About Us
FAQs
Where are you LOCATED?
The Rep will perform in two locations. Mainstage productions will be performed in Spencer Theatre in the UMKC Performing Arts Center, just 4 blocks east of the Country Club Plaza on the campus of the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). Map We will also be performing in our new location the smaller, more intimate Copaken Stage, located on the corner of 13th & Walnut adjacent to the H&R Block World Headquarters.
When are your AUDITIONS?
The Rep holds general auditions once each year in Kansas City, usually in the spring. "When" is determined each year by the performance calendar, and the schedules of the Producing Artistic Director and the Production Manager. Auditions are announced in the The Kansas City Star and on the Equity Hotline (913-248-8228).
Requirements for auditions are one or two memorized monologues, one from a verse play, not to exceed 4 minutes total, an 8x10 B&W glossy headshot and current theatrical resume. If you can't attend the generals, please send the picture and resume.
Who is your CASTING AGENT?
We utilize many casting consultants on both coasts. It is best if you send your photo and resume directly to Ron Schaeffer at Kansas City Repertory Theatre, 4949 Cherry St. Kansas City, MO 64110.
What time do PERFORMANCES START?
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings at 7:00, Friday & Saturday evenings at 8:00; with matinees at 2:00 or 3:00 on Wednesdays and weekends. Call the Rep Box Office at 816-235-2700 for exact performance times.
HOW LONG are the performances?
Call Rep Ticketing Services at 816-235-2700 for current performance length.
Is The Rep NOT-FOR-PROFIT?
Yes, the Rep is a 501©(3) not-for-profit corporation serving primarily the residents in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The income generated by ticket sales covers about half of the Rep's total expenses. Each year the Rep seeks about $1.6 million in contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations and government sources to close the gap between earned income and expenses.
What does it mean that the Rep is a "RESIDENT" or "REGIONAL" theater?
Not-for-profit theaters that select and produce plays for their hometown audiences are often termed "resident" (because they make their home in one place) or "regional" (because they serve a local and regional audience who travel to their home base). These terms are frequently used interchangeably.
What makes the Rep a PROFESSIONAL theater?
The Rep is a fully professional theater, hiring and contracting experienced persons that make their living in the theater. Specifically, the Rep operates under an agreement with Actor's Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers. The Rep also contracts with members of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers and United Scenic Artists.
The Rep couldn't do without the many volunteers who provide countless hospitality and support services to our artists, audience members and staff. Kansas City Repertory Theatre is also guided by a volunteer Board of Trustees made up of community leaders. And, whenever appropriate, the Rep offers UMKC Masters degree students opportunities to work alongside our theater professionals in production, design and artistic positions. Every one of these efforts is vital to the Rep's operations and has contributed much to our success.
Where do the Rep's ACTORS come from?
The Rep is a fully professional theater and operates under an agreement with Actor's Equity Association. As stipulated in this agreement, the Rep must contract with a minimum number of member professional actors. Once the Rep has contracted the required number of union actors, other non-union actors may be hired.
The Rep selects both union and non-union actors through the audition process. The Rep holds general casting auditions in Kansas City, New York and Los Angeles. Auditions often take place three times each year to hire for our six shows. Occasionally a director will have a particular actor in mind for a role and arrange for them to participate in an audition.
What is the Rep's BUDGET?
The Rep's annual operating budget is slightly more than $6 million.
How does the Rep generate INCOME?
About half of our income is from ticket sales. Additional income comes from contracted services in costuming, design and construction, and co-productions. The Rep also earns interest income on our endowment. The remaining part of the Rep's total income is contributed by individuals, businesses, foundations, and government grants.
How much does it COST to produce an "average" show at the Rep?
There is no such thing as an "average" show at the Rep! They are all exceptional! And every show is very different from every other one. Much depends on how long a show runs and how many actors are hired. Still, a medium-sized (10 actors, 24 performances) show's production costs will run around $475,000. About 1/3 of that expense is actor salaries. Almost half is the cost of scenery, costumes, lights and sound. Directors and other production staff salaries amount to about 5%. The remainder of the expenses include ticketing and lobby sales, marketing, fundraising, development and administrative costs.
HOW MANY SHOWS does the Rep do each year?
The Rep produces five or six plays plus A Christmas Carol each season, which runs from September into June. Each play is performed a minimum of 24 times. Including A Christmas Carol, the Rep usually raises the curtain on about 190 performances each year.
What is the RELATIONSHIP between the Rep and UMKC?
Kansas City Repertory Theatre and the University of Missouri-Kansas City have been partners in theatre and education for more than forty years and are both committed to a relationship of continuing cooperation. The Rep operates as the professional theatre in residence at UMKC.
Founded in 1964 and originally a part of the University's Department of Theatre, the Rep became a self-governing not-for-profit professional theatre in 1979. Looking to the future, the theatre and the University maintain a mutually beneficial, multifaceted alliance based on shared belief in stage artistry and craftsmanship; the Rep works mainly in University facilities and the theatre is dedicated to enhancing the training of UMKC's excellent theatre students by providing colloquia with its leading professionals and opportunities to work alongside, assist or understudy Rep artists. Both partners are proud of their collaboration in terms of service to our community and also of their role in preparing talent for the future of American theatre.
How is the Rep's SEASON CHOSEN?
Play choices are made by the Rep's Artistic Director, Eric Rosen.
