Business Details
47 Years
experience
Family-Friendly Theater & Arts Education in Kansas City
Founded in 1979, Coterie Theatre has established itself as a premier theater company dedicated to family and young audiences. Our mission centers on igniting imagination through innovative theatrical productions, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives. With a focus on process-driven theater education, we offer acting classes, summer camps, and performance opportunities for children and teens aged PreK-12, fostering creativity, confidence, and collaboration. Our mainstage season features six productions annually, including adaptations of beloved classics and world premieres, designed to engage diverse age groups.Recognized by TIME magazine as one of the nation's most respected family theaters, we prioritize accessibility through sensory-friendly performances, free community programs like Project Daylight for mental wellness, and partnerships with local organizations. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our professional Equity productions, educational outreach to schools, and dedication to nurturing future generations of theater artists and audiences.
Services
Live Theater Productions
Acting Classes
Summer Theater Camps
School Residencies
Community Programs
Gift Cards
Group Reservations
In-School Workshops
Master Classes
Sensory-Friendly Performances
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of excellence in youth-focused theater education and productions
- Our programs serve children from PreK through 12th grade with age-specific classes
- We provide free community initiatives like Project Daylight mental wellness workshops
- Our mainstage productions combine professional quality with family accessibility
- We maintain partnerships with schools and cultural institutions across the region
Services
Live Theater Productions
Professional Equity theater productions tailored for family audiences. Our season includes six diverse shows ranging from classic adaptations to world premieres. Each production combines innovative staging with educational value, offering immersive experiences for children and adults alike. Performances include post-show talkbacks and educational resources for school groups.
Acting Classes
Age-specific acting programs for students PreK-12th grade. Classes focus on body, voice, and imagination development through structured activities. Curriculum includes scene work, character development, and technical theater skills. Small class sizes ensure personalized instruction from experienced teaching artists at multiple metro locations.
Community Programs
Free and low-cost programs serving local schools and communities. Project Daylight provides mental wellness workshops for middle schoolers. Young Playwrights Roundtable develops student writing talent. Partnerships with social service organizations deliver specialized theater experiences addressing diverse community needs through interactive performances and workshops.
Summer Camps
Week-long immersive theater experiences during summer months. Camps include performance preparation, technical training, and creative collaboration. Participants work with professional artists to develop stage productions while building confidence and teamwork skills. Offered at multiple locations across the metro area.
School Residencies
In-school literacy and arts integration programs for grades 1-12. Residencies combine reading, writing, and performance skills through curriculum-aligned projects. Teaching artists collaborate with educators to create customized experiences that enhance classroom learning through theatrical techniques and creative expression.
Questions
What age groups do your shows accommodate?
Our productions cater to all ages, with specific recommendations ranging from baby-friendly shows to teen-focused performances. Most family shows welcome ages 2-18 with parental guidance.
Do you offer group discounts for school performances?
Yes, we provide discounted rates and educational materials for school group bookings. Reservations require minimum 10 attendees with advance scheduling through our group sales portal.
Are acting classes available during summer months?
We offer week-long summer theater camps at multiple locations. These intensive programs focus on performance skills, technical theater, and collaborative production experiences for ages 5-18.
Can students participate in mainstage productions?
Master Class students may audition for mainstage roles alongside professional actors. We regularly cast local youth in featured roles through our community casting initiatives.
Do you provide accessibility accommodations?
We offer sensory-friendly performances, wheelchair accessibility, and ASL interpretation services. Contact our box office to arrange specific accommodations for patrons with special needs.
How can schools partner with The Coterie?
Our education department collaborates with schools on literacy residencies, writing workshops, and customized theater programs. Partnerships include curriculum development and professional development for educators.