About Us:
Olathe Civic Theatre Association began as the Olathe Community Theatre Association with a $1,000 grant from the Olathe Parks & Recreation Department in 1973. 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. In November 1977, shortly after the first production of Arsenic and Old Lace in the newly-christened Buddy Rogers Playhouse, the Fire Marshall closed the building for 22 code violations. The building remained closed until November 1980 when it reopened after extensive renovation.Disaster hit the theatre 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 were 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. Further capital improvements included adding air conditioning in 1990, allowing year-round productions, 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.Through the generosity of our volunteers, season ticket holders, donors, city and community, in addition to our dedicated Board of Directors, OCTA has grown into one of the most successful and progressive community theaters in the entire Kansas City metropolitan area.
