Located on the K-State campus, McCain hosts an array of outstanding artists and attractions each year in the McCain Performance Series. From ballet to Broadway, jazz to chamber music, comedy to classic theatre, McCain has something for every taste.
History
A college barn, Anderson Hall, an auditorium constructed in 1904 and All Faiths Chapel quickly became insufficient for the growing number of performers and lectures that were coming through K-State’s Campus by the late 1950s. President James McCain advocated for the building of a brand-new auditorium to fill these growing needs. In 1963 McCain asked for funds for this new build saying, "No building is more essential to the broad educational purpose of a center of higher learning than this facility and none has stronger support from our faculty, students, and alumni.”
The University was allocated $2.8 million for a brand-new auditorium that would be able to host every type of performance that made its way to K-State’s campus from student performances to nationally touring Broadway shows. Within 3 years McCain Auditorium was built and hosted its first Broadway play “George M” on October 7, 1970. Since then, McCain has become a staple in Manhattan for providing one of the best theater experiences in Manhattan and the surrounding communities.
2022-2023 McCain Performance Series
The 2022-2023 McCain Performance Series is packed full of incredible entertainment that you won’t want to miss. There are 22 shows that pack this year’s season starting with The Guess Who on Thursday, September 8 and ending with Comedian Brian Regan on Sunday, April 30, 2023. Throughout the season catch country music singer Josh Turner on September 22 or the 18-member orchestra, Count Basie orchestra o October 15. Join in on a conversation with the stars of Napoleon Dynamite, a BYOT (bring your own tots) event, on October 21. Or journey to the past with the new Broadway musical Anastasia on September 27. These are just 4 of the unique events coming up this season. View the entire schedule here and see what other great entertainment will be gracing the McCain stage.
Tickets and Discounts
Single performance tickets go on sale starting August 1. But you can save money and buy your tickets early by purchasing a season subscription. A season subscription is an order of seven or more shows. The more shows you order the more you save! Subscribe to 7 or more events and save 10%, subscribe to 13 or more and save 15% or subscribe to the entire season and save 20%.
McCain also offers both youth and group discounts. For select shows youth tickets are 50% off general public prices. These are good for patrons ages 17 and under. You can also entertain a group of 10 or and save 10% when you order and pay for all tickets at once.
Next time you are in Manhattan come embrace the arts at McCain auditorium. What show are you most excited to see? For more information visit https://mccain.k-state.edu/.
