Olathe Civic Theatre - OCTA

HISTORY: Olathe Civic Theatre Association (OCTA) began as Olathe Community Theatre Association with a grant from Olathe Parks & Recreation Department in 1973, with the first production occurring in 1974. 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 which was built in 1870 and named the theater after one of Olathe's most famous former residents and one of the theater's most ardent fans, silent film star Buddy Rogers.

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 (now our dressing rooms, paint room, props, and costume storage) remodeled with task lighting and 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 this historical building and both the interior and exterior of the building were repainted, giving it a much needed face-lift.

In 2013 the organization officially changed its name to Olathe Civic Theatre Association to better reflect the breadth and caliber of the theatre experience it provides.

In 2014, OCTA was selected from hundreds of Kansas City arts organizations to be one KC Studio's performARTS partners. Underwritten by the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts, the program features six of some of Kansas City’s best artistic organizations. OCTA is featured in the Jan/Feb 2015 issue of KC Studio and received various consulting services through the program.

Through the generosity of our volunteers, season ticket holders, donors, and the city of Olathe, OCTA has grown into one of the most progressive community theaters in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

WHO IS BUDDY ROGERS?

When you visit OCTA, you may notice memorabilia in our lobby featuring Buddy Rogers, namesake of our building, along with Mary Pickford. "Why" you ask? Born and raised in Olathe, and son of the town's major newspaper editor, Buddy never forgot Olathe after he made his career in Hollywood as a silent film star and married Mary Pickford after she and Douglas Fairbanks parted ways.

When the theater found its new home in this historical church, Buddy was a key benefactor who helped make the move possible. You can read more about him here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddy_Rogers_(actor)