Jayhawk Theatre facts for kids
A photo of the theater's original sign, called a marquee.
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| Address | 720 SW Jackson St. Topeka, Kansas United States |
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| Owner | Jayhawk Theatre Inc. (501(c)(3) Non-Profit) |
| Operator | Jayhawk Theatre Inc. |
| Capacity | 300 (2008-present) 1550 (original) |
| Construction | |
| Opened | August 16, 1926 |
| Closed | 1976 |
| Architect | Thomas W. Williamson Boller Brothers |
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Jayhawk Theatre
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| Architect | Thomas W. Williamson |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002675 |
| Added to NRHP | March 11, 1982 |
The Historic Jayhawk State Theatre of Kansas is a famous theater in downtown Topeka, Kansas. It first opened its doors on August 16, 1926. When it was built, the theater was part of a large complex that also included the Jayhawk Hotel and a shopping center. This meant visitors could eat, sleep, and see a show all in one grand location.
The Jayhawk Theatre was a popular spot for many years but closed in January 1976. The building sat empty for a long time. In the 1980s, the complex was purchased. Later, in 1993, the theater was given to a non-profit group after the city decided it should not be torn down.
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A Grand Design
The idea for the Jayhawk Theatre came from E.H. Crosby, a Topeka local. The theater was designed by architect Thomas W. Williamson with help from the Boller Brothers, a firm from Kansas City. It cost about $1 million to build in 1926, which was a huge amount of money back then.
Inside the Theatre
The theater was built with a strong frame of steel and concrete. This smart design meant there were no posts inside the main seating area, so everyone had a perfect view of the stage. The ceiling was a large dome painted with twinkling stars, making it look like the night sky.
The lobby had two grand staircases that led up to the second level, called the mezzanine. This floor had a fancy lounge for guests to relax in. The stage itself was framed by a decorated arch called a proscenium. On this arch was a beautiful mural painted by William Peaco. The painting showed the goddess of farming surrounded by symbols of Kansas, including the state seal.
Who Owns the Theatre?
Today, the Jayhawk Theatre is owned and run by a non-profit organization called Historic Jayhawk Theatre Inc. A non-profit is a group that works to help the community, not to make money for owners. In 1993, the Kansas government officially named the Jayhawk the State Theatre of Kansas, recognizing its importance.
Bringing the Theatre Back to Life
The group Historic Jayhawk Theatre Inc. is working hard to fix up and modernize the theater while keeping its historic character. They are raising money through donations and special events to fund the big renovation project.
One part of the theater has already been given a new life. In 2007, a space that will one day be the main lobby was turned into The Gallery. This area now shows artwork from local artists. It is also used as a place for small concerts, parties, and meetings for the volunteers who are helping to save the theater.
Images for kids
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A historical photo of the theater's interior.
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A colorized photo showing the theater's original look.
