About MCPAS

MCPAS Celebrates 33 Years

In 1979 a group of community leaders, seeking to foster an appreciation of and provide opportunities to experience cultural live professional entertainment in the fields of musical arts, dance, and theatre founded the Montgomery County Performing Arts Society. The founding of MCPAS coincided with the restoration of the historical Crighton Theatre located in Conroe, Texas.  

Built in 1934 by former Conroe Mayor Harry Crighton, the acoustically perfect Crighton Theatre was intended for use as a vaudeville house.  It quickly became a movie theatre instead and was used as such for many years.  The theatre eventually closed and the building stood vacant and in a state of growing disrepair for over a decade.  In 1979, upon its donation to the Crighton Theatre Foundation by the Crighton Family, it was lovingly restored to its former glory by a group of civic-minded citizens interested in the arts.  The Crighton Theatre Foundation acts as landlord for the 525-seat theater, and MCPAS rents it as needed.  The theatre’s charming Italian-Romanesque interior and acoustic perfection have made it the ideal venue for most of MCPAS events, as well as for other presenters in the country.

For its first 24 seasons, MCPAS was an all-volunteer organization composed of culturally minded men and women with an active interest in both the arts and the quality of life in Montgomery County.  In January 2004, during our 25th Anniversary Season, the first Executive Director was hired and the first office space acquired.  "However, our Board is still composed of volunteers who are dedicated to bringing professional, live entertainment for the enjoyment and education of the people of Montgomery County".  The members of our Society who serve on various committees such as fundraising, hospitality, ushering, marketing, and others very ably support this effort. The volunteer board members, along with the Executive Director, work tirelessly not only to bring professional entertainment to our community, but also to foster an education about, and an appreciation of, performing arts.

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Montgomery County Performing Arts Society is to present professional quality performing arts in Montgomery County. MCPAS is committed to promoting and presenting enjoyable live performances and innovative entertainment of the highest standards for children, youth, adults, and families of our community. We also strive to provide educational and community outreach opportunities in fostering the growth and appreciation of performing arts.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2011 - 2012

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

Sharon Shaw, President
Mary Wagers-Smith, President-Elect
Gayle Laminack, V.P. Financial Development
Brenda Cooper, V.P. Fundraising Projects
Terry Mancini, V.P. Marketing
Carrie Wilmes, Secretary
Ed Mogee, Treasurer
Shirley Pruitt, Immediate Past President

DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE:
Gary Milleson
Marge Hayward
Diane Deaton
Bob Jackson

STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS:

Gary Milleson, Commission on Arts & Culture

Garlaine Kelly, Greater Conroe Arts Alliance
Carol Ann Aycock, Corresponding Secretary
BJ Ordner, Hospitality
Renell Pedigo, Socials
Angell Wright, Missoula Children’s Theatre
Jan Glenz, Printed Programs
Penny Spaid, Ushering
Susie Pokorski, Young Texas Artists

Executive Director:
Carrie Chastellaine 936-760-2787