Nestled in the heart of the city, the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center (KPAC) stands as a beacon of creativity and culture. It is THE PLACE for LIVE entertainment. Our thriving arts community brings esteemed regional arts organizations to curate exceptional experiences.
A day in the life of the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center offers opportunities for entertainment, culture, and creative expression, not only in the evenings but around the clock and throughout the facility. The Ross Family Theatre, the Strauss Black Box Theatre, the Kent Family Lobby, and our exquisite upstairs event space keep the KPAC calendar filled with different art forms. KPAC is one building with many moving parts… much like the inside of a clock.
10:00 am
The KPAC Box Office and the Kirkwood Arts Commission’s Gallery open at 10 am on weekdays, bringing the building to life. The Gallery program presents four seasonal exhibitions each year featuring new art perspectives from local artists. KPAC visitors are greeted by the Kirkwood Arts Commission’s newest art sculpture outside the East Monroe entrance. After perusing the art, you can make your entertainment plans by stopping by the Box Office to pick up your tickets to one of our many exciting performances.
10:30 am
Join us for our Coffee Concerts every other Tuesday. Experience the magic of the Great American Songbook as crowds bustle in to start their morning with fresh coffee, donuts (provided by Kirkwood Dunkin’), and exceptional live entertainment. Guests enjoy coffee and classic hits performed by one of St. Louis’ finest musicians. What a way to start your day.
2:00 pm
The afternoons are lively with matinees that draw large, energetic crowds. September afternoons in the Ross Family Theatre will feature Ragtime: The Musical from STAGES St. Louis, telling the poignant story of three families chasing the American dream in New York City. Meanwhile, the Strauss Black Box Theatre hosts the local improv comedy troupe,
Extraneous Commas. They’re sure to have you laughing with their hilarious improv comedy game show, Roll the Dice. Whether a weekday or a weekend, matinees offer a delightful break from everyday life.
5:00 pm
A new educational opportunity will be added to the KPAC calendar this fall. Aspiring young artists can try their hand at being an artist on the KPAC stage by auditioning for a production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. KPAC is holding auditions on September 15th, with rehearsals beginning at the end of October.
7:00 pm
The day at KPAC is far from over. The evenings are when KPAC seems to almost come alive, whether you’re looking at an incredible set design in The Ross Family Theatre or experiencing the intimate nightclub setting of the Strauss Black Box Theatre. The Strauss Studio Series has a roster that reads like a who’s who in local professional music. STAGES St. Louis brings in talent from all over the country for RAGTIME. Perfect for a date night, family night, or friends night, musical theater and concerts at KPAC provide Downtown Kirkwood with its own little version of New York City nightlife.
While the specifics may vary, the rhythm of the KPAC remains constant – a continuum of creativity, collaboration, and commitment.