Kitchen Theatre Company

Kitchen Theatre Company (KTC) is a dynamic and innovative theatre organization located in Ithaca, New York. Founded in 1991, KTC has established itself as a cultural asset within the community, recognized for its bold and engaging productions that spark important conversations. The company's mission is to create theatre that explores humanity from multiple perspectives and connects the work on stage to the depth and breadth of the human experience. KTC was initially led by Matt Tauber and Tim O'Brien, who infused the company's productions with energy and a desire for change. From 1994 to 1997, Norm Johnson, Jr. served as the artistic director, followed by Rachel Lampert, who held the position from 1997 to 2017. Under Lampert's leadership, KTC saw significant artistic and financial growth, with a focus on new works and engaging underserved audiences. Following Lampert's retirement, M. Bevin O’Gara took over as the Producing Artistic Director until the end of the 2019-2020 season, further enhancing KTC's reputation for diverse perspectives and reaching its highest audience levels and financial success. David Winitsky served as Interim Producing Artistic Director during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. In July 2021, Rebecca Bradshaw and Cary Bland Simpson began their tenure as Producing Artistic Director and Managing Director, respectively, continuing the company's commitment to new work and an inclusive, anti-racist environment. KTC's history includes a significant move in 2010 from the Clinton House to its own space at 417 W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street. This move was marked by the "Campaign for a Bold, New Space," which raised $1.2 million to construct a LEED-certified green building with a 90-seat performance venue. Over its three-decade history, KTC has produced over 200 plays, including 34 world premieres, and has worked with numerous playwrights such as Adam Bock, Tanya Barfield, and Brian Dykstra. The company is dedicated to nurturing new work, fostering inclusivity and accessibility, and igniting dialogue within the community. KTC has been voted Ithaca’s Best Cultural Asset and has formed connections with local and visiting artists through its Kitchen Sink Series, as well as collaborations with other theatres such as Geva Theatre in Rochester, NY, and Boston Playwrights Theatre in Boston, MA. The Kitchen Theatre Company continues to be a vital part of the Ithaca and Tompkins County communities, offering a range of community programs, ticketing initiatives, and opportunities for involvement, including volunteer work, employment, and professional development programs. With a strong commitment to sustainability, KTC also emphasizes its Green Initiative, further reflecting its dedication to responsible and forward-thinking practices.