Townsend Communications in Kansas City, Mo. along with KCPT Channel 19, presents the second cycle of features 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 and will include installments about some of Kansas City’s best artistic organizations. The six performARTS featured arts organizations were selected out of hundreds of arts organizations across this metropolitan community.
Along with the printed story in KC Studio, KCPT will also produce a piece on the selected groups airing multiple times in the next 12 months on The Local Show.
Last year, the inaugural group was the Charlotte Street Foundation, Coterie Theatre, Kansas City Actors Theatre, Kansas City Chorale, Paul Mesner Puppets and Quality Hill Playhouse.
This year, six more arts organizations begins with the next issue: The Folly Theater (November/December 2012); Unicorn Theatre (January/February 2013); Kansas City Ballet (March/April 2013); Jewish Community Center – Performances at the White Theatre (May/June 2013); American Jazz Museum/Gem Theater (July/August 2013); and Mid-America Arts Alliance (September/October 2013).
American Jazz Museum/Gem Theater
Located in the historic 18th and Vine District, the museum preserves the history of American jazz while the Gem Theater provides a venue for today’s jazz artists.
Folly Theater
The former vaudeville theater serves as a performance venue that meets local needs for such groups as the Heartland Men’s Chorus, the Harriman-Jewell Series and the Friends of Chamber Music. Plus the theater offers the world’s best jazz artists in the Folly Jazz Series and for children, the Folly Kids’ Series. The Cyprus Avenue Live! Series also has a home at the theater.
Jewish Community Center
Performances at the White Theatre – The Jewish Community Center provides a number of opportunities including theatrical productions for all ages, classical music concerts, modern music reviews, the Jewish Film Festival, dance classes, and art classes for kids and seniors.
Kansas City Ballet
The 55-year-old professional ballet company reaches the community through exceptional performances, excellence in dance training and community education for all ages.
Mid-America Arts Alliance
Based in the heartland, the organization creates and manages regional, multi-regional, national, and international programs including traveling exhibitions, performing arts touring, and professional and community development.
Unicorn Theatre
For more than 35 years, this theater company has produced and developed evocative and new plays. The staff supports emerging and established actors, playwrights, designers and others who are part of the performing arts world.
