A Lasting Connection to the Arts

There’s nothing like watching a young person’s eyes light up as they take in the incredible sight of Helzberg Hall or hearing their thunderous applause as the curtains close on a magical performance in Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

A visit to the Kauffman Center makes for one of the most captivating field trips in Kansas City as youth experience performances or interact with staff to learn about one of the world’s premier performing arts venues. It’s an experience that sparks a love of the arts that will last a lifetime.

Several yellow school buses are parked in front of a modern glass building with a curved facade, as seen in at the Kauffman Center.

Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunities

Field trips are an essential part of every student’s educational journey, providing opportunities to learn and explore beyond the walls of the classroom. The Kauffman Center lowers ticket costs, provides transportation assistance and connects young people to the arts to further expand their worlds.

Children gather in an auditorium with a blue-lit stage featuring musical instruments and equipment for an upcoming performance, reminiscent of scenes from "A Guide to the Kauffman Center.

Student Matinees

Student matinees introduce youth to the arts and make lasting impressions on them every season. The Kauffman Center’s Trailblazing Talks speaker presentations transport students across the globe. Operas, dance performances and concerts inspire awe and are presented by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Kansas City Ballet and Kansas City Symphony.

These events and more are integral to a well-rounded education for young people throughout Kansas City. Explore all the school programming available at the Kauffman Center.

Student Matinees

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Educational Tours

Educational Tours provide an in-depth, behind-the-scenes peek at the facility’s performance spaces and architectural highlights. During the tour, students delve into the Kauffman Center’s history and discuss its artistic details. Educational Tours must be requested via form at least three weeks prior to the proposed visit date. Please note that tours must be scheduled around the performances and work calls of the technicians, artists and administrators who produce our amazing events; therefore, tours will not include access to backstage areas and we cannot guarantee that every tour will have the opportunity to view Muriel Kauffman Theatre and Helzberg Hall.

Duration: approximately 1 hour

Fees:
Groups of 35 attendees or fewer – $100
Groups with more than 35 attendees – $150

Fees will be paid for through the Open Doors Fund if the group is affiliated with non-profit organization (must provide Tax ID number).

Request an Educational Tour

A group of five students, gather around a stage light setup in a school gymnasium. One female student points at the light while the others observe. They are participating in what appears to be a hands-on learning activity, reminiscent of enriching field trips in Kansas City.

Backstage Intensive

This interactive experience is designed for students interested in careers in technical theater including lighting, sound and stage management. Students will engage in demonstrations, tours and in-depth discussions with expert staff who work behind the scenes to create hundreds of successful productions each year.

Recommended Participants: High school juniors and seniors interested in technical theater operations

Cost: Kauffman Center Open Doors is pleased to provide this opportunity free of charge to students from area schools and nonprofit organizations.

Next Opportunity: Backstage Intensive opportunities are hosted twice per school year. The fall 2026 Backstage Intensive will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

Sign Up: Advance reservations are required and spots will go quickly! To receive an email notification when enrollment opens, please send your school name & number of interested students to opendoors@kauffmancenter.org.

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Career Center Stage

Career Center Stage provides students a unique opportunity to learn how Kauffman Center staff run one of the country’s premier performing arts centers. Students engage with staff during Q&A sessions and explore the building on a behind-the-scenes tour.

Recommended Participants: High school and college students with an interest in arts administration

Cost: The Kauffman Center is pleased to provide this opportunity free of charge to area schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

Next Opportunity: To be announced in fall 2026

To learn more and receive an email notification when enrollment opens for the next opportunity, share your school name & number of interested students to opendoors@kauffmancenter.org.