The Wichita Children's Theatre and Dance Center faces an $8,000 to $10,000 repair bill after six weeks without air conditioning. Executive Director Kelly Wonsetler Staiger said fall programs could be canceled if the work isn't finished in time.

An electrician discovered voltage fluctuations were causing the building's AC units to fail repeatedly. Wonsetler Staiger contacted Evergy on July 23 after the finding, according to KAKE News. The utility did not send a worker until Thursday, Sept. 3, more than a month later.

Wonsetler Staiger told KWCH the response came only after the theatre warned it would contact the media. August is the theatre's only month without classes or performances, she said, and the window to make repairs closed while the nonprofit waited.

"We were only able to get them to come after we mentioned we were going to the media," Wonsetler Staiger said.

When Evergy's worker arrived, testing confirmed 250 volts were flowing into the building instead of the standard 240. Evergy agreed to replace the transformer at its own cost.

The theatre, however, must pay for all new service wiring, estimated at $8,000 to $10,000. The work could take up to another month.

The two sides disagree on the root cause. Evergy said in a statement that the AC failure resulted from a contractor installing incorrect equipment, not from the utility's own equipment or service. Wonsetler Staiger pointed to the confirmed voltage overage as the source of the problem.

The theatre's AC troubles stretch back years. More than four years ago, thieves stole copper from three outdoor units. Insurance covered only two replacements. At the start of summer 2026, both remaining units needed multiple service calls, including two compressor replacements.

Throughout the six weeks without cooling, the nonprofit kept performing. Staff set up box fans around the theatre space to get through summer shows and classes.

The theatre relies on fundraisers and student tuition to keep children's performances free. A fundraiser scheduled for Sept. 5 had to be canceled. Community members who want to help can donate at donate.wctdc.org.