Volunteers Lucia Rooney, Carlene Tresnak, Jennifer Breeden and Mary Webb in Brandmeyer Great Hall. (photo by Don Ipock)
What Volunteers Do
Generous volunteers are at the center of the patron experience at the Kauffman Center. They welcome and assist visitors throughout the building. Volunteers are not only friendly faces at every entry point, but they also scan tickets, provide directions and help patrons to their seats. They oversee coat check, guide patrons as they look for the perfect keepsake in the gift shop and participate in community outreach initiatives through the Kauffman Center’s Open Doors programs.
(photo by Don Ipock)
Why Volunteer
Volunteers have the opportunity to be a part of extraordinary performances, special events and concerts across all musical genres at the Kauffman Center. As a thank-you for their outstanding contributions to the organization, volunteers are invited to attend appreciation events at the Kauffman Center, like exclusive backstage tours, movie nights, milestone luncheons and annual recognition celebrations. Volunteers also explore Kansas City together during quarterly outings to area museums, art collections and must-see spaces throughout the metro.
“There are so many things about being a volunteer at the Kauffman Center that make it great. The volunteer corps is a group of fun folks who make you feel welcome from your first shift. We have a ‘we’re all in this together’ kind of attitude that allows each volunteer to feel supported whether it’s your first shift or your 100th shift. We feel appreciated and valued by the Kauffman Center staff as well.”
– Marlene F., 2022 – 2023 apprentice program graduate
Who Should Volunteer
The Kauffman Center maintains a volunteer corps of approximately 500 individuals, and each person brings their own unique skills and life experiences. While some applicants have experience as an usher, ticket taker or customer service representative, most do not. What all volunteers do have in common is that they are friendly, like to collaborate with others, enjoy meeting new people and are excited about welcoming the entire Kansas City community to performing arts experiences.
“For anyone considering volunteering, I would tell you this is a great facility which is extremely well run. They are always thanking and recognizing the volunteers in many different ways.”
– Steve F., 2022 – 2023 apprentice program graduate
How to Become a Volunteer
Those interested in being considered for the upcoming annual volunteer recruitment period for the 2023 – 2024 season can complete an application on the volunteer page of the Kauffman Center website. Applicants could be accepted into the apprentice program, which is the selection process and training program for new and returning volunteers.
Participants in the apprentice program complete three in-person training classes and online evaluations, as well as volunteer for four guided shifts alongside veteran volunteers. Throughout their tenure, volunteers are invited to attend advanced training classes that explore the ins and outs of ushering and specialty positions. All volunteers gather at an annual refresher training every season to learn up-to-date policies and procedures, as well as applications for the Kauffman Center’s customer service philosophy of “Making It Memorable.”
“Would you like to join a group of dedicated individuals who want to help you succeed in your volunteer role in one of the most exquisite buildings in Kansas City? Would you like to have the opportunity to see and hear fantastic artistic presentations? Would you like to be appreciated for the volunteer hours you provide? If you answered ‘yes,’ then you should consider becoming a Kauffman Center volunteer. At first, I felt overwhelmed at the prospect of learning my way around the building and doubted my ability to direct patrons correctly. All the experienced volunteers were very generous in sharing tips and advice. The apprentice program allayed my fears and helped my confidence grow. The team captains and performance leads were also very supportive and encouraging. Now I consider the Kauffman Center my happy place and know that I will learn something new every time I enter the building.”
– Kay W., 2022 – 2023 apprentice program graduate
To find out more about the Kauffman Center’s volunteer program visit kauffmancenter.org/volunteer.
Interested in volunteering? Applications for the 2023 – 2024 season will be available late summer 2023.
Contributed by the Kauffman Center
