The Forum Theatre

The Forum Theatre Company, Inc. is a prominent not-for-profit theatre organization based in Wichita, Kansas, recognized for its professional stage productions and contribution to the local arts scene. Established in 2011, the company has been dedicated to its mission for over a decade, with the 2023/24 season marking its thirteenth year of operation. Originally housed in the renovated Forum Theatre building at 147 S. Hillside, the company was founded by Grant and Janet Rine. The venue, a former church, was transformed into a state-of-the-art performing arts center. The company's debut production was "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum," starring the Tony-nominated and Oliver Award-winning actor, Karla Burns. However, the initial location's tenure was brief, as the building was sold in 2014, leading to the disbandment of the for-profit business. Determined to preserve the spirit of The Forum, a group of actors reconstituted the company as a not-for-profit entity with 501(c)(3) status. Under the leadership of Board President Paul Jackson and the artistic guidance of Producing Artistic Director Kathryn Page Hauptman, along with Associate Producer Aaron Profit, the company continued its journey. Between 2014 and 2016, The Forum Theatre Company found a temporary home at the Scottish Rite Center. The Forum Theatre Company found a more permanent residence in the fall of 2016 when it relocated to the Wilke Center at First United Methodist Church. The venue, once a gymnasium, was converted into an intimate, fully equipped black box theatre space. This move signified a new phase of professionalism and a commitment to innovation and quality in the company's productions. With a focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, The Forum Theatre Company made significant strides in 2018 with the production of "The Royale." This initiative emphasized the importance of cultural diversity and involved a wide range of artists in both management and performance roles, reflecting the company's dedication to creating an inclusive environment. The Forum Theatre Company's mission is twofold: to entertain, educate, and enrich the lives of the Wichita community through the performing arts, and to foster the development of both artists and audiences. This is achieved by producing a varied season of classic, contemporary, and new musicals, dramas, and comedies, alongside a comprehensive program of performing arts classes, master classes, seminars, and interactive lectures. The Forum Theatre Company operates out of the Wilke Center, a senior-friendly space located at 330 N. Broadway in Wichita. Patrons can contact the company via mail at P.O. Box 21380, Wichita, KS 67208, by email at KathyForumWichita.com, or by phone at 316-618-0444. The company also maintains an active online presence through social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube. The company's repertoire includes a diverse range of shows, with notable productions like "Sweeney Todd," "Ain’t Misbehavin’," "Elf, The Musical," "Harvey," and "The Full Monty." Season tickets are available for those interested in experiencing the full array of offerings from The Forum Theatre Company.