Richard McDonald

Arts, Administration
805-684-4127 x107
richard_mcdonald@cate.org

BA, UC Davis
MFA, Brooklyn College
Appointed: 2020

Richard brings a dynamic blend of athleticism, artistry, and cultural heritage to Cate. A proud Australian-Fijian, his roots inspire his art and island style. Richard discovered his passion for acting later in life, transitioning from athletics to theater after football and track injuries. His journey includes studying theater in the UK, performing across the U.S. and Australia, and teaching as a graduate fellow at Brooklyn College.

An award-winning filmmaker, Richard’s short films have been featured at festivals like the National Black Film Festival and the Culver City Film Festival, where he won the Social Impact Award in 2018. At Cate, he applies his acting expertise to the Servons program, helping students hone their public speaking skills.

Richard lives on the Mesa with his wife, Maude Bond, Cate’s Director of College Counseling. Together, they enjoy traveling, dancing, hosting game nights, and making each other laugh.