Dean's Signature Series
Rising Stars. Creative Voices. Stories That Feel Like Home.
Join us for a season of inspiring music, captivating theatre and innovative dance. Explore the meaning of home through powerful stories, unforgettable performances and extraordinary artistic talent.
A Transformative Season
As the Olson Performing Arts Center enters its next chapter through expansion and renovation, the Dean's Signature Series looks ahead. In this curated series of exceptional performances, student artists, faculty and collaborators come together to explore belonging, community and home.
Music
Discover powerful performances from classical masterworks to contemporary voices.
Dance
Experience movement that explores identity, connection and expression.
Theatre
Engage with compelling stories brought to life on stage.
Integrated Arts
See artists collaborate across disciplines in innovative and unexpected ways.
The Dean's Signature Series Lineup
From intimate reflections to bold artistic collaborations, each performance offers a unique perspective on what it means to find, build and celebrate home. Experience the artistry and creativity of the next generation of performers alongside the faculty and collaborators who mentor them.
Sounding a Nation — Sept. 18
Dr. Christopher Kelts and the Conservatory Symphony Orchestra kick off the Dean’s Signature Series with an evening of Pulitzer-Prize winning orchestral works, in White Recital Hall.
Reserve tickets to Sounding a Nation
Conservatory Wind Symphony Concert — Sept. 24
The Conservatory Wind Symphony opens their season with a celebration of contemporary composers and the stories they share through music.
Working — Oct. 14-17
Conservatory Musical Theatre presents Working by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso, in Spencer Theatre. This musical explores and celebrates our lives at work — the places in which we often spend more time than our actual homes. While some jobs are fulfilling, others are not. A compelling reason to work is to make life better for the children who come after you.
Reserve tickets for Oct. 14
Reserve tickets for Oct. 15
Reserve tickets for Oct. 16
Reserve tickets for Oct. 17
At the Heart of Kansas City — Oct. 19
Conservatory Symphony Orchestra and Choirs come together for a special evening of music at the cultural center of Kansas City, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
Reserve tickets to At the Heart of Kansas City
Fall Dance Performance — Oct. 23-25
Join us at Spencer Theatre where the Conservatory Dance Division presents an evening of diverse works and ranging genres exploring the idea of home — its meanings, memories and even its contradictions.
Reserve tickets for Oct. 23
Reserve tickets for Oct. 24 at 2 p.m.
Reserve tickets for Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Reserve tickets for Oct. 25
Corners Grove — Oct. 30-Nov. 2
Conservatory Theatre presents Corners Grove; an adaptation of the classic “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder, Mei Shing Garver’s play reimagines the story through the eyes of the younger generation as they explore identity, belonging, the excitement of an unknown future and how chosen family can provide the truest “home” they’ll ever know. Performances are held at The Arts Asylum in Brookside.
Reserve tickets for Oct. 30
Reserve tickets for Oct. 31
Reserve tickets for Nov. 1
Reserve tickets for Nov. 2
Passage — Nov. 18-21
Conservatory Theatre presents Passage by Christopher Chen. Inspired in part by E.M. Forster’s “A Passage to India,” Chen’s play explores relationships between members of two communities — those who have been colonized, and the colonizers themselves — after an unfortunate encounter results in unjust treatment and negative fallout. Chen invites us to rethink how we engage with others as we all endeavor to find places we can call our own. Performing at The Arts Asylum in Brookside.
Reserve tickets for Nov. 18
Reserve tickets for Nov. 19
Reserve tickets for Nov. 20
Reserve tickets for Nov. 21
A Celebration of Peace — Feb. 16
Join the combined artistry of our UMKC Conservatory Choirs with the Allegro Choirs of Kansas City as they perform the Dona nobis pacem by Ralph Vaughan Williams at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi — March 3-6
One night, two amazing one-act operas. Suor Angelica — Banished from home: when Angelica is forced to join a convent, she finds a new community and a deep spiritual connection.
Gianni Schicchi — Inheriting home: can Gianni, a doting father, ensure his daughter has a home while also navigating money troubles with her new in-laws? Puccini’s dark comedy will leave you laughing all the way home.
Reserve tickets for March 3
Reserve tickets for March 4
Reserve tickets for March 5
Reserve tickets for March 6
The Winter’s Tale — March 16-20
Conservatory Theatre presents this classic play by William Shakespeare on the Spencer Theatre stage. When King Leontes, ruler of Sicilia, succumbs to unjustified jealousy, his anger throws the realm into chaos and shatters his once-stable alliance with Bohemia. Shakespeare’s ingenious blend of moving tragedy, whimsical comedy and pastoral rebirth creates a magical world where the two kingdoms must navigate a painful path of loss and misfortune to find their way home to redemption.
Reserve tickets for March 16
Reserve tickets for March 17
Reserve tickets for March 18
Reserve tickets for March 19
Reserve tickets for March 20
The Listening House — April 7
A NEXUS “valedictory resonance” by Dr. Paul Rudy, presented in White Recital Hall. Home is where we hang our hats. It’s where we gather our thoughts and prepare what we will offer of ourselves to the outside world. It is a place, a structure, our shelter; but also a feeling, a memory and where we become who we truly are. The Listening House invites audiences into a shared environment of sound, video and movement, exploring home as something we build together.
This event is free and open to the public. Review event details.
Conservatory Finale — April 20
Presented at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Conservatory Finale is a culmination of our season in the beloved hour-long no pause, no applause format featuring performances from our students and faculty in music, dance and theatre.
Failure: A Love Story — May 5-8
Conservatory Theatre presents Philip Dawkins' play at The Arts Asylum in Brookside. A series of ups and downs has shaped the Fail Family for a generation. Despite life’s ongoing struggles, Dawkins’ heartfelt play challenges us to embrace the joyous moments of existence, however fleeting, and to treasure the loves we find along the way that lead us back home.
Reserve tickets for May 5
Reserve tickets for May 6
Reserve tickets for May 7
Reserve tickets for May 8
What to Know Before You Go
Get ready for an unforgettable performance experience. Find ticket information, parking details and venue updates to help you plan your visit. Tickets range from FREE to just $25.
Ticket Options
Ticket prices vary by performance, ranging from free to $25. UMKC students and staff can log in with Single-Sign-On credentials for discounts. Teens in the Kansas City area can attend any show for just $5 through TeenTix. See TeenTix details.
Parking During Construction
The parking lot east of the Olson Performing Arts Center will be closed. Please park on level five or six of the Cherry Street Parking Garage and follow the fifth-floor walkway east to access the Conservatory.
Off-Campus Venues
Some performances take place off-campus. Please visit the appropriate venue website for the most up-to-date information on ticketing, parking and accessibility accommodations.
Want to Get Involved?
Check out our volunteer opportunities or consider supporting the Conservatory by giving to our exciting renovation project as we prepare to expand and modernize the Olson Performing Arts Center, ensuring our future as a world-class conservatory for performing arts talent.
Explore Our Full Line Up of Shows
The Dean's Signature Series is just a select sample of all the amazing shows put on by Conservatory students and faculty. See what's coming up next and be sure to check our events calendar for the full listing of performances.
Study With the Conservatory
Whether you're a prospective student or just passionate about your art, we're happy to help you continue your education and develop your skills. Explore our degree and certificate programs in music, dance and theatre, or visit the Conservatory Academy — our hub for performing arts education designed for community students.