Spinning Tree Theatre directors Michael Grayman and Andy Parkhurst are not status quo types. They go for broke — in the pieces they choose to produce, in the venues they select, and in the actors and musicians they contract. Spinning Tree has only been active in Kansas City for four years, but already Grayman and Parkhurst have more than fulfilled their goal.

From PorchFestKC to the Performing Arts Center, Amado Espinoza and Karen Lisondra have boldly enlivened KC’s cultural and arts scene since moving here from Bolivia in March, 2014.

Over the past few years Kansas City audiences have thrilled to Frank Oakley III’s notable performances in Jitney at the Metropolitan Ensemble, Blacktop Sky at the Unicorn, Rosa Parks at the Coterie, The Freedom Riders at UMKC and at the Shakespeare Festival.