Press Materials
Kauffman Center fact sheets, biographies and additional press materials can be found on this page. For press inquiries, contact Bess Wallerstein Huff, Director of Marketing, at or (816) 994-7229.
Fast Facts
Since the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts opened in September of 2011:
- 2.5 million people have attended a performance or event
- 257,000+ students have experienced school matinees on our stages
- 131,000+ young people have been provided transporation funding through the Kauffman Center’s Open Doors program
- 2,200 volunteers have helped provide a memorable experience for patrons contributing 290,000 hours of their time, creating a cost savings of $6.6 million
- 100+ arts organizations have performed on our stages
Fact Sheets
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Backgrounder
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, a major center for music, opera, theater and dance, opened in downtown Kansas City, Missouri on September 16, 2011.
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Fact Sheet
The Kauffman Center presents a wide range of entertainers and performers from around the world, and serves as the performance home of three of the region’s leading performing arts organizations.
Architect’s Statement: Moshe Safdie
Designed by architect Moshe Safdie, the 285,000-square-foot Kauffman Center includes two stand-alone performance halls, housed within a dramatic overarching shell featuring a glass roof and glass walls.
Kauffman Center Education: Open Doors Program
Open Doors is an education and community outreach program that connects students to the Kauffman Center.
Kauffman Center Presents series
The Kauffman Center Presents series features world-renowned artists from a wide variety of performance genres.
Kansas City Arts and Culture
Serving as a cultural catalyst for Kansas City’s downtown, the Kauffman Center shines a spotlight on the region’s performing arts community.
Kansas City Symphony
The Kansas City Symphony is the resident orchestra of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The group performs in the 1,600-seat Helzberg Hall.
Kansas City Ballet
The Kansas City Ballet is the resident dance company of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The group performs in the 1,800-seat Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Lyric Opera of Kansas City is the resident opera company of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The group performs in the 1,800-seat Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
Biographies
Paul J. Schofer
President and CEO, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Bio
Paul J. Schofer serves as the President and CEO of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to his selection as President and CEO in June 2014, Schofer served as the Kauffman Center’s Vice President of Operations and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Design Consultants
Theatre Projects Consultants, Nagata Acoustics
Bio
Theatre Projects Consultants is the world’s leading theatre designing and planning company, with more than 1,200 projects in 70 countries to its credit. Nagata Acoustics is Japan’s leading acoustical consulting firm and one of a small group of companies in this specialized field whose activities are known and respected worldwide.
Moshe Safdie
Architect
Bio
Moshe Safdie is an architect, urban planner, educator, theorist, and author who
embraces a comprehensive and humane design philosophy.