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She's run the SIC theater spotlight for 20 years

HARRISBURG - As Southeastern Illinois College's George T. Dennis Visual & Performing Arts Center celebrates 20 years, a lesser-known player from behind the scenes steps into the light.

Heather McDonald of Harrisburg has been running the SIC spotlight for every show for the past 20 years, and the spotlight will henceforth be known as "The Heather McDonald Spotlight."

The SIC theater department decided to honor McDonald with this special naming along with a service award for her longtime dedication.

McDonald's theatrical involvement extends beyond 20 years, as she first discovered a love of theater while attending shows as a child. Her long-term involvement with SIC started in 1995, when she attended the college on a theater scholarship.

"Heather is like a spotlight ninja," Kimball said. "She just magically appears on the first day of dress rehearsal and makes all the numbers look great!"

While McDonald is a part of the team effort required to put on a show, she always stays behind the scenes.

"Half the time we don't even realize she is in the building until we see a spotlight hit an actor, and I think, 'Oh, Heather is here.' I can't imagine a show without her," Kimball said.

It takes a great deal of skill to operate a spotlight effectively. Manning the light is an art form in itself, and according to Kimball, McDonald has a way of creating a masterpiece on show night.

"She has a natural instinct about when and where to use the spot," Kimball said. "Most of the time we don't even have to program in cues for her ... she just knows."

McDonald enjoys her involvement with SIC's productions.

"I love theater in general, and (running the spotlight) is a great way to be a part of it in my small town. Most people in rural areas don't get that opportunity."

McDonald will continue her work behind the spotlight in upcoming shows at SIC, including "Seussical The Musical" today through Sunday and July 21 and 23; "School House Rock Live!" on Oct. 6 and 7; "Miracle on 34th Street" on Dec. 1-3; "Musical Comedy Murders of 1940" on Feb. 9 and 10; and "The Producers" on April 20-22.

She will also be working the spotlight for upcoming high school productions in the SIC Theatre.

Heather McDonald of Harrisburg shows off the nameplate for the newly named 'Heather McDonald Spotlight' in the SIC Theatre while Jr. Falcon Productions rehearses "Seussical the Musical" on the stage. Courtesy of SIC