After a groundbreaking and fruitful partnership of more than 60 years, Kansas City Repertory Theatre (KCRep) and the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) announce today that their current educational affiliation agreement will be allowed to sunset upon its conclusion in 2029.
The affiliation agreement was created to identify benefits for both institutions including providing professional opportunities for UMKC students both on stage and behind the scenes throughout the KCRep season and create ongoing academic opportunities in the theatre arts for both faculty and students with KCRep artistic leadership. The agreement includes the sharing of some resources and facilities, most notably Spencer Theatre in the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center on the UMKC Volker Campus. The growth of both organizations has led to space and scheduling constraints. The UMKC Conservatory will soon begin a renovation project in the building and KCRep is currently charting a plan for their future.
KCRep and UMKC Conservatory have always been and will continue to be valued partners to each other. Both organizations will continue fruitful collaborations in staging productions and creating opportunities inside and outside the classroom for students, as they continue to benefit from exposure to theatre professionals who work with and for KCRep. Notably, KCRep plans to continue its beloved Kansas City tradition of staging its annual production of A Christmas Carol in the Spencer Theatre at UMKC past 2029.
The history of both Kansas City institutions has been linked together thanks to the longtime chair of the UMKC theatre department, Patricia McIlrath, Ph.D. (1917-1999), known as Dr. Mac. In 1964, she founded the Missouri Repertory Theatre (later renamed KCRep). Many in Kansas City credit her influence and mentorship for establishing local theaters including the Coterie, Unicorn Theatre and New Theatre and Restaurant. McIlrath believed in the importance of practical training for theatre students in an academic setting, and for decades, the repertory theatre was a key component of UMKC students’ curriculum. Over time, this partnership helped establish KCRep as a source for outstanding regional theatre. This success for both institutions now allows this transition toward more individual paths.
“We wouldn’t be the organization we are today without our visionary founder Dr. Patricia McIlrath and UMKC,” Kansas City Repertory Theatre Artistic Director Stuart Carden said. “We are truly grateful for our rich partnership, which has made so much possible for our organization. KCRep is now poised to grow and expand in new and exciting ways in the coming years throughout our community. And I know UMKC has bold strategic plans as well. This next step is a natural evolution for us both. In additon to A Christmas Carol, we will continue to partner with UMKC as opportunities arise. This revised agreement gives us the freedom to envision and plan our future. I cannot wait to share what’s to come!”
”This is a story of success for UMKC and KCRep,” said UMKC Conservatory Dean Courtney Crappell. “Both of these institutions have grown and flourished to such an extent that they are able to embark on new ventures and opportunities. Our shared history goes back to longtime UMKC Theatre chair and KCRep founder Patricia McIlrath, Ph.D., and her pioneering spirit. The UMKC Conservatory and KCRep honor this history by continuing on our mission of education, innovation and access to the arts. We look forward to the future renovation and expansion of Olson Performing Arts Center and a new phase of our relationship with KCRep.”
About Kansas City Repertory Theatre
Celebrating 60 years of transformative theater, Kansas City Repertory Theatre is a cultural catalyst at the center of our nation's creative crossroads. Upholding their mission to inspire, entertain, and open minds by creating transformative theatre experiences for all KCRep produces world-renowned classic works and world premieres on their two mainstages, in unique spaces, and throughout the community. Lauded by The Wall Street Journal, TIME, Variety and The Toronto Sun, KCRep regularly produces at Spencer Theatre, where it serves as the professional theatre in residence at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and Copaken Stage located in downtown Kansas City. Under Artistic Director Stuart Carden KCRep employs more than 150 professional artists, technicians, and administrators, and historically serves more than 60,000 patrons and 10,000 school children annually. To receive updates and news, like KCRep on Facebook, follow on Twitter (@KCRep) or Instagram (@KCRepTheatre) and YouTube.
About the University of Missouri-Kansas City
The University of Missouri-Kansas City, one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public research university serving more than 15,500 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and world based on its mission: placing student success at the center; leading in life and health sciences; advancing regional engagement; excelling in visual and performing arts; and promoting research and economic development. For more information about UMKC, visit umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on X, see us on Instagram, engage with us on LinkedIn and watch us on YouTube.
About the UMKC Conservatory
The internationally-renowned UMKC Conservatory was founded more than a century ago, and trains professionals in music, dance and theatre. The Conservatory’s mission is to advance creativity, performance, scholarship and learning in the arts. They are a vital partner in Kansas City’s cultural environment and collaborate deeply with community institutions through performances, workshops and more. Faculty and alumni of the Conservatory have won numerous honors and awards, including Grammys, Pulitzer Prizes and Fulbright and Guggenheim fellowships. The Hollywood Reporter has recognized the UMKC costume design program among the Top 10 in the U.S. for six years in a row. For more information about the UMKC Conservatory, visit conservatory.umkc.edu. You can also find it on Facebook and Instagram.