The University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory has formalized new partnerships with three leading Kansas City theatre companies, expanding the professional experiences available to graduate acting, design and technology students while strengthening the university’s connections to the region’s vibrant arts community.

The new memoranda of understanding with Kansas City Actors Theatre, Unicorn Theatre and The Coterie establish a framework for ongoing collaboration. Although the Conservatory has worked with each organization on individual projects in the past, the agreements will allow UMKC and the theatres to plan together more consistently and create clearer pathways for students to gain professional experience onstage and behind the scenes.

Conservatory faculty members are already working with the artistic teams at all three theatres to identify potential student placements during their 2027-28 production seasons. Opportunities will primarily serve students in the Master of Fine Arts in Acting and Master of Fine Arts in Design and Technology programs and may include work in performance, scenic, costume, lighting and sound design, technology and production.

“Kansas City is an extraordinary place to train the next generation of theatre artists because our students can learn in the classroom and studio, then apply that work alongside professionals throughout the city,” said Courtney Crappell, dean of the UMKC Conservatory. “These partnerships deepen the connection between education and professional practice. They will help our students build their craft, their networks and their careers while contributing their talents to Kansas City’s theatre community.”

The agreements also advance the Conservatory’s planning for the next phase of its longstanding relationship with Kansas City Repertory Theatre. UMKC and KCRep will remain partners as their current educational affiliation agreement continues through June 30, 2029. The organizations announced in 2024 that the agreement would conclude at that time as both pursue new opportunities.

 “For decades, professional partnerships have been central to theatre education at UMKC,” said Collin Vorbeck, interim chair of the Conservatory’s Theatre Division. “By formalizing our work with Kansas City Actors Theatre, Unicorn Theatre and The Coterie, we can plan further ahead and connect more students with meaningful professional opportunities across a range of theatrical styles, audiences and production environments.”

The partnerships reflect deep ties between UMKC and Kansas City theatre. UMKC theatre graduate students Judith Yeckel and Vicky Lee founded The Coterie in 1979. Patricia McIlrath, the longtime chair of theatre at UMKC who founded the Missouri Repertory Theatre, now KCRep, also mentored artists whose work helped shape Kansas City’s theatre landscape, including the development of The Coterie and Unicorn Theatre.

Each new partner offers students a distinct professional setting. Kansas City Actors Theatre is an artist-led company that centers local professional actors, designers and technicians. Unicorn Theatre is known for contemporary work and new voices. The Coterie is a professional theatre nationally recognized for serving young people and families. Together, the organizations will broaden the settings, audiences and artistic approaches UMKC students encounter during their training. Here is what leaders of the three theatres have to say about their partnership with UMKC:

• John Rensenhouse, board president of Kansas City Actors Theatre: “Kansas City Actors Theatre is very excited to now be formalizing our partnership with the UMKC Conservatory. Since our inception we have been closely tied to UMKC, with our founders being former faculty members, and our ongoing use of the young talent in the theatre department to help create our productions. We are deeply committed to raising up the next generation of theatre professionals and keeping the Kansas City cultural scene vibrant and thriving. This is a partnership that is certain to benefit both institutions, right along with benefiting the community we serve.”
• Ernie Nolan, artistic director of Unicorn Theatre: ““For almost 20 years, Unicorn Theatre has collaborated with UMKC and its theatre department. I am thrilled and honored to continue this educational and artistic legacy. There is no doubt that UMKC is an anchor institution for the arts in KC. Creating community for the next generation of theatre artists couldn’t be more Unicorn!”
• Jonathan Thomas, managing director of The Coterie: “The Coterie Theatre is thrilled to be a professional theatre partner with UMKC Conservatory, as we continue to develop not only young audiences, but young creatives as well. The opportunity to provide meaningful workplace experience for the talented and aspiring artists at the Conservatory helps fulfill both our missions, and we believe it will encourage more students to join a thriving KC community.”

“These agreements are about more than individual placements,” Crappell said. “They represent a shared investment in Kansas City’s creative ecosystem. When universities and arts organizations work together, students gain experience, theatres gain emerging talent and the entire community benefits from a stronger pipeline of professional artists.”