Attending a performance at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is a memorable and inspiring experience. Patrons can enrich these experiences with a Spotlight membership through the Kauffman Center, joining others who share a passion for the performing arts.
Various levels of membership are available, and all play a vital role in helping the Kauffman Center realize its vision in the community. The generous gifts of thousands of members each year help sustain outstanding programming, fund its Open Doors and student educational programs, and support the excellent work of the resident arts organizations.
As a measure of gratitude for their support, members of the Kauffman Center enjoy a host of benefits.
“The Kauffman Center is committed to showcasing local artists and emerging artists, in addition to the national and international performances it brings to the community,” said Paul Schofer, President and CEO of the Kauffman Center. “At various times throughout the year, the Kauffman Center treats its members to exclusive concerts, intimate performances and members-only events at no charge.”
This past holiday season, a private concert and reception was hosted for Spotlight members featuring singer/songwriter Casi Joy, a contestant on the TV show
The Voice, who is from Smithville, Missouri. This year, the Kauffman Center is planning a special spring concert for all its members.
In addition to special performances and complimentary tickets to shows, patrons who join at the Spotlight Premier level enjoy the ultimate insider access, including a personal concierge to assist with performance tickets, dinner reservations and valet parking. Spotlight Premier members also are invited to private backstage tours, as well as Meet & Greets with guest artists. In past seasons, these have included Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Kenny G, Patti LaBelle, John Legend, Jay Leno and Lily Tomlin.
Some Spotlight Premier membership levels offer a seat plaque inscription in Muriel Kauffman Theatre or Helzberg Hall, rental discounts, use of a box suite, and an invitation to the Chairman’s Reception with Julia Irene Kauffman, chairman of the board for the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
All Spotlight Premier members receive complimentary Children’s Wall handprints. The Kauffman Center Children’s Wall is a unique opportunity to recognize a child, while leaving a lasting impression on this landmark building. It also creates a lifelong bond and a tangible connection between a child and the arts.
Donations made to the Kauffman Center for a Spotlight membership are partially tax deductible and are used to help fulfill the vision of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which is to enrich the lives of everyone in the community through extraordinary and diverse performing arts experiences.
For companies, the Kauffman Center offers its business membership group, Ensemble. More than 80 companies are part of this group, which is presented by PNC Bank. In addition to year-round networking, business development and marketing opportunities, Ensemble members enjoy special perks and exclusive performances. Ensemble members also receive complimentary tickets for entertaining clients or as an employee benefit, and discounted event rentals for receptions, dinners and meetings.
A favorite among Ensemble members are special receptions and pop-up performances throughout the year featuring top-tier local artists who perform in a surprise location within the Kauffman Center. Past pop-up artists have included Calvin Arsenia, Beau Bledsoe and Eboni Fondren.
For more information about membership programs at the Kauffman Center, contact Trisha Drape at 816-994-7220 or tdrape@kauffmancenter.org. Visit kauffmancenter.org/spotlight for additional details.
–Megan Felling
