Topeka Civic Theatre

Founded in 1936, Topeka Civic Theatre is the oldest continuously running community dinner theatre in the country. In July of 1999, TCT completed construction on our new home in the former Gage Elementary School. The school was built around 1929 and is rich in architecture and design.

"We strive to engage, inspire, and transform volunteers, audiences and our community through theatre with high artistic standards while keeping it affordable and accessible to everyone. We are committed to embodying the mission of Topeka Civic Theatre: ...to share the joy of live theatre."

The Sheffel Theatre is named after benefactor and Topeka philanthropist Irv Sheffel. The 282 seat dinner theatre is home to entertainment including five plays, three musicals, a dozen Laugh Lines performances, our annual BRAVO! giving event, Volunteer Awards and other special events. The Sheffel Theatre (a.k.a Mainstage) dims her lights just 11 weekends a year. 

The Oldfather Theatre is the namesake of Charley Oldfather. The stage is home to our Academy, Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) and Studio productions. 

In 2013 TCT began a partnership with Shawnee County Parks & Recreation to manage Helen Hocker Theater. Through that partnership, TCT continues to enrich theatre programming at Helen Hocker Theater while meeting and exceeding goals and staying under budget.