Starlight Theatre Receives $3M in Tax Credits for Campus Improvements

Starlight Theatre announced that the Missouri Development Finance Board allocated $3 million in tax credits to the theatre in Swope Park. Photo credit: Photo credit: Matt Kocourek.

Posted February 3, 2026

The Missouri Development Finance Board has allocated $3 million in tax credits to the Starlight Theatre for capital improvements across its campus.

Starlight will utilize these tax credits as the final funding for its Uniquely KC capital campaign, an initiative to build a new production truss and light bridge. Additionally, a new state-of-the-art seating canopy will provide shade to approximately 3,200 seats, allowing for summer Broadway matinee programming and opening up opportunities for other community events and partnerships.

Starlight has a limited number of 50% Missouri tax credits available through April 2026, according to a Monday release shared with Ingram’s Magazine. Donors with Missouri tax liability who would like to make a new contribution to Starlight’s capital campaign are eligible to receive these tax credits in support of Starlight.

“The MDFB tax credits represent more than a financing tool—they’re a powerful way for our community to actively invest in Starlight’s future while receiving meaningful tax benefits,” Starlight president and CEO, Lindsey Rood-Clifford, said in the release. “In the final stretch of our Uniquely KC Capital Campaign, these credits allow patrons to support vital improvements to our theatre and make it easier to give in a way that aligns both generosity and impact.”

Rood-Clifford was an honoree in Ingram’s 40 Under Forty Class of 2025.

The Uniquely KC campaign has already elevated Starlight to create or enhance five community programs, including a free residency program for elementary schools to produce their first musical; a performance series for young audiences and families; a technical theatre training program for students; an Arts Bridge program that will activate Starlight’s historic facilities through community partnerships; as well as an expansion of Starlight’s existing community tickets program.

Opened as a theatre in 1950 and a nonprofit organization in 1951, Starlight is the largest and oldest performing arts organization in Kansas City, Missouri. Starlight is located on 16 acres in Swope Park with a venue of nearly 8,000 seats.