Welcome to KPC

Centrally located in the heart of Kirkland, Kirkland Performance Center is the ideal venue for a truly memorable experience. Our 394 seat 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 theater. The seats are ample with extra leg room for comfortable seating. The acoustics in the theater are designed to work equally well for both music and the spoken word.

 

 

OUR MISSION: CONNECTING COMMUNITIES THROUGH CULTURE.

For the past 25 years, Kirkland Performance Center (KPC) has embodied a vibrant and inclusive vision. By providing a platform for diverse artists and audiences alike, we’re not only enriching the cultural landscape but also building and investing in community and connection through the performing arts.

Our commitment to showcasing a wide range of talent, from Grammy and Tony winners to local schoolchildren, underscores the importance of celebrating creativity in all its forms. Our dedication to providing space for local organizations and artists speaks to our deep-seated belief in supporting and nurturing talent within our greater Eastside community. New for 2024, we launched KPC Studios, a new educational facility and recording studio serving our community with brand new performing arts education programs.

KPC’s role as the creative hub where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to experience the transformative power of the arts is what drives us. Through our diverse programming and events, we’re not just entertaining audiences but also inspiring, educating, uplifting spirits, and fostering meaningful connections.

As we continue to extend our reach within the community, our efforts are making a profound difference in the lives of those we touch. Our commitment to nurturing creative expression, education, and the exchange of ideas is helping to build a stronger, more connected community—one where everyone can thrive and be inspired.

 

THE EASTSIDE IS GROWING … SO ARE WE.

Between 2014 and 2024, the urban population of East King County has continued its remarkable growth trajectory, surging by an additional 15 percent, further solidifying the region’s status as a vibrant hub of activity and diversity. This steady influx of residents underscores the ongoing allure of our area’s employment opportunities and natural beauty.

In this dynamic environment, the Kirkland Performance Center (KPC), founded in 1998, has steadfastly upheld its pledge to provide unparalleled live performances, cultural events, and arts education. Despite the shifting demographics, surviving a pandemic, and an evolving cultural landscape, KPC has remained resolute in its mission to serve as the preeminent destination for artistic excellence on the Eastside.

As the population has expanded, so too has KPC’s reach and impact within the community. KPC’s commitment to offering a diverse array of programming for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels has continued to enhance the quality of life for countless residents. This dedication has garnered unwavering support from donors, whose generosity has been instrumental in fueling KPC’s growth and success. With generous multi-million-dollar grants secured from the State of Washington, The City of Kirkland, multiple corporate & foundation strategic partnerships, and our amazing individual donors, we are positioned to upgrade, update, and make safe our theater for the next generation.

Amidst this period of growth, KPC has thrived as a beacon of creativity and cultural enrichment. Our ability to adapt, pivot, and innovate in response to the changing needs of the community has cemented our position as a vital cornerstone of East King County’s cultural landscape. As we look to the future, KPC remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering artistic expression, celebrating diversity, and connecting communities through the power of live performance.

 

A STRUCTURE BUILT ON 25 YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE

KPC’s direction is guided by a dedicated board of directors composed of 13 individuals. Each member plays an active role in both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic planning. Their commitment to our mission is evident through their annual donations to KPC and their active involvement in various board committees.

Our connection with the Eastside communities, local governments, schools, arts organizations, and businesses is invaluable to us. We cherish these partnerships and recognize the vital role they play in our success.

Additionally, we extend our deepest gratitude to our volunteer corps, union technicians, and production partners comprised of 150 individuals who generously contribute their time, skills, and unwavering loyalty to support KPC each year.

 

AND NOW … OUR NEXT 25 YEARS

As we embark on the next 25 years, KPC stands poised to continue its vital role in enriching the cultural landscape of King and Snohomish counties. The enthusiastic demand for live theater experiences is evident in our brisk ticket sales, reflecting a deep-seated desire for the intimacy and shared experiences KPC provides. Word-of-mouth endorsements from those familiar with our shows and events often advise others to secure their tickets early, as our shows frequently sell out.

From the moment guests step into our inviting lobby, present their tickets to a volunteer usher, and settle into their comfortable seats in our intimate venue, they are enveloped in an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. As the house lights dim and the performance begins, a sense of shared camaraderie permeates the air, creating an unforgettable experience for all in attendance. By refining our season and curating a selection of top-tier performances, we have seen tangible results: increased patronage, a growing base of season ticket holders, enhanced funding support, and an expanded reach within our community.

Looking ahead, we are committed to building upon this momentum and continuing to provide our neighbors with the exceptional experiences that define KPC. Together, we will shape the next two decades of artistic excellence, community engagement, and cultural enrichment.

 

MISSION:  CONNECTING COMMUNITIES THROUGH CULTURE

To serve as a vibrant gathering place where individuals come together to explore creative expression, engage in meaningful dialogue, celebrate cultural diversity, access performing arts education, and forge lasting connections within our communities.

 

VISION:  MAKING THE ARTS ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL

We envision KPC as a dynamic community hub where individuals of every age, socioeconomic background, and cultural heritage find enrichment, inspiration, and a sense of belonging through transformative performances, and shared performing arts experiences and education through KPC Studios.

 

VALUES:  CELEBRATING DIVERSITY, ACCESSIBILITY, CREATIVITY

• Accessibility: Ensuring inclusivity for individuals of all ages and income levels, making our offerings accessible to everyone.
• Diversity: Embracing a wide spectrum of performance genres, including music, dance, theater, film, lectures, and more, that reflect the rich tapestry of our community’s cultural identities.
• Creative Community Connections: Fostering an environment where people from diverse backgrounds can come together, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections, strengthening the social fabric of our creative community.

 

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Kirkland Performance Center acknowledges that our theater occupies the unceded, traditional land of the Coast Salish Peoples, which includes but is not limited to the Duwamish, Stillaguamish, Snoqualmie, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and Tulalip Peoples, past and present. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout generations.