Coterie Theatre Executive Director Joette Pelster, 71, has passed away peacefully at home in her sleep. Earlier this month, she had announced her intent to retire this coming January. She had joined the professional non-profit organization 28 years ago, and led the theatre to impressive heights. Under her leadership, The Coterie grew from an annual budget of $600,000 to $1.6 million.
With Producing Artistic Director Jeff Church, Pelster managed hundreds of productions. Highlights include multiple production transfers to The Kennedy Center and an Off-Broadway transfer to New York City’s New Victory Theater. She was most proud of securing National Endowment for the Arts funding in the mid-90s for The Coterie’s Great Books/Banned Books Season. According to Church, “her favorite review was when Travel+Leisure magazine said, ‘this is a theatre that resolutely refuses to talk down to children.’ She made things possible; she was a visionary. The loss we all feel cannot be described.”
Joette Pelster
Pelster’s achievements were immense, even before her time at The Coterie. In 1993, she was the marketing director for the Folly Theater and then became the first executive director of the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey (KCFAA), where she later served as an advisory board member. During her tenure at KCFAA, she created AileyCamp with Alvin Ailey, the model for AileyCamps around the country.
Another achievement involved Pelster briefly leaving The Coterie for a time to assist Pat Jordan in the restoration and reopening in 1997 of the Gem Theater. When Pelster returned to The Coterie, there was an exceptional period of growth, securing The Shubert Foundation, Menorah Legacy Foundation and Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation support, joining what she had established previously – Theater League, National Endowment for the Arts, and Missouri Arts Council annual support.
Vicky Lee, Joette Pelster, Judith Yeckel, and Jeff Church (left to right) at The Coterie's 2017 world premiere of "No Talking" by Andrew Clements. Photo courtesy of The Coterie.
Coterie Board President Andrew Van Der Laan noted, “The Coterie was prepared for Joette’s retirement with detailed plans already in action, but this news comes as a shock not only to The Coterie family, but to the entire performing arts community where Joette was loved and respected in a way that very few people achieve. The board and staff of The Coterie extend our deepest sympathies to her husband, adopted daughter, sisters, and extended family.”
TYA/USA Executive Director Sara Morgulis shared, “At TYA/USA, we are grateful for Joette’s extraordinary board service at TYA/USA. As Treasurer, she built a solid foundation for the organization’s sustainability and future growth. Her time and energy has created a lasting impression on the organization for years to come.
A celebration of life will be held on Monday, December 19, 4:00 p.m., at The Coterie Theatre in
Crown Center, Level 1, Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO. In memoriam, the family requests donations go to The Joette Pelster Visionary Fund at The Coterie Theatre to commemorate her legacy as a Kansas City arts visionary. Pelster’s vision for The Coterie’s performance space has always included upgraded seating, carpet, and other improvements. Her inspiration helped drive The Coterie for nearly 30 years, and gifts in her honor will impact for many more. Checks may be made payable to The Coterie Theatre, and addressed to The Coterie Theatre, ATTN: Joette Pelster Visionary Fund, 2450 Grand Blvd. Suite 144, Kansas City MO, 64108, or online at thecoterie.org/joette-pelster.
Jeff Church and Joette Pelster. Photo courtesy of The Coterie.
