UMKC Conservatory unveils design for new expansion project
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - An institution at Kansas City’s largest university, the UMKC Conservatory is undergoing a major expansion.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory unveiled designs of its campus home for music, dance and theatre. The plan includes a 35,000-square-foot addition to the Olson Performing Arts Center, and adding performance and rehearsal spaces.
School administration announced that the new space will increase performance, classroom and collaboration opportunities for students and the Kansas City community.
“This project isn’t just about bricks and mortar,” UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said in a release. “It’s about creating a space worthy of our students’ talent. It’s about giving our faculty the tools they need to teach and inspire. And on the practical side, it’s also about building capacity – so we can welcome more students, more collaboration and more connection with the community.”
The university stated that it is about halfway to the $35 million goal for the first phase of construction.
The first phase includes the new addition which would house a large music ensemble performance and rehearsal space, two dance rehearsal rooms and support spaces for the dance program and a new, accessible black box performance space to be used by all three programs. The addition of the black box space will create a “theatre district” complementing White Recital Hall, Spencer Theatre and the McIlrath Lobby.
The second phase involves the renovation of current facilities, including White Recital Hall. Renovations will increase classroom and theatre spaces and create a central hub for student resources and collaboration. Facility renovations will allow the spaces to be used in flexible ways, creating more opportunities for special events and performances.
The UMKC Conservatory, which was founded in 1906, offers more than 35 academic programs in dance, music and theatre.
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