Theatre Information
Two Stages - One Rep. Twice the Possibilities!
Kansas City Repertory Theatre is the premier fully professional resident theater company of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Founded in 1964, The Rep is a not-for-profit corporation producing up to seven plays each season - employing more than 250 professional artists, technicians and administrators.
Our flagship Spencer Theatre is located in the UMKC James C. Olson Performing Arts Center at 4949 Cherry Street. It is a 630-seat proscenium stage that has been beautifully renovated with comfortable seating and plenty of leg room. Our newest theatre, Copaken Stage, is located downtown at 1 H&R Block Way (13th & Walnut). It is a stunning 320-seat state-of-the-art theatre with stadium seating for an unobstructed view from every seat.
The Rep’s mission is to serve the greater Kansas City area as one of the nation’s leading resident professional theatres with productions of excellence that are diverse, literate and timely, and by providing educational and outreach services for students and our community. With as many as 190 main stage performances, the Rep serves as many as 100,000 patrons annually.
Kansas City Repertory Theatre is a constituent of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), and operates under an agreement with Actor's Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the U.S. (AEA), United Scenic Artists (USA) and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers (SSDC). In addition, the Rep operates in close partnership with UMKC's highly regarded Department of Theatre.
Accessibility and Special Services
Wheelchair Accessibility
Both the Helen F. Spencer Theatre and Copaken Stage are ramp accessible, and can accommodate both wheelchair and companion seating. A wheelchair-accessible restroom is located in the lobby on the main floor of both theatres. Please notify the Rep Box office when you purchase your tickets if wheelchair accommodations will be required. Informing us prior to your arrival will allow us to make these preparations and make your arrival quick and pleasant.
TTY Number
Please call Relay Missouri TTY: 800-735-2966 or Voice: 800-735-2466
Hearing Enhancement
Both theatres are equipped with an infrared hearing enhancement system. Wireless headphones are available free of charge at the Gift Shop counter in the main lobby.
Signed Performances
One performance of each show is signed for the hearing impaired. See the performance calendars for specific dates or call the Rep Box Office at 816-235-2700 for more information.
Large print and Braille programs upon request
Please contact our House Manager upon arrival at the theatre or in advance at 816-235-2780.
Gift Shop
Visit the Rep's Gift Display in the lobby where you'll find show mementos, theater items, charming gifts, T-shirts and more. Subscribers get 20% off!
Refreshments
Snacks, wine, soft drinks and coffee are available before opening curtain and during intermission. To further enhance your theatre experience, drinks are allowed in either theatre.
Cameras
For the safety of the actors and in accordance with the rules of Actors Equity Association, the use of all cameras and recording devices in the theatre is prohibited.
Beepers and Cellular Phones
Please remember to switch off beepers and cell phones during the performance.
If You Arrive Late
To be considerate of our actors and other audience members, latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the house manager.
Theatre Tours
Get a behind the scenes look at the Rep first hand. Tours begin with a discussion of our company’s history and include set construction techniques, costumes, making props and a tour of the backstage areas.
Tours are not available following student matinee performances. Please note; Reservations are required and only 10-40 patrons can be accommodated at any one time.
Call 816-235-2707 to schedule your free tour.
Check our touring programs in our education section of this site
If Your Plans Change
We hate to see empty seats in the theatre. Please consider giving any tickets you can't use to a family member or friend or donate them back to the Rep Box Office . To count as a donation, tickets must be returned to the Box Office 24-hours prior to showtime.
