Welcome to the Kauffman Center

An inside look at the Kauffman Center for Perfoming Arts

Isn’t it gorgeous? Trust us, the views are just as impressive inside. | Photo by @kansascityinphotos

The Kauffman Center for Performing Arts seeks to bring the community together and celebrate the city’s rich arts culture, ever since its opening in 2011. While you may have been in the audience for a symphony or ballet performance, we are going to show you a whole new perspective of the Kauffman Center — beyond the stage. For all of our visual learners, you’re welcome.

Let’s go backstage

Backstage, the artists for both performance venues have dressing rooms, warm-up spaces, kitchens, and even a laundry room to utilize during their time at the Kauffman Center. There are also three green rooms on the Helzberg side with TV monitors that display a live stream of the stage.

Muriel Kauffman Theatre

The curtain was drawn while we were there, but the stage felt grand even without the view of the audience. The Muriel Kauffman Theatre seats 1,800 and was inspired by European opera houses, with multiple balconies along the sides of the theater. The Muriel is home to the Kansas City Ballet and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, as well as touring Broadway shows.

Behind the scenes at Muriel Kauffman Theatre

Big Door at KAUFFMAN KCTODAY — Have you ever seen a door this big?

Due to the nature of the performances, the Muriel can take shape to many different needs of shows — hence this massive “elephant” door that allows set pieces to be transported directly from Broadway Boulevard.

The 5,000-sqft stage also includes an orchestra pit (which can house up to 90 musicians) and has a 74-ft tall fly system.

Don’t look down

The fly system KCtoday — Just a regular day in the office — 40 ft above the Muriel Kauffman Theatre stage.

Welcome to the grid of the fly system — which is used to lift (or fly) components such as scenery and lighting from the stage. Thankfully, we were feeling like dare devils this day and checked out the epic above-stage view. Usually one to two crew members, known as riggers, will be up here at a time operating the components of the fly system. This is one of the safest rigging spaces in KC due to the width of the slats that run across the grid (basically, no one can fall through). Talk about where the magic happens.

Don’t worry, the show doesn’t end here.

CONTINUE THE TOUR

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Today, Dec. 8

Cheers to the Chairman Holiday Reception | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | KCK Chamber, 727 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS | Free | Raise a glass to the outgoing board chair + members. 🥂
Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Gem Theater, 1615 E. 18th St., Kansas City, MO | $35+ | Listen to Coldplay’s greatest hits like “Fix You” and “Paradise” while under the gentle glow of candlelight. 🕯️

Friday, Dec. 9

Neighborhood Networking - Shop Local KC | Friday, Dec. 9 | 8:30-10 a.m. | 3510 W. 95th St., Leawood, KS | $0-$15 | Networking with fellow creators — small biz style.
Seussical The Musical | Friday, Dec. 9-Friday, Dec. 23 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS | $16.50 | See your favorite Dr. Seuss characters on stage in this musical comedy. 🎭
Christmas Vacation Trivia | Friday, Dec. 9 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Weston Wine Company, 540 Main St., Weston, MO | $7 | Put your Christmas movie knowledge to the test for the chance to win prizes (and bragging rights). 🎄

Saturday, Dec. 10

Beginner Level Glass Fusing Class | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Riverfront Community Center, 123 S. Esplanade St., Leavenworth, KS | $40 | This class will teach you the basics + send you home with a completed project.
Holiday Harmonies | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 3 p.m. | Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St., Kansas City, MO | $20-$45 | Listen to these two internationally ranked a cappella choruses at this holiday concert. 🎶

Sunday, Dec. 11

Kansas City Comets vs. Milwaukee Wave | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 4:05 p.m. | Cable Dahmer Arena, 19100 E. Valley View Pkwy., Independence, MO | $20-$50 | Cheer on the Comets during this divisional battle. ⚽

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Union Station: Your first (and only) holiday stop

Presented by a KCtoday Partner

Union Station lit up by Christmas lights

Union Station is the most famous destination in Kansas City for a reason. | Photo by Roy Inman

Fact: There’s no place like Union Station, especially during the holidays. Whether you’re an arts lover, science enthusiast, or just want to take in the stunning scenery, Union Station has something for everyone.

Here are four activities to consider adding to your calendar:

Holiday Reflections for all the holiday cheer
Science City exhibits (including Merry Science Day on Sat., Dec. 17)
Live guided star tours at The Planetarium
Holiday Classic Movies in the Extreme Screen Theatre (on an 80- by 53-ft screen)*

GRAB TICKETS + PLAN YOUR VISIT

Weather

48º | Rainy | 77% chance of rain

Development

Bluhawk broke ground on its $750 million indoor sports complex yesterday — near 159th Street and US 69 Highway, Overland Park, KS. The Advent Sports Complex will include pickleball courts + a turf field and a baseball training area. The complex is expected to open in fall 2024. (MetroWire Media)

Sports

The Kansas City Current’s 2023 roster just keeps growing with the signings of midfielders Morgan Gautrat and Vanessa DiBernardo. Both players signed two-year agreements and are the first free agents signed by the club under the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement. ⚽

Seasonal

You’ve got mail, and it’s from Santa Claus. Overland Park has a direct mail service to the North Pole this year — with the mailbox located under the clock tower in downtown OP. We hear that Santa is writing back, but only if you’re on the nice list. ✉️

Outdoors

KC Parks and Take A Hike KC are teaming up to challenge you to explore our city. Hike at least one trail in each of the six city council districts to earn a free patch. Check out the trail list here. 🥾

Eat

Cliff’s Taphouse is offering a special holiday experience on Monday, Dec. 12 — presenting the first-ever Spirits Dinner with KC distillery Restless Spirits. Enjoy a hearty four-course dinner with each plate paired with a delicious cocktail. Tickets are $80 per person. Book your spot here. 🍸

Watch

What’s poppin’? 130,000 biodegradable Qualitex balloons, that’s what. Watch 75 poppers have (loud) fun taking down the Big Balloon Build. Missed the event? There are donated build pieces around town for a limited time — can you find them all? 🎈

Concert

It’s not a phase, mom. Jam out to The All-American Rejects, Story of the Year, and Plain White T’s at this pop-punk music festival coming to Legends Field on June 16, 2023. Tickets start at $20. 🎸

Coming Soon

Keep your eyes peeled. Cóndor’s Cove will announce all details + reservations about its last pop-up of the year on Friday, Dec. 9. Any guesses on what the theme will be? 👀

Job

City Barrel Brewery is looking for a Packaging Lead — a leader on the production team. This person will be the master of all things canning and awesomeness. Find more about the role here. 🍻

Shop

‘Tis the season to shop items from our online shop Six & Main. Our gift guides feature shirts, jewelry, gourmet popcorn, coffee, and more. There’s no time to waste, let the shopping begin. 🛍️

Try This

The Kansas City Museum is hosting a full day of free + ticketed experiences on Sunday, Dec. 11. Sip on a free tasting from gm goods coffee, listen to holiday tunes from The Dickens Carolers, and stop by a holiday meet and greet with KC pottery artist Irma Starr. Find more details here.
Give the gift of a quality shave month after month with a Harry’s trial set and blade subscription. Choose your handle color, refill frequency, and let the good shave days roll in for as little as $5 on sign-up (yes, you heard that right). 🪒*

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Get your sip on, holiday style

Four holiday drinks in Kansas City

Someone teach us how to do this at home. | Photo by KCtoday

‘Tis the season for holiday themed sips to get you feeling all sorts of festive. Lucky for you, City Editor Bella is a beverage-expert (self-proclaimed) and has found options for varying taste bud preferences.

White chocolate mocha | Kinship Cafe | Nothing is more classic this time of year than a mocha — but this one is made special with the addition of frosted mint + matcha.
Mr. Moonlight | Westport Cafe | We’ve talked about it before, and we’ll talk about it again. The citrus twist on this espresso martini is a must-try in our book.
Spiced apple | Nine Zero One | This mocktail includes Louisburg apple cider, ginger beer, and cinnamon syrup — perfect to warm you up at the igloo pop-up.
Nutcracker Ale | Boulevard Brewing Company | This warming winter ale has a spicy but smooth balanced taste.

Know where else we can get a sip of holiday cheer? Let us know.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Bella.

Editor’s pick: Fun fact about me: I am a frequent concert-goer. In the last year alone I have been to 40+ shows varying from metal to indie to rap. Because of this hobby, I get to attend a lot of cool venues (including some of the ones on this list), but today I am visiting the Cable Dahmer Arena for the first time to see The 1975. Every venue has its quirks, so hit me up with any insider tips on this one (think: parking, bag policy, food + drink).

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? This one’s for the history buffs.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Bella Rainey, Travis Meier, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Amanda Munsey | Advertise with us.

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