On September 9, 1992, seventeen people attended KHCT's first organization meeting. Two very important decisions were made at that first meeting. First, to adopt the name of The Kearney/Holt Community Theatre. The second was to begin work on our premier production, "THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER".

With the financial support of the Kearney Fine Arts Council and several local merchants and businesses, we got our start. The first season's efforts were coordinated by Jim Leuschke with the help and cooperation of a group of very talented and motivated volunteers. The group operated without a formal charter or governing body, but the general consensus was that we would eventually want to form a non-profit corporation. In July of 1993 a board was formed and B.J. Gray was elected President. This Board developed Bylaws and we were incorporated in April of 1994. Other milestones in the early years of the organization include: Creating the KHCT NEWS (a quarterly newsletter) to keep the membership informed of the organizations progress; Joining The American Association of Community Theatre ( AACT ); Being granted Non-Profit, Tax Exempt status by the I.R.S. and being declared exempt from sales taxes by the State of Missouri.

As a result of the efforts of many dedicated individuals, a great deal has been accomplished in KHCT's short history. Today, the Kearney/Holt Community Theatre is incorporated under the laws of the state of Missouri as a Non-Profit Corporation. We are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3, Public benefit, charitable group. This designation allows individuals, as well as businesses, to make tax deductible donations and gifts to help support the organization. KHCT is dedicated to providing our local community with social, cultural, and educational enrichment through the promotion of theatrical arts. Although not directly associated with the Kearney School District, our efforts certainly compliment the educational process in our community. We are constantly learning as well as teaching. Good community theater is intended to provide all of us an opportunity to learn and to grow. We hope to help participants build self-esteem and confidence, and meet new friends. A good, wholesome, family-oriented organization like KHCT does not happen by mistake. It takes planning, commitment and hard work. It takes all of us working together. Hundreds of people have worked hard to help create this organization. Collectively, they have done a tremendous job! We can be very proud of their efforts.

KHCT did not stop once it got on it's feet; the organization continued to grow as a community entity:

During it's fifth season KHCT received plaques from Kearney Chamber of Commerce, The Kearney High School and The American Association of Community Theatres in recognition of their efforts, community involvement and continued support. On September 9, 1997, we celebrated our five year anniversary. Just when we thought it couldn't get any better........ the Mayors of both Kearney and Holt presented KHCT with a combined Proclamation declaring September 9, 1997 as Kearney/Holt Community Theatre Day. Another highlight of this season was breaking new ground by stepping outside the traditional theater and started producing diner theatre for the local community.

In it's sixth year the organization expanded it's honors off stage, receiving two parade awards: third place in the annual Kearney Jesse James Days parade and first place in the annual HOLT Cannonball parade. While KHCT's focus remains on theatrical entertainment, it continues to make itself a presence in the community with such events as Breakfast with Santa and theatrical workshops.

Congratulations KHCT! You have a lot to be proud of.

Like most successful organizations it has taken countless hours of hard work by numerous people. It began with the seemingly innocent question: "Does Kearney have a community theater group?". The answer has come from an entire community; "NOW IT DOES !"