Performing Arts Theaters

Here’s a list of prominent performing arts theaters in Kansas City. Each of these venues contributes to the vibrant and diverse performing arts scene, making it a hub for culture and live entertainment in the Midwest.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Description: A state-of-the-art performing arts center known for its stunning architecture and acoustics, hosting opera, ballet, symphony concerts, and Broadway-style performances.
History: Opened in 2011, designed by architect Moshe Safdie. It is home to the Kansas City Symphony, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and the Kansas City Ballet.
Location: 1601 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Website: Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Starlight Theatre

Description: An outdoor theater offering Broadway shows, concerts, and other live performances during the warmer months.
History: Established in 1950, it’s one of the few remaining self-producing outdoor theaters in the country, featuring an iconic open-air stage.
Location: 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO 64132
Website: Starlight Theatre

Folly Theater

Description: A historic theater known for jazz, classical music, comedy, and other diverse performing arts.
History: Built in 1900, it originally served as a vaudeville house and burlesque theater. It underwent significant renovation in the 1970s and is now a premier venue for live performances.
Location: 300 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Website: Folly Theater

Kansas City Repertory Theatre

Description: A leading regional theater offering a mix of contemporary plays, classics, and world premieres.
History: Established in 1964, it is associated with the University of Missouri-Kansas City and is recognized for innovative productions and community engagement.
Location: 4949 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64110 (Spencer Theatre), and 1 H&R Block Way, Kansas City, MO 64105 (Copaken Stage).
Website: KC Repertory Theatre

Music Hall Kansas City

Description: A historic theater space within the Municipal Auditorium, hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and other major productions.
History: Built in 1936, it features Art Deco architecture and is a staple for large-scale productions in the region.
Location: 301 W 13th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Website: Kansas City Convention Center

Midland Theatre (Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland)

Description: An elegant, historic theater primarily used for concerts, comedy shows, and occasional stage performances.
History: Opened in 1927 as a movie palace and vaudeville theater, it underwent restoration in the 2000s. It retains its original grandeur and is a significant part of Kansas City’s entertainment scene.
Location: 1228 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Website: The Midland

Unicorn Theatre

Description: A contemporary theater focused on edgy, modern plays and new works that challenge and entertain audiences.
History: Founded in 1974, the theater is known for producing plays that often explore social issues and bring diverse voices to the stage.
Location: 3828 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111
Website: Unicorn Theatre

The Coterie Theatre

Description: A family-friendly theater offering a mix of productions aimed at young audiences and families.
History: Founded in 1979, it is acclaimed for engaging youth through theatre and education, with shows often based on children’s literature.
Location: 2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 (Crown Center)
Website: The Coterie Theatre

Quality Hill Playhouse

Description: A cozy, cabaret-style theater known for musical revues, jazz performances, and intimate shows celebrating the Great American Songbook.
History: Established in 1995, it has a reputation for top-quality musical performances in an intimate setting.
Location: 303 W 10th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
Website: Quality Hill Playhouse

Just Off Broadway Theatre

Description: A small, flexible performance space often used by local community theater groups and emerging artists.
History: Opened in 1927, the venue has been refurbished several times and continues to be a platform for local and experimental theater productions.
Location: 3051 Central St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Website: Just Off Broadway Theatre

Uptown Theater

Description: A vintage theater hosting live music, comedy, and performances, known for its art deco style.
History: Built in 1928, restored in the 1990s to a modern performance venue.
Website: Uptown Theater
Location: 3700 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111

Gem Theater

Description: A key venue in the 18th & Vine Jazz District, focusing on jazz and African-American culture.
History: Built in 1912, a significant part of Kansas City’s cultural renaissance.
Website: Gem Theater
Location: 1615 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre

Description: A mid-sized venue known for its classical and contemporary productions.
History: Established in 2005, offers a diverse range of performances.
Website: Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre
Location: 3927 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111

The Black Box

Description: An alternative performance space for experimental and avant-garde theater.
History: Recently developed as a versatile space for creative productions.
Website: The Black Box
Location: 1060 Union Ave, Kansas City, MO 64101

City Stage at Union Station

Description: A mid-sized theater inside the historic Union Station, hosting local and touring productions.
History: Part of Union Station’s renovation to serve as a cultural and entertainment venue.
Website: City Stage
Location: 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108

The White Theatre at the J

Description: A 500-seat theater at the Jewish Community Center, offering diverse programming.
History: A key part of the cultural offerings at the center, featuring musicals, plays, and concerts.
Website: The White Theatre
Location: 5801 W 115th St, Overland Park, KS 66211

The Culture House Stage & Studio

Description: A venue that provides a platform for aspiring actors and professionals alike.
History: Known for its strong educational programs in the arts.
Website: The Culture House
Location: 14808 W 117th St, Olathe, KS 66062