Our Mission
KCPT's Mission is to foster artistic expression that entertains, educates, and engages our community while developing an accessible and relevant theatre that produces new works, contemporary plays, and innovative interpretations of classics that captivate, challenge, and celebrate our audiences and artists.
Our Vision
We see KCPT as a vital part of our community that contributes greatly to the quality of life in this region by providing high caliber theater and enriching cultural experiences. We envision mutually rewarding partnerships with businesses, schools, artists and residents as key to a thriving theater. We offer theater that provides opportunities for residents of all ages to be active in creative theater arts and challenges our thinking to enrich lives and foster dialog. By filling the theater's seats we fulfill the essential community need to share stories with one another and contribute to the economic vitality of the region by creating jobs, teaching real world skills and attracting financial support from within and beyond our region.
Our ValueS
Passion for Excellence that ensures a robust cultural asset for our region producing relevant performances that celebrate and challenge our community’s values.
Life Long Participation in the Arts through youth and continuing education programming and community outreach activities that embrace opportunities for emerging and novice artists to learn from experienced, professional artists practicing their craft.
Advancing the Art Form by nurturing artistic risk and opportunities for new work development by generative artists and their collaborators.
An Accessible Theatre where reasonable ticket pricing, strong community partnerships and diverse programming reduce age, gender, economic and other barriers.
Stewardship of Theatre Arts where responsibly managed assets and engaged people whose skills, talents, wisdom and passion for our mission build a healthy future together.
Our Story
Key City Public Theatre (KCPT), nestled in the heart of Port Townsend, Washington, has been a cornerstone of the Olympic Peninsula's cultural landscape. Established in 1958, KCPT has evolved from a modest community theater into a dynamic professional company celebrated for its artistic excellence, innovative programming, and deep community engagement.
A Legacy of Artistic Excellence
Under the visionary leadership of Executive Artistic Director Denise Winter since 2005, KCPT has garnered regional acclaim. The 2023–24 season was particularly noteworthy, with the noir-inspired musical Gunmetal Blues earning six nominations and winning Best Musical (People’s Choice Award) at the Sound on Stage Awards. KCPT also took home the award for Best Theatre Experience, further cementing its reputation for excellence. Additionally, the theatre was honored as a top-five finalist for the Gregory Award for Organization of the Year in the West Puget Sound region, underscoring its status as a leader in the regional arts scene.UBC Blogs+4thesoundonstage.org+4Washington Trust+4Key City Public Theatre+1thesoundonstage.org+1
Championing New Works and Diverse Voices
KCPT is renowned for its commitment to developing original productions that resonate with contemporary audiences. The theater's annual Play Craft Originals showcases new works from regional playwrights, fostering a vibrant platform for emerging voices. Recent premieres like Living Incognegro by Gin Hammond, RED by Kat Agudo and Carmelita by Ana Maria Campoy exemplify KCPT's dedication to presenting stories that reflect diverse perspectives and challenge conventional narratives. Key City Public TheatrePT Leader
A Hub for Community and Education
Beyond its mainstage productions, KCPT plays a pivotal role in community engagement and education. The theater offers a range of programs, including youth theater camps, school partnerships, and public workshops, aiming to nurture the next generation of artists and theater enthusiasts. Notably, KCPT collaborates with the local, regional, and national Playwrights. KING5+1Peninsula Daily News+1
Revitalizing Historic Spaces
In 2023, KCPT undertook a significant $610,000 renovation of its historic venue at 419 Washington Street. The project, recognized with the Washington State Main Street’s Programs 2023 Excellence on Main Award for Bricks & Mortar Rehabilitation Award, included modernizing facilities with energy-efficient systems, expanding seating capacity, and enhancing accessibility. These upgrades ensure that the theater remains a welcoming and state-of-the-art space for performers and audiences alike. Key City Public Theatre+2Peninsula Daily News+2Key City Public Theatre+2Washington Trust