Open Doors School Matinees Serve More Than 5,000 Students Across the Kansas City Metro During 2018-2019 School Year.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is passionate about providing youth in our community opportunities to experience high quality performing arts, learn about the facility, and even plan for a future in the arts.

Photo by Jillian Shoptaw

Through the Open Doors program, students in 19 school districts and more than 35 schools have attended this year’s four school matinees: Black Violin, a hip-hop string instrument duo from Florida, and three National Geographic Live events, including Ronan Donovan, Mark Synnott, and Kara Cooney. More than 1,600 students enjoyed Black Violin in October 2018 while over 3,500 students attended the three National Geographic Events.

Teachers and chaperones commented that these presentations provide opportunities for their students to learn and spark discussions outside the classroom. “[My students] had so much fun and loved all the energy. [Black Violin] did such a nice job talking about dreams, stereotypes, and how we can change things through music, or how music helps to break down barriers. Here you have a crowd from all backgrounds, sharing the same wonderful experience and getting along. It was great,” said Parker Stanley of South Valley Middle School in Liberty, Missouri.

Photo by Jillian Shoptaw

Educators and administrators also appreciate the low ticket prices offered through the Open Doors school matinee program. While the tickets initially cost $5 per person, the Open Doors Community Tickets initiative pays for a portion of each ticket bringing the expense down to $2 per student and chaperone. Additionally, the Transportation Fund provides schools with the opportunity of eliminating or reducing the cost of transportation to and from the matinees. Ultimately, the Open Doors program strives to make these experiences affordable for schools across the Kansas City metro.

“With Open Door Transportation, we don’t have to charge our students $5 for a bus fee to pay for gas and our bus driver,” says Shauna Townsend, Music and Band Teacher at Clinton Christian Academy. As a result, more families and students can afford to go on the field trip, she says.

As the school year comes to a close, it is time to prepare for the 2019-2020 school year of matinees at the Kauffman Center. Next year’s first matinee will be Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live! coming on  October 1, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.. Jack Hanna, America’s most beloved zoo keeper, will bring his favorite furry friends to Kansas City. Students will have the chance to meet the animals and hear their stories during the matinee. Reservations for this matinee, and the National Geographic Live series will open up in May 2019. To stay up to date on Open Doors opportunities, be sure to sign up for the Kauffman Center’s Educator email list.

Visit our School Field Trips page for more details.