Olson Performing Arts Center
Elevating the performance experience for patrons and artists
Housed on the University of Missouri – Kansas City campus, the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center serves both UMKC and the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Helix designed a renovation and expansion that addressed functional deficiencies of the 1970s building, enhanced the patron experience, and accommodates future production demands. The renovated facility features an expanded lobby, improvements to the Spencer Theatre, an expanded patron lounge, and a new exterior glass curtainwall façade that visually enhances the building’s presence on campus. Additionally, a new stage, lighting, acoustics, and seats are transformative for patrons, students and performers alike.
Location: Kansas City, MO
Size: 22,000 SF
“We’ve really made it into one of the most beautiful (regional) theatres, from what had been a really dated 1979 building. We now have a building that matches the quality and caliber of our work.”
Eric Rosen
Former Artistic Director, Kansas City Repertory Theatre
