McKinney Repertory Theatre was incorporated with the State of Texas in January 2003 by a group of local amateur actors that have worked together for several years.  Its first production, Belles, was performed in April 2003 at the Chapel at Chestnut Square. Since then, it has presented several plays at Chestnut Square, the Heard-Craig Hall and the McKinney Performing Arts Center. It received its non-profit status in February 2004. The theatre held its first Children's Summer Musical Theatre Camp in June 2005 at the Heard-Craig Hall with 39 children from ages 8 to 18 participating in a production of The Music Man, Jr.

The McKinney Repertory Theatre is a member of the McKinney Chamber of Commerce and the American Association of Community Theatre. Its productions are funded in part by the City of McKinney through the City of McKinney Arts Commission.