A Guide to Accessibility at Kauffman Center
The Kauffman Center’s promise to bring artists and audiences together is reflected in many ways, including removing barriers and providing all patrons access to our performing arts experiences.
You can also receive additional information or resources that would make your visit more enjoyable by calling our ticket office at 816.994.7222 or by emailing us at accessibility@kauffmancenter.org. Patrons may request services (e.g., ASL interpretation, captioning, audio description, etc.) by contacting our ticket office at least two weeks before any performance, concert or event.
Serenity rooms, sensory kits and universal changing tables are supported by Variety Children’s Charity of Greater Kansas City.
Every performance in Muriel Kauffman Theatre and Helzberg Hall offers accessible seating options for patrons with accessibility needs. Accessible seats may be removed for mobility devices or left in place and adjacent or nearby companion seats are available. Size-inclusive seating options are also available upon request.
All levels of the building can be reached by elevator except for the Upper Grand Tier (Level 7) in Helzberg Hall. However, elevator access does not guarantee the absence of stairs to a seat. Please call the box office at 816.994.7222 or email accessibility@kauffmancenter.org to determine the accessible seating options that best meet your needs.
Accessible parking spaces in the Arts District Garage are close to building access points and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Valet parking is also available on the south drop-off drive for most performances. Additional information about parking is available on our Directions & Parking page.
Two drop-off areas allow guests to enter the center easily:
Patrons who would benefit from amplified and clarified sound may exchange an ID card for complimentary use of an assistive listening device in the Gift Shop in Brandmeyer Great Hall.
Booster seats are reserved for those who require the use of a four-inch cushion to view the stage and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons may request a complimentary booster seat at coat check on the plaza lobby level or connect with a Kauffman Center staff member or volunteer.
Staff members and volunteers at exterior doors can provide complimentary wheelchairs for use before a performance, during intermission and after a performance. Remaining in a borrowed wheelchair during your entire visit is not an option at this time.
Kauffman Center staff and volunteers are unable to lift, carry or otherwise physically assist with transferring a patron from a wheelchair to a seat, administer medicine, provide assistance in the restroom or perform other personal attendant services.
The Kauffman Center has accessible restroom options on each level and family restrooms throughout the building. All family restrooms have infant changing tables and the Mezzanine family restroom features a universal changing table for children or adults.
Patrons needing additional private space to use a universal changing table or tend to medical needs are invited to contact a staff member or volunteer to use the first aid office.
Patrons who would benefit from the use of a private, relaxing environment are invited to step into one of our two serenity rooms. These spaces offer comfortable seating and a monitor to view the live performance, plus sensory items, dimmable lights and an electrical wall outlet. Patrons may contact a staff member or volunteer to access this space.
Patrons who would benefit from comforting sensory resources are invited to exchange an ID card for complimentary use of a sensory kit from Coat Check on the Plaza Lobby Level. Each kit contains resources such as noise-reducing headphones, a weighted lap pad and a handheld sensory item.
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts supports nursing mothers by providing a dedicated space to express milk. The room has comfortable seating, an electrical wall outlet and a monitor to view the performance.
You may reserve this room in advance by calling our ticket office at 816.994.7222. However, access to this room is also available without prior reservations by speaking to a staff member or volunteer during your visit.