OVERLAND PARK, KS - Theatre in the Park (TIP), the region’s beloved outdoor stage, has earned one of the highest honors in the state: the 2025 Governor’s Arts Award for “Arts Organization of the Year,” presented by the Kansas Arts Commission.

This prestigious award recognizes TIP’s outstanding contributions to Kansas’ cultural life, spotlighting more than five decades of inspiring performances, inclusive programming, and unwavering community support.

"This award belongs to our entire community," said Tim Bair, Producing Artistic Director of TIP. “It’s a celebration of everyone-on stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience-who believes in the power of the arts to connect and uplift.”

From Humble Beginnings to National Recognition

Founded in 1970, Theatre in the Park has grown from a grassroots community theater into one of the largest and most respected outdoor theaters in the country. Nestled in the scenic Shawnee Mission Park, TIP has entertained hundreds of thousands of patrons with everything from Broadway classics to boundary-pushing dramas-all under the stars.

Each summer season brings together performers of all ages and backgrounds, reflecting the community TIP serves. Beyond the stage, the organization offers education programs, outreach initiatives, and partnerships with local schools and nonprofits, making the arts accessible to all.

A Place for Everyone

With a mission centered on accessibility, TIP keeps ticket prices low and the doors wide open. In 2024 alone, more than 30,000 people attended performances at Theatre in the Park—many returning year after year to enjoy musicals under the stars. Whether it’s a family’s first theater outing or a lifelong theatergoer returning for another season, TIP ensures every experience is affordable, memorable, and magical.

Through collaborations with schools, nonprofits, and community groups, TIP brings the arts to thousands who might not otherwise have access to live performances.

A Bright Future

As Theatre in the Park prepares to launch its 56th season this summer, the Governor’s Arts Award adds a new spotlight to its legacy. With a continued focus on innovation, inclusion, and community connection, TIP is poised to enchant audiences for generations to come.

About Theatre in the Park

Theatre in the Park is a program of Johnson County Park and Recreation District and the largest outdoor theater in Kansas. TIP presents a wide range of productions-including musicals, comedies, dramas, and family shows-in a unique, open-air setting. With a focus on community, education, and artistic excellence, TIP is a cultural mainstay in the Kansas City metro area.