Music Theatre Wichita

Music Theatre Wichita, commonly referred to as MTWichita, is a prominent American musical theatre company located in Wichita, Kansas. Founded in 1972, the organization has established an international reputation for producing Broadway-caliber shows and has become a significant cultural institution in the region. MTWichita was established with the mission of advancing the musical theatre art form through the education and nurturing of creators, artists, and audiences. The company achieves this by self-producing five Broadway-scale musical productions each year, which feature a blend of professional talent from Broadway and emerging artists from the Midwest. These productions not only entertain audiences but also provide valuable experience and industry contacts for the young professionals involved. The organization has a history of artistic excellence, with its founding by Jim Miller in 1972 setting the stage for a legacy of quality productions. Notable artistic directors have included John Holly from 1980 to 1988 and the legendary Wayne Bryan, who led the organization from 1988 to 2021. Bryan's tenure was succeeded by Brian J. Marcum, who has been the artistic director since 2021. Throughout its history, MTWichita has been an economic driver for the local community, attracting more than 65,000 visitors to downtown Wichita each year. The organization operates with an annual budget of approximately 5 million dollars, half of which is funded by ticket sales, with the remainder coming from corporate, private, and foundation donors, as well as revenue from renting out costumes and sets. Education is a cornerstone of MTWichita's mission. The company runs several educational programs, including the Apprentice Program for high school students, the Jester Awards Program which highlights high school musical productions in Kansas, and the Trust Company of Kansas Rising Stars Youth Ensemble, which involves middle and high school students in over 35 performances each summer. Additionally, MTWichita offers mainstage productions, youth theatre productions, classes, and camps that provide instruction and skill-building opportunities for hundreds of young people in the Wichita area. MTWichita's commitment to nurturing early-career theatrical artisans and technicians is evident in its highly competitive collegiate company member selection process and its intern program, through which many participants have gone on to professional careers in theatrical design and production. The organization's headquarters is located at 225 W. Douglas, Ste. 202, Wichita, KS 67202. Those interested in learning more about Music Theatre Wichita or wishing to engage with its programs can contact the MTWichita office at 316.265.3253 or visit their official website. Music Theatre Wichita continues to thrive as a hub for musical theatre, contributing to the cultural landscape of Wichita and the broader theatrical community. With a focus on high-quality productions and educational outreach, MTWichita remains dedicated to fostering the next generation of theatre artists and enthusiasts.