Youth performers, visitors and a familiar fuzzy face move through Brandmeyer Great Hall at the 11th annual Future Stages Festival. (photo by Bernadette Hursh)
Art is undeniably powerful. It can educate, empower and connect us. The Kauffman Center is passionate about providing youth, families and underserved community members with opportunities to experience the performing arts. The Kauffman Center aims to remove barriers to the arts for people all across the Kansas City area through their Open Doors community engagement initiatives.
Internships
The Kauffman Center is dedicated to creating meaningful paid opportunities for young professionals and students to grow their career skills. Interns receive hands-on experience with staff members in various areas of nonprofit arts administration. Spring, summer and fall internship applications are posted throughout the year at kauffmancenter.org/internships.
Community Tickets
Kauffman Center’s Community Tickets program offers reduced or free tickets to local social service agencies, schools and nonprofit organizations bringing children, families and other underserved community members to performances. Email [email protected] to learn more!
Student Matinees
Every year, the Kauffman Center is excited to introduce students to the world of performance art through more than 35 student matinees throughout the season. Students get to experience magical performances by the Kansas City Symphony, Lyric Opera of Kansas City and the Kansas City Ballet at their student matinee offerings throughout the year. Each spring, the Kauffman Center hosts young people and educators at awe-inspiring Trailblazing Talks presentations by world-renowned photographers, explorers, scientists and leaders for just $2 per ticket for school groups. To learn about upcoming student matinee performances from the Kauffman Center and resident arts organizations, visit kauffmancenter.org/student-matinees and sign up for the educator email list!
Bus Transportation Fund
The Open Doors Bus Transportation Fund defrays or even eliminates the cost of transporting students to student matinee performances, open dress rehearsals and educational tours at the Kauffman Center. Educators may apply for transportation cost reimbursement at kauffmancenter.org/bus-transportation-fund.
Educational Tours
Educational Tours provide an in-depth, behind-the-scenes peek at the facility’s performance space and architectural highlights. Over the course of one hour, students learn about Kauffman Center’s history, iconic structure and inner workings. Complete the form at kauffmancenter.org/request-a-tour to learn about tour availability.
For those who would like to explore the Kauffman Center virtually, visit kauffmancenter.org/educational-resources to access educational videos.
Career Center Stage
Career Center Stage provides students a behind-the-scenes look at how Kauffman Center staff run one of the country’s premier performing arts centers. Students engage with staff during Q&A sessions that last between 30 and 60 minutes and are often paired with a 45-minute facility tour. This opportunity is recommended for college and high school classes. Email [email protected] to learn more.
Backstage Intensive
Backstage Intensive is designed with high school and college students with interests in careers in technical theatre in mind. Over the course of 2.5 hours, students will get an up close look at technical aspects like lighting, sound and stage management, as well as administrative roles in marketing, ticketing and patron services. Students participate in demonstrations, tours and discussions with Kauffman Center staff and learn about all the work that happens behind the scenes to create a successful production. Email [email protected] to learn more.
Future Stages Festival
A free community event that showcases hundreds of talented youth performers and family-friendly programming, Future Stages Festival is a one-day event that invites everyone to explore diverse performances on multiple stages along with interactive arts activities provided by community arts organizations. The 12th annual Future Stages Festival took place on Sunday, June 15.
– Keyonna Steele
