Lillian VestThe University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) has announced a $35 million expansion and renovation of its Conservatory Performing Arts Center.
The project includes an addition to the east side of the Olson Performing Arts Center on the Volker Campus and a renovation of existing facilities. The new space will provide rehearsal and performance areas for students in music, dance and theatre.
The university anticipates the project could increase enrollment by up to 40%, along with attracting new talent. The expansion includes an additional classroom space that will support the new minor in integrated performing arts, which will make performing arts training accessible to students majoring in other disciplines. Additionally, the university said this investment is vital to maintaining its accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Dance.
The plan consists of two phases. The first phase features a 35,000-square-foot expansion on the east side of the Olson Performing Arts Center, extending toward Volker Boulevard. The new addition will add a large music ensemble performance and rehearsal space, two dance rehearsal rooms, support spaces and changing rooms for the dance program, and a black box performance space. The new black box space will complement the White Recital Hall, Spencer Theatre and the McIlrath Lobby, forming a “theatre district.”
The expansion will also grow community programming. Summer camps and after-school lessons for pre-college students are expected to increase by 33%, along with more competitions and events, master classes taught by Conservatory faculty and professional development opportunities for arts educators. The expansion will also impact the Conservatory Bridges program, which currently serves 80 K-12 students and is expected to grow to accommodate about 500 K-12 students with the expansion.
The second phase focuses on the renovation of current facilities, including the White Recital Hall. The renovations will add classroom and theatre spaces by transforming vacated dance spaces, while renovating administrative offices to establish a central hub for student resources and collaboration among Conservatory leadership.
The project is backed by the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation. As of April, UMKC reported that it is halfway to its $35 million fundraising goal for phase one.
Photo Courtesy University of Missouri-Kansas City
