The storytellers of campus: Exciting new changes to come for the UMKC Theatre Division

   The UMKC Theatre Division is undergoing many changes to provide exciting new opportunities for students. 

   A Conservatory expansion and performing arts center renovation, including a black box theater and practice spaces, were announced this year. Furthermore, an influx of theatre students is to be anticipated with UMKCs R1 designation.

   “If we can expand our numbers in the theatre department and get to use those resources from R1, we can just continue to improve,” said theatre major Maeve Murphy. 

   Earlier this year it was announced that the 60-year agreement between KC Repertory Theater and UMKC will conclude after its run in 2029. This would include the shared home of the Spencer Theater on the Volker Campus. 

     Without being exclusively associated with KC Rep, UMKC will now have the chance to establish itself as its own theater. 

   “This growth for KC Rep, this growth for UMKC allows us to formalize more partnerships with our community theaters,” said Collin Vorbeck, interim chair of the theater division at UMKC.

   More partnerships will broaden the possibilities for students to be involved with regional and professional theaters in KC. 

   “I’d really like to have more opportunities to apply my theoretical knowledge practically. Being able to do things in an educational setting with professionals creating the scaffolding,” said Murphy. 

   The theatre department at UMKC has offered a diverse theater education, learning about elements both on and off stage. They have also focused on doing lesser-known shows to explore those stories. 

   “What we love to do is talk about how popularity in musical theatre is vital for the future of the industry, but popularity doesn’t take the place of all the other great work and stories being told,” said Dr. Vorbeck.

   The biggest thing students are wanting is increased support through more class options and a larger social media presence to keep audiences informed about shows and audition opportunities. 

   “You don’t have to have any experience to come and audition, it’s all about having fun and creating a fun community. We’re here to perform, it’s all about telling stories,” said theatre student Meg Ellison. 

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