History:

Kansas City Repertory Theatre, the professional theatre in residence at UMKC, continues its four-decades long tradition of presenting works that are compelling, passionate and imaginative.

The Rep was founded in 1964 by Dr. Patricia McIlrath, a tireless crusader for excellent theatre. Her vision was to establish a training program where theatre students could work side by side with professional actors, designers and directors. Within a few years of its founding, the Rep became affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association and formally took the name Missouri Repertory Theatre.

James Costin also played a vital role in the growth and success of the theatre and served as its longtime administrator from its founding until his retirement in 2000. George Keathley was appointed artistic director after Dr. McIlrath’s retirement in 1985 and served until 2000. That same year, Peter Altman joined the Rep as producing artistic director and he served for seven years. Eric Rosen was appointed artistic director in November 2007 and 2008-09 was his inaugural season.

The Rep moved into the Helen F. Spencer Theatre in the new UMKC Performing Arts Center (now designated the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center) in 1979; that same year marked the not-for-profit incorporation of Missouri Repertory Theatre. In 2004, the Rep’s Board of Directors voted to rename the company Kansas City Repertory Theatre to better reflect its identity, location and audience.

The Rep’s long-held dream to establish a second, smaller theatre was realized in 2007 when Copaken Stage opened in downtown Kansas City, expanding the theatre’s performance options and further establishing the Rep as a leader in Kansas City’s arts community.