Help First Act Theatre Arts secure a permanent home.
For more than 26 years, First Act has helped young people discover their gifts, build confidence, grow in character, and find a place to belong. Now, we need your help creating a permanent home where that work can continue for generations.
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Pledges may be fulfilled through December 31, 2027.
For years, First Act has adapted as our programs, enrollment, and community have grown. Our current facility can no longer support everything happening under one roof.
To meet the needs of our students and families, we now rent additional spaces throughout the Kansas City area for classes, rehearsals, and storage. Costumes, sets, props, equipment, staff, and programs are spread across multiple locations, creating added expense and making daily operations more complicated.
At the same time, our current building is deteriorating, rent continues to increase, and our lease will not be renewed. Continuing to invest in temporary and disconnected spaces is no longer a sustainable solution.
A permanent home would allow First Act to bring more of its programs, people, and resources together in one place. It would provide greater stability, reduce the uncertainty and rising cost of renting, and create spaces designed specifically for theatrical education, rehearsals, productions, storage, and community.
This is not simply about finding another building. It is about creating a long-term home that can support First Act’s mission and the growing number of young people and families we serve.
More than a building.
A permanent home will give that community room to flourish by bringing students, families, teachers, volunteers, programs, and resources together in one place. It will create dedicated spaces for classes, rehearsals, productions, storage, and connection, while giving First Act the stability to grow its programs, expand access, and serve future generations.
This building will not create the First Act community. It will give that community the space, security, and opportunity to thrive.
Funds raised through the Building Our Next Act Capital Campaign will help First Act:
First Act’s HEART Program has been part of the organization since 2006 and provides individuals with developmental disabilities opportunities to participate fully in classes, shows, and camps.
OUR MISSION: First Act Theatre Arts inspires excellence, fosters character and builds community through theatrical arts training, performance, and belonging in a Christian faith-driven environment.
OUR VISION: First Act Theatre Arts aspires to become the outstanding theatrical arts studio in the Kansas City area that not only prepares students for the first act in a production, but also to be the first to act in love and kindness. Our goals are to inspire growth in students through quality educational programming and performance opportunities in the theatrical arts as we prepare families for the “first act,” on and off the stage.
Since 2000, First Act Theatre Arts has served:
First Act graduates leave shaped by the Christ-like values that develop them into successful adults. Our alumni shine the light that they found here at First Act by giving back to their greater communities. When you support this capital campaign, you continue that legacy of community care, helping First Act reach even more students and families than ever before.
Every gift brings First Act closer to a permanent home. Donors may give once or make a pledge that is fulfilled over time.
All gifts are tax deductible.
All campaign pledges should be fulfilled by December 31, 2027.
If you have questions about the Capital Campaign or would like to discuss a major or named gift, contact Board Chair Jackie Ehler at board@firstactkc.org or (913) 424-0001.
How can people get involved with the Capital Campaign?
There are many ways for people to get involved over the 15 months of our Capital Campaign. For more information, reach out to Jackie Ehler at board@firstactkc.org.
Why not just rent another building?
Renting long-term has served us well, but it leaves us vulnerable to the same situation happening again. However, we may need to rent again in the short term, while looking for the right building to purchase for our permanent home. A permanent home provides stability, sustainability, and wise long-term stewardship. Additionally, we will have more control over costs.
Are there opportunities to give a large gift and sponsor or name a space?
Yes. There are opportunities for those who want to make a larger gift and have a space named or acknowledged by their donation. Please contact Jackie Ehler at 913-424-0001 to discuss those options.
What will my gift accomplish?
Your gift will help secure the funding we will need for the down payment on a permanent home where children can continue learning, creating, performing, and growing. Your generosity will invest in future generations of young people who will discover confidence, purpose, and belonging through First Act.
What happens if the campaign isn’t successful?
Without this campaign, we will not have the ability to gather the down payment funds necessary so we are prepared to make a move when the right building comes along. Without a permanent home, First Act cannot continue operating in the way it exists today.
This campaign is about ensuring that future generations have the same life-changing opportunities that thousands of students have experienced over the past two decades.
What is the plan for fundraising?
Supporters are invited to pledge over 15 months. There are opportunities for one-time gifts, recurring donations, and gifts of stocks or securities. In addition, there are tax-advantaged ways to give.
Will daily operations, classes, or performances be affected by this campaign?
No. Daily operations, classes, and performances will continue as usual. This campaign is specifically for the building fund and is separate from the annual operating budget.
How long will the campaign last?
Supporters will have the option to fulfill pledges over 15 months, from September 2026 through December 2027.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information, please contact the First Act Board of Trustees at board@firstactkc.org, or Jackie Ehler, the Board Chair, at (913) 424-0001.
