Theatre at Vis was established as a ministry of Visitation Church in 1984 by then Musical Minister Paul Novosel, and produced its first show, Dream Dance, in 1985. Hundreds of young performers, ranging from 9-19 years old, have graced the stage of Theatre at Vis productions over the last 30 years. During that time, young performers have graduated and returned as adult volunteers, set builders, and more. Every year, the parents, siblings and extended “TaV family” work to build the sets, gather the props, stock the concessions and more! It truly is a community effort!
The most constant feature of each summer production is the dedication of the volunteer “staff,” led by Tim and Sandie McCray, who have worked tirelessly to provide continuity to the organization as Executive Directors.
IMPORTANT MILESTONES
1984
Theatre at Vis established by Paul Novosel
1985
First youth musical produced: Dream Dance, directed by Paul Novosel
Interesting fact: Tim & Sandie meet when Tim (then Set Designer) keeps Sandie’s son Tommy out building sets until 3:00 AM and Sandie goes to Tighe Hall to let Tim have a piece of her mind.
1987
Paul Novosel leaves Theatre at Vis to pursue his career in Washington, D.C. (and eventually New York City)
Tim McCray directs Peace Child at Community Christian Church
1991
Theatre at Vis produces its first major Broadway musical: Li’l Abner, and sells out 7 shows in Tighe Hall!
1992
Theatre at Vis outgrows Tighe Hall and moves to Rockhurst High School’s Rose Theatre for Bye Bye Birdie
Interesting fact: Due to unavoidable lighting challenges in the new space, during Act I, Tim was actually programming the lighting cues for Act II!
1994
Margaret Haik joins Theatre at Vis staff as Musical Director for Oliver
1995
Theatre at Vis recruits the 20+ male cast members needed to produce Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Interesting fact: Due to an upcoming Broadway tour of Joseph, TaV had to obtain special permission from Andrew Lloyd Weber to obtain the rights to the show under the condition that they would not advertise on radio or in the KC Star
1997
Theatre at Vis cast have the opportunity to perform Godspell for an audience of over 5,000 at the Music Hall for the National Catholic Youth Conference
Interesting fact: Tim had designed a set for this production in college and had been waiting for a chance to use it
1998
Theatre at Vis produces The Best of Theatre at Vis, a musical revue of the shows produced between 1985 and 1997.
2015
Theatre at Vis produces its most biggest, most complex, and most expensive production to date in celebration of it’s 30th anniversary, Beauty and the Beast.