History and Board
Olathe Civic Theatre Association is an all-volunteer 501c3 organization producing theatre in Olathe since 1974. Performing in the Buddy Rogers Family Playhouse, OCTA produces five high-quality, engaging, and thought-provoking theatre productions a year.
Through the generosity of volunteers, season ticket holders, donors, city, and community, in addition to a dedicated Board of Directors, OCTA has grown into one of the most progressive community theaters in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Olathe Civic Theatre Association began as the Olathe Community Theatre Association with a $1,000 grant from Olathe Parks & Recreation Department in 1973 to produce live theatre by and for local community members. Without a permanent theatre home, OCTA produced shows at various locations throughout Olathe, including the Chester Street Shopping Center basement and Millbrooke Junior High (now the Vo-Tech school).
In July 1977, OCTA purchased the Reformed Presbyterian Church, built in 1870, for $33,450. In November 1977, shortly after the first production in the newly-christened Buddy Rogers Family Playhouse (named for silent film star and former Olathean Buddy Rogers who helped procure the building), Arsenic and Old Lace, the Fire Marshall closed the building for code violations. The building remained closed for three years until November 1980 when it reopened after extensive renovation.
Disaster hit the theatre in again in 1982 when vandals set fire to the basement causing $80,000 in damage to the basement and lobby, including destruction of the original stained glass windows. In 1983, the theatre reopened with a refurbished lobby and basement and restored stained glass windows.
Since 1980, the original church pews have been replaced with theater seats, the lighting and sound systems have been upgraded, the parking lot paved, and the basement remodeled with task lighting and additional restrooms. Air conditioning was added in 1990, allowing for year-round productions and special events, and a new roof in 1999.
In the summer of 2008, OCTA was the recipient of a grant to maintain our historical building and both the interior and exterior of the building was repainted, giving OCTA a much needed face-lift.
In 2013 the group officially changed its d.b.a name to the Olathe Civic Theatre Association to better reflect the breadth and caliber of the theatre experience it provides.
Recently, the building has undergone a number of critical upgrades including repairs to the foundation, interior painting and wall/ceiling repairs, carpet replacement, wood floor refinishing, and replacement of the handrails on the outer stairs (winter 2017/2018) and replacement of HVAC units in 2018. Exterior painting/wood-repair and/or siding, parking lot replacement, addition of a fence to the back lot, and more will happen once funding is in place.
Officers and Board Members
Jo Bledsoe Collins | President
Matt Pollock | Vice President, Technical Manager
Amanda Albert | Secretary
Rita Marks/D.K. Evenson | Treasurer/Bookkeeper
BOARD MEMBERS
Ted Collins | Production Manager, Building Manager
Charlotte Gilman | Marketing Manager, NWPC Chair, Co-Graphic Designer
Shelly Stewart Banks | Buddy Awards, Photography
Matt Runnels-Rebol
Tracy Fox
Nancy Kruse
Josh Finch
Kat Ruprecht
Spencer Thompson
VOLUNTEERS
We have a veritable army of incredible volunteers who usher, sell concessions, and attend our annual clean-up day. The following people work with OCTA on a regular basis throughout the year:
Richard Burt | Phone Line, Rebekah Grieb | Volunteer Coordinator, Peter Leondedis | Development, Rita Marks, DK Evenson | Bookkeeping, Brittany Becker | Graphic Design
Want to be a part of the fun while playing a critical role in the exciting world of live theatre? We’re looking for people with expertise in or an interest in learning about accounting, facilities management and maintenance, fundraising and group sales. Many other skill sets are needed and no experience in theatre is required! To find out more about becoming a board member or a volunteer, please send an email to [email protected].
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Olathe Civic Theatre is located at:
500 E. Loula
Olathe, KS 66061
Go to Google Maps
Private parking is available in the OCTA lot. Street parking is also available. Accessible seating and assistance is available. See seating chart for options.
A variety of light concessions are available for a cash or credit card donation and may be taken into the theatre.
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. BOX 144
OLATHE, KS 66051
CONTACT US
Phone | (913) 782-2990
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
OCTA IS A PROUD MEMBER OF:
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