KC Performing Arts
In KC, performing art is key to culture.
Photo by Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Imagine a visually stunning structure with near-perfect acoustics, where audiences are treated to a variety of outstanding performances throughout the year.
No need to pretend. The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is the real deal.
Three major arts organizations call it home: the Grammy Award-winning Kansas City Symphony; the Kansas City Lyric Opera — known for staging both classic operas and world premieres; and the Kansas City Ballet — adept at both bold new choreography and family favorites like “The Nutcracker.”
Harriman-Jewell Arts Series
The Harriman-Jewell Arts Series of performances began at nearby William Jewell College. Today, the organization utilizes both the Kauffman Center and the lovingly restored Folly Theater for an ambitious mix of classical, jazz and dance performances.
American Theatre Guild
The American Theatre Guild welcomes touring Broadway shows and other large-scale productions just blocks away at the art-deco-styled Music Hall.
Starlight Theatre
When summer arrives, the action heads outdoors to Starlight Theatre in Swope Park, a Kansas City tradition since 1951.
Heart of America Shakespeare Festival
The annual Heart of America Shakespeare Festival also sets up shop for three weeks under the stars starting in June.
But fans of live theater can partake in it here almost anytime.
Kansas City Repertory Theatre
The Kansas City Repertory Theatre (KCRep) has two stages — one on the UMKC campus and one in downtown KC. The edgy and innovative Unicorn Theatre is now over forty years old, and the Kansas City Actors Theatre has found a happy home inside Union Station.
Quixotic Fusion
Then there’s the troupe that’s almost impossible to categorize — the Kansas City group called Quixotic Fusion. This team of musicians, dancers, aerialists and technical wizards is just as likely to perform on top of a building as inside it. Their eye-popping events have been aptly described as “harnessing light, rhythm and expressive emotion.”
Enriching Opportunities
In addition, Musical Theater Heritage, the Kansas City Public Theatre, Black Repertory Theatre, Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre (MET) and the Kansas City Fringe Festival provide local actors and audiences with opportunities that few (if any) other mid-size cities can provide.
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