Our History

The notion of building a theatre in Kirkland germinated from Village Theatre’s search for a new facility in the mid-1980s. Community and business leaders came together to create a home for the company in Kirkland by building a new theatre in Kirkland’s picturesque downtown, within easy walking distance of Kirkland’s many fine restaurants, shops, and galleries.

Village Theatre secured a facility in Issaquah, leaving the founders in Kirkland to decide in which direction to go. The campaign to build Kirkland Performance Center was the work of hundreds of volunteers and visionary leaders who, over a ten-year period, raised $5,800,000 from nearly one thousand donors, including government agencies, corporations, foundations and individuals. All of these contributors were motivated to bring the highest quality, professional music, theatre and dance to the Eastside.

By early 1997 the capital campaign was completed and, in partnership with the City of Kirkland, construction began. A week of Opening Celebration events kicked off the theatre in a big way in June of 1998.

The term "not a bad seat in the house" has never been more appropriate. . .
Designed by Becker Architects, our 402-seat maroon-and-beige theatre is spacious, yet retains an intimate feel. The farthest seat is just 13 rows - 40 feet - from the stage; the steep rake of the house provides excellent sightlines throughout the theatre. The seats are ample with extra leg room for comfortable seating. The acoustics in the theatre are designed to work equally well for both music and the spoken word.

The most variety on the Eastside. . .
From a marketing study of Kirkland and Eastside residents completed in 1991, it became clear the community wanted to experience a wide range of arts disciplines, including classical music, jazz, modern dance, ballet, musical theatre, drama, comedy and much more. KPC’s founders decided the best course for the theatre would be to host the Puget Sound region’s wealth of producing companies for short visits on the Eastside. Thus KPC’s unique programming plan was born. Over recent years KPC has expanded that programming model to include a wide variety of national and international touring artists.