KC ORIGINALS

from TODAY Kansas City - Spring 2020

FOOD

All the Town's a Stage.

There is a moment just as the lights are dimming – and the now ubiquitous announcement of cell phone silencing – that theatre goers still just as their pulses jump. Something is going to happen. There to share the human experience, whether it makes them laugh or makes them cry, whether the story is known to them – as familiar as the inside of their pockets – or new, the audience awaits a tale.

There are stalwarts of storytelling in town, such as the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, the Folly Theater, and Starlight. But younger and smaller theatre companies, with their shining morning faces, offer a different and often more diverse opportunity to tell stories that have not had the chance to be center stage.

Some avid theatre goers, such as area businesswoman and Black Repertory Theatre Company advisor Sloane Simmons, make a point to attend the productions of smaller companies.

“I really like small theatre,” Simmons says. “They are often more comfortable taking chances. When you have upstarts, they inspire the more established companies to push their boundaries.”

Simmons sees this creative tension inspire area directors and broaden the subject matter of the stories that are told.

“Damron [Russell Armstrong], founder and creative director of the Black Repertory Theatre, and Heidi Van, the founder and artistic director of Fishtank Theatre – just to name a couple – are pushing the status quo and telling more diverse stories. This is important. It encourages other companies to do the same and everyone wins.”

Brandon Haralson, communications manager of ArtsKC,

Kansas City has a long history as a strong theatre town, but small, younger companies offer new opportunities and perspectives.

which supports Kansas City’s arts community through programming, services, and funding, agrees.

“In Kansas City, we stack up to cities our size as far as arts budgets, but not in the number of arts companies.”

He notes that the city is rich in talent, largely thanks to the Kansas City Art Institute and the UMKC Conservatory, which includes a renown theatre department. In addition, these smaller companies have the ability to produce newer and less-seen work, thanks to their lower overhead.

“In Kansas City, we stack up to cities our size as far as arts budgets, but not in the number of arts companies.”

“This gives them the opportunity to shake things up,” Haralson says. “Just as we see the advantages to our community of eating and shopping at locally owned businesses, this provides a chance for more actors and theatre professionals to work and for different stories to be told.”

Still, Haralson notes that studies show that audiences can be wary of new work, whether it’s new or retooled pieces. Classical works can be reliable, but Haralson sees a significant advantage to theatre-goers supporting companies that are willing to risk.

“Sure, there are swings and misses,” he says. “But the attempt is worth it. We need to let people try and fail. That allows them to continue to move forward and diversify later.”

This diversification not only enhances the theatre and arts community, but Kansas City, as well.

“When you have – for example – three or more opera companies, more people have the opportunity to be exposed and that benefits the whole community. That’s the point when your city becomes a destination point.” TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME THEATRE ATTENDEES

ARRIVE EARLY Coming in late will not only disturb other audience members, but it will also leave you feeling flustered. Allow plenty of time to park, find your seats, and maybe make a quick trip to the facilities so you’re comfortable during the show.

DO YOUR RESEARCH A quick stop on the theatre’s website should give you a synopsis of the performance. A general plot line may allow you enjoy what’s happening without too much mental gymnastics.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS It’s not the Edwardian age. You’re certainly welcome to wear velvet and pearls, but casual dress is acceptable. Having a jacket is a good idea because theatres are sometimes cool before they fill with people.

TURN OFF YOUR PHONE This should go without saying, and most theatres will remind you, but turn off your phone. When you’re sure it’s off, check it one more time; then relax and enjoy the show.

PLAY YOUR PART Whether you attend regularly or are interested in exploring Kansas City’s theatre offerings, here’s information on a few venues.

For a more comprehensive list of theatre and arts organizations, visit artskc.org. Black Repertory Theatre | brtkc.org Fishtank Theatre | fishtanktheatre.com Folly Theater | follytheater.org Kansas City Actors Theatre | kcactors.org The Living Room | thelivingroomkc.com Kansas City Repertory Theatre | kcrep.org Unicorn Theatre | unicorntheatre.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patricia O’Dell started the lifestyle blog “Mrs. Blandings” in 2007. Her curiosity led her to write about designers, artists, business owners, and industry leaders. She’s been published in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Chicago Tribune, Flower magazine, Kansas City Spaces, and The Kansas City Star, as well as archdigest.com and elledecor.com.