Designated the official "State Theatre of Kansas" by the Kansas Legislature

The volunteer Board of Directors of The Jayhawk adopted a mission statement and goals to help guide through the restoration and operation. When re-opened, The Jayhawk will "provide a multi-purpose community theater which will enhance the cultural arts, business and education of the citizens of Kansas. The Jayhawk State Theatre of Kansas will celebrate Topeka's rich entertainment past and enhance downtown Topeka and provide a venue for cultural arts, business and education activities."

When completed, The Jayhawk will provide space for a variety of events including:

Cultural Events ~ performed by local and national groups such as a symphony, choir, community theatre, dance or barbershop chorus.

Conventions and Meetings ~ corporations, churches and civic groups can use the theatre plus enjoy the availability of food service and break-out rooms. Teleconferencing and satellite services are planned.

Cinema ~ The Jayhawk will show movies of the past and present. Vintage film, silent film festivals accompanied by the theatre pipe organ, current foreign films and current art films can be shown.

Recitals ~ Vocal, instrumental or dance recitals will enjoy the outstanding acoustics and stage.

Lectures ~ "one-man shows" or other chautauqua type events will be held.

Concerts ~ From individual musical and group performers, rock, pop and big bands to solo performances on the theatre pipe organ.

Education ~ youth programs will be offered that teach students the fundamentals of theatre and art; forums will be held that focus on strenghtening youth cultural programs; and organ lessons and programs will be offered.

What is The Jayhawk State Theatre of Kansas?

Designed by renowned architect Thomas Williamson, the theatre opened in 1926 as the first “air-refrigerated” theatre in the country. The 1,550 seats hosted vaudeville, movies, radio broadcasts and a host of national performers. In 1976, the theatre closed and in 1993 avoided demolition when a group of citizens saved it from the wrecking ball. The state legislature named it the official state theatre of Kansas.

Who owns and will operate the theatre?

In essence, it is the community. The theatre is owned by Historic Jayhawk Theatre, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors made up of members of the Topeka community.

What are you doing to the building?

Restoring the interior to meet building codes, including new lighting, sound, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems. Additionally, a public ticket office, administrative offices, dressing rooms, a practice stage, green room, break-out spaces, storage and installation of a concert-class theatre pipe organ will be included in the construction and renovation.

Once renovated, how will the theatre be used?

The theatre will have the look of the past, but the feel of the present. It will be open to the community, hosting cultural events such as symphonies, choirs, community theatre, concerts and dances. It will be available to businesses for conventions and meetings, with break-out rooms and satellite teleconferencing facilities.

What will renovations cost?

It will cost approximately $5.5 million. Built of steel and concrete, the theatre is structurally sound but the interior must be renovated to specifically match the original look.

How is this project financed?

The Jayhawk relies on money from individuals, civic groups and businesses. Numerous businesses have donated in-kind services. Your financial sharing is essential to this project. All donations are tax deductible.

How can this project benefit Topeka?

It can serve as a cultural center for downtown and provide the community with a professional theatre. With 70 events per year, the theatre can attract more than 50,000 people. It can bring more than $2 million to the community in a three-year period. Renovation of the theatre is an important step to revitalizing downtown Topeka.

Why is it taking so long to raise the necessary funds?

The Topeka community continues to fail to make a strong commitment to revitalize downtown. Until the city makes that commitment and shows it supports all revitalization efforts, then convincing people to invest in downtown projects will continue to be difficult.