foundation, and Total Door Systems.

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