Future Stages Festival Youth Performance Group Application

"*" indicates required fields

Youth performance groups interested in performing at the 2025 Future Stages Festival at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts are required to complete the online application in full.

Note that you must initial after each section as confirmation, and boxes with an asterisk (*) designate a required entry field. An application will need to be completed in its entirety and cannot be saved or revisited throughout the submittal process. At the end of the application, you must press “submit” to complete the application process. All application materials must be received by Monday, March 3, 2025, and will then be reviewed by the selection committee. Applying does not guarantee a performance slot at Future Stages Festival. If you have any questions or need assistance accessing the application, please email us at futurestages@kauffmancenter.org.

Performance groups of all sizes are considered. Performance groups are expected to have been actively performing in the community (ex. three - five annual performances) for a minimum of two years. This year, a stipend of $200 is awarded to each selected performance group to help cover the cost of transportation to the festival or associated performance expenses. The festival features multiple stages – Muriel Kauffman Theatre, Helzberg Hall, the Saint Luke’s Outdoor Stage and the Kansas City Symphony's Mobile Music Box stage. Stage assignments are based upon type of program, size of performance group, production requirements, festival needs and previous festival participation.
Your performance must be appropriate for a family-friendly audience. Your performance must be made up of primarily youth performers between five - 18 years old. Your group must deliver a complete performance that fills 20 minutes of time. An additional five minutes for set up and five minutes of strike will be worked into your performance time slot. Your group must provide their own costumes, music or accompaniment (if needed) and transportation to and from the event. Your group must be available during the entire festival day from 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Specific performance time slots and itinerary will be communicated to each group approximately six weeks prior to the festival. Performance group cancellations may be made in an emergency no less than six weeks prior to the event. Groups that cancel after the six-week deadline may not be accepted for future festivals.
Photography and video will be taken during the festival of all public performances and activities and may feature youth performance group participants. Photos and video captured by our approved festival staff may be used in future promotional materials, marketing and communications. Photos will be shared with youth performance groups via e-mail after the event and may be used for the groups’ own promotional purposes as long as credit is given to the photographer(s).
If selected, youth performance groups will be required to complete the following forms by the stated deadline without exception. We will provide the forms when we notify you of your group’s selection. 1. Performance Agreement – to be completed by main contact. 2. W-9 Form – to be completed by main contact 3. Event Waiver – to be completed by EACH performer. Performers who have not submitted a completed waiver two weeks before the event will not be allowed to perform.
Primary Group Contact Signature*
Type first and last name
MM slash DD slash YYYY
This is how your group will be listed in the event program.
If provided, this will be included in the event program.
Performance Group Email*
Name of Primary Group Contact*
Performance Group Mailing Address*
Email for Primary Group Contact*
Including Performers and Chaperones
Has the group previously performed at the Future Stages Festival?*
State in Which the Performance Group is Based*

Does the performance group have an email mailing list?*
Is the performance group representing a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization?*
Performance Type*
This is how your group's program will be listed in the event program.
Please upload an image that represents your performance group, either a photo of the entire group or individual performers.
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 50 MB.
    To be used as the on-stage introduction for your group. Be sure to include information about your group’s impact on the Kansas City community, educational opportunities you provide or other pertinent information about your group. Please adhere to the 300-word maximum.
    Consider this your audition for the Future Stages Festival, and note that group selection is largely based on the video sample. Please do your best to share a sample that resembles the performance that you would like to present at the Future Stages Festival, as this will help the select committee best consider your group for participation.
    Please check all relevant boxes to indicate your technical needs for your performance.*
    If you have technical needs that expand beyond those listed above, please include those details here.
    Additional question for vocal and instrumental music groups only: The Kansas City Symphony's Mobile Music Box may provide an additional intimate space for some youth performance groups. This space is designed for a maximum of four stationary musicians or vocalist and may provide an additional performance opportunity separate from your larger group. Does your performance group have a subset of quartets/duets/soloists that might also be interested in performing on this stage?