Kansas City Repertory Theatre history

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.

Under her direction, Kansas City’s theatre fans enjoyed many memorable shows, including an unforgettable production of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby in 1983.

Following Doctor Mac’s retirement in 1985, George Keathley was appointed as Artistic Director.

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.

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.

His vision included laying the groundwork to more aggressively promote the city as a center for nationally recognized theatre artists, and he spearheaded changing the theatre’s name to Kansas City Repertory Theatre in 2006 to help achieve this goal.

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.

In 2013, KCRep returned to the co-CEO structure when Rosen was partnered with Executive Director, Angela Lee Gieras.