Avila Theatre Productions - Avila University

Avila Theatre Productions

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Five Decades of Memorable Performances

The jewel of the Goppert Performing Arts Center is the Goppert Theatre. Built in 1974, the theatre is named after Vita Goppert ’72, the “First Lady” of Avila. The Bill and Jean ’76 Buchanan Stage is home to four student theatrical productions a year, plus choir and orchestra concerts, lectures, and workshops, Goppert Theatre is also a popular venue for other theatre troupes, including a long-time relationship with Theatre for Young America.

2026 – 2027 Season

Click the play poster for more information and to secure your tickets!

The Cottage by Sandy Rustin — Avila University Theatre production poster. October 15–18, Bill and Jean Buchanan Stage, Goppert Theatre — Oct 15-17 at 7:30 pm
Oct 18 at 2:00 pm

We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as South West Africa, from the German Sudwestafrika by Jackie Sibblies Drury — Avila University Theatre production poster. November 19–22, Frantze Family Black Box Theatre — Nov 19-21 at 7:30 pm
Nov 22 at 2:00 pm

Winter Choir Concert — Avila University holiday choral performance. Friday December 11 at 7:30 p.m., Goppert Performing Arts Center — Dec 11 at 7:30 pm

Cabaret Night — Avila University Theatre student showcase of musical theatre, live music, and dance. Saturday December 12 at 7:30 p.m., Frantze Family Black Box Theatre — Dec 12 at 7:30 pm

William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night — Avila University Theatre production poster. February 25–28, Bill and Jean Buchanan Stage, Goppert Theatre — Feb 25-27 at 7:30 pm
Feb 28 at 2:00 pm

Next to Normal, music by Tom Kitt, book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey — Avila University Theatre production poster. April 15–18, Frantze Family Black Box Theatre — Apr 15-17 at 7:30 pm
Apr 18 at 2:00 pm

Spring Choir Concert — Avila University choral performance. Friday April 23 at 7:30 p.m., Goppert Performing Arts Center — Apr 23 at 7:30 pm

Past Productions

The Mouse Trap by Agatha Christie — Avila University Theatre production poster — Oct 2–4 at 7:30 pm
Oct 5 at 2:00 pm

George Orwell's 1984 adapted by Ryan Craig — Avila University Theatre production poster — Nov 20–22 at 7:30 pm
Nov 23 at 2:00 pm

Frantze Family Blackbox Theatre at Avila University Goppert Performing Arts Center theatre venue — Feb 26–28 at 7:30 pm
March 1 at 2:00 pm

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels — Avila University Theatre musical production poster — April 23–25 at 7:30 pm
April 26 at 2:00 pm

First Date

By: Paul slade smith

Intimate Apparel

By: Lynn Nottage

Spelling Bee

By: James Lapine

The Comedy of Errors

By: William Shakespeare

Contact

Goppert Theatre, Goppert Performing Arts Center
73-109 E 118th St., / Kansas City, MO 64145

Box Office
P: 816.501.3699 / E: box.office

The Goppert Performing Arts Center

The Roderick J. & Jo Anne Cyr Grand Lobby

The Grand Lobby is at the center of it all. Pre-performance gatherings. Social functions. Informal learning. Post-performance conversations.

Goppert Performing Arts Center

The new “front door” to Avila’s campus.

The Sue King Willcox Ph.D. Music Hall

Not only is the new choir space acoustically beautiful, the striking architecture and floor-to-ceiling windows create a truly inspired space for learning.

The Frantze Family Black Box Theatre

Nearly 2,000 square feet of performance and rehearsal space, this versatile 200-seat theatre space allows for smaller, more intimate performances.

The Virginia C. and William D. Tompkins Rehearsal Hall

With two rehearsal spaces dance, music, tech, and theatre — each of Avila’s performing arts programs – will utilize these spaces as they prepare for the main stage.

Lone dancer rehearsing in front of mirror

Arts Community

More than 19% of all Avila undergraduates are involved with the performing arts on campus in some manner (and that’s not counting all of the students who attend performances). Add in all of the faculty, staff, and the thousands from the Kansas City community who walk through the Goppert Performing Arts doors, and it’s easy to see that Avila University is truly at the center of the arts scene in south KC.

Learn About the Arts at Avila

School of Performing Arts

Visit Avila

Visit the Goppert Performing Arts Center