performARTS Series Launches in KC Studio November/December Issue and on KCPT’s The Local Show November 10, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. Townsend Communications in Kansas City, MO along with KCPT, Kansas City Public Television, presents a new series called performARTS. Underwritten by Speas Memorial Trusts and the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts, the series will be part of the next six issues of KC Studio and will include installments about some of Kansas City’s best artistic organizations. The six featured performARTS organizations were selected out of hundreds of arts organizations across this metropolitan community. Along with the printed story in KC Studio, KCPT will produce a piece on each of the selected groups airing multiple times over the next 12 months on KCPT’s The Local Show.
The performARTS participants for this inaugural assembly:
Coterie Theatre – November/December
The Coterie Theatre (KCPT broadcast Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and in the Nov/Dec KC Studio) was named “One of the Five Best Theaters for Young Audiences” in the United States by TIME magazine, the Coterie Theatre provides unique theater experiences for families and young audiences. It is nationally recognized for its one-of-a-kind programming. The Coterie’s season is year-round and offers a Family Series, Preteen/Young Adult Series and Coterie At Night productions. It also offers yearround acting and theatre classes, summer camps at six neighborhood sites and community outreach programs: playwriting program for high schools and teens, touring production for jr. high and high schools and a Dramatic AIDS Education program.
Quality Hill Playhouse - January/February
Quality Hill Playhouse (KCPT broadcast TBD, in the Jan/Feb KC Studio) is dedicated to excellence in the live performance of works from musical theater and the American Songbook, employing the finest local talent, and contributing to Kansas City’s cultural and economic landscape. Quality Hill Playhouse produces six musicals and cabaret revues each year.
The Kansas City Chorale - March/April
The Kansas City Chorale (KCPT broadcast TBD, in the March/April KC Studio) is a professional vocal ensemble, composed of 12 men and 12 women, that enriches the local, national and international communities through its dedication to excellence in performing music from diverse historical periods. In its 30th season, the Chorale presents seven concerts as part of their subscription series as well as five non-subscription concerts.
Charlotte Street Foundation – May/June
Charlotte Street Foundation (KCPT broadcast TBD, in the May/June KC Studio) was established more than a decade ago in response to needs articulated by artists and those who saw the arts as a valuable creative, social and economic resource to the city. The organization supports and recognizes outstanding artists in Greater Kansas City; presents, promotes, enhances and encourages the visual, performing and interdisciplinary arts; and fosters economic development in the urban core of Kansas City.
Kansas City Actor’s Theatre – July/August
The Kansas City Actors Theatre (KCPT broadcast TBD, in the July/August KC Studio), a not-for-profit corporation, started in January, 2004 and led by practicing artists, not by managers, producers or directors. KCAT performs plays in the classic “rotating repertory” format, meaning that multiple productions will be run concurrently throughout a season. The productions focus on the craft and skill of the actor, depend heavily upon the talents of the playwright, lighting, music and sound.
Paul Mesner Puppets – September/October
Paul Mesner Puppets (KCPT broadcast TBD, in the Sept/Oct KC Studio) was founded in 1987 in Kansas City. What started as a one-man puppet company has become an ensemble of talented artists and puppeteers. Their lively performances use a variety of puppetry styles to present both classic stories and those based on contemporary children’s literature. Audiences across the United States have delighted in the precise craftsmanship, dynamic presentation and joyful blending of humor and education in all their productions.
