Historic Topeka theatre asks for $5 million from city, county

TOPEKA (KSNT) - A historic local theatre nestled in downtown Topeka is asking for several million dollars from the county to help it stay running.

The Jayhawk Theatre has long been a staple of the Capital City's downtown area ever since it opened its doors for the first time in 1926. Now, theatre representatives are asking for $5 million from the City of Topeka and Shawnee County to help keep it going.

Jayhawk Theatre Director Joanne Morrell asked city councilmembers on Tuesday, Nov. 19 to consider a contribution to the theatre which is currently undergoing its first phase of renovation work. The theatre received a $5 million grant in May 2023 from COVID-19 relief funds.

Renovations include added seating capacity to increase the amount of tickets the theatre can sell and allow it to draw in bigger acts. The decision to take up the request is now up to city and county leaders. Learn more about the historic theatre by clicking here.

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