UMKC launches plans for $35 Million Expansion of Conservatory of Music and Dance

  UMKC has announced plans to expand its Conservatory of Music and Dance with a $35 million addition to the Olson Performing Arts Center.

  The expansion of the Conservatory will add about 35,000 square feet of new space for Conservatory students. The new spaces aim to provide enhanced facilities for music, dance and theater students, creating greater collaboration and performance opportunities.

  The plan for the renovations has two phases. The first phase includes the new addition, which would contain a large music ensemble performance and rehearsal space, two dance rehearsal rooms and support spaces for the dance program and a new, accessible black-box performance space to be used by all three programs.

 “The room I’m most excited about though is the large ensemble rehearsal room. Currently these groups have to rehearse on the stage of White Recital Hall which ties up the hall for potential performances,” said Senior Development Director for the Conservatory Mark Mattison. 

  “The expansion will give them a place to rehearse, free up the White Hall Stage, and will also double as a performance space for small ensembles and/or a venue for special events and receptions,” said Mattison. 

  One of the most anticipated features of the expansion is the inclusion of the new black-box performance space. Unlike traditional theaters, black box theaters are designed for adaptability. With movable seating and staging, these spaces can be reconfigured for a variety of performances.

  “The setup of the new black box theatre will provide easier access and greater visibility to theatre productions, and the new space can also be used for small dance recitals or musical performances,” said Mattison.

 The addition of the black box space aims to create a “theatre district” complementing White Recital Hall, Spencer Theatre and the McIlrath Lobby.

  As of June, the conservatory has raised over half of their $35 million goal in donations for this first phase of renovations.

  “Patrons of the arts understand the important role the Conservatory plays in the success of the city’s other performing arts organizations like the Kansas City Ballet, Kansas City Symphony, Lyric Opera and most of our area’s theaters such as Kansas City Actors Theater, the Unicorn, and KC Rep,” said Mattison.

  As for student support, “For 2025, the Friends of the Conservatory have announced that proceeds from Crescendo, their annual fundraising gala, will be directed to the Olson Performing Arts Center expansion and renovation,” said Mattison. “So by participating in Crescendo, Conservatory students are doing a lot to support the project.”

  Dean of the Conservatory Courtney Crappell, emphasized the importance of the new facilities in providing spaces for students to perfect their craft and engage with the community.

  “This project supports academics and the learning environment for our students, but it’s much more than that,” said Crappell. “We’re investing in the cultural future of Kansas City and in the next generation of artists whose art and performances will inspire us all.”

lhcxb3@umsystem.edu