Community Theatres in the Kansas City Metro

I was recently asked about auditions for productions around town. I find out about many of the shows going on because I have so many contacts that are directing, auditioning for, or performing in them, but I'm posting this list to help others who may not know where to begin looking. I've included upcoming audition info for those looking to participate onstage in the near future. If I've left someone out, please let me know.

East

Blue Springs City Theatre. Aug 25, 26: Dixie Swim Club; Sep 22, 23: It's a Wonderful Life, the Musical
City Theatre Independence. Aug 25, 26: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Raytown Arts Council
Summit Theatre Group (Lees Summit)

South

Leawood Stage Company
Olathe Civic Theatre Association Sep 6, 13: The Best Man; Nov 8: The Musical of Musicals (the Musical!)
White Theatre (Overland Park) Aug 16: Fiddler on the Roof
Tallgrass Theatre Company (Paola) Aug 24: The Legends of Sleepy Hollow

West

Theatre in the Park (Shawnee) Summer shows only
The Barn Players (Mission) Oct: 6x10 Play Festival
Mid-Life Players (Kansas City, KS) Aug 11: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (concert style)

North

Gladstone Theatre in the Park Summer shows only
Bell Road Barn Players (Parkville)

North West

River City Community Players (Leavenworth) Sep 15, 16: Bus Stop; Nov 10, 11: The Spirit of Christmas
Weston Community Theatre
Theatre Atchison

North East

Corbin Theatre Company (Liberty) Aug 5: Love, Loss, and What I Wore
Paradise Playhouse (Excelsior Springs)

Well, that's good for a start. I've performed with eight of these groups, and can attest to a very active and living theatre interest in the Metro. Go out there, my friends, and break a leg!

Shakespeare for Modern Teens

I took my daughter to see Romeo and Juliet at the Kansas City Rep last Friday night. We really enjoyed the show, and I highly recommend it. You'll find it an entertaining way to spend your evening, even if you're a little intimidated by Shakespeare. This production is very easy and approachable, so that even my fourteen-year-old had a good time. The set was somewhat minimalist, effectively implying a Renaissance Verona without being overbearing. In fact, all the staging and most of the costuming was subtle, allowing the characters, action, and dialogue to be the focus of the evening.

The dialogue. That's the reason we go to watch Shakespeare, after all; to be enthralled by the pen of the Bard come to life for a brief hour before us. This cast did a great job making the text their own. They seemed quite comfortable with their lines, as if they were accustomed to using Elizabethan iambic pentameter in their daily conversations. There were no stertorous attempts at stuffy British accents, which made the phrases seem wholly natural. With very few exceptions the dialogue didn't seemed forced or stilted. During the intermission my daughter queried me, asking if those were Shakespeare's actual words. I assured her that they were. She was surprised, because it seemed to her so modern.

In fact, that was what struck her most about the production: it seemed so relevant. She found in Romeo, Juliet, Mercutio, and Tybalt some of her own high-school acquaintances. I suppose teenagers haven't changed much in 500 years.