Get Ready for Showtime with Pre-Show Educational Opportunities

Before attending any show, it is important to know what awaits you. This extends not only to the performance itself, but also to the spectacular performers involved. Whether you are planning to enjoy the elegance of the Kansas City Ballet, the theatrical work of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City or the beautiful music of the Kansas City Symphony, here is a list of opportunities to enhance your viewing experience at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, which serves as the home venue for these esteemed companies.

Kansas City Ballet
Unlock the secrets of stage magic and learn how music, special effects and costumes all play a role when you attend a pre-curtain talk, also known as the Belger Footnotes Series, hosted by Artistic Director Devon Carney. Held one hour before the show in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre, ticketholders are free to join without a reservation.

Photo by Kansas City Ballet

Engage with the professional dancers when you attend Dance Speaks and Dancer Chat events, as a part of their pre-performance educational program, Artist Conversations. Locations vary for Dance Speaks events, and all Dance Chats are held virtually on Facebook Live.

Coming up, Dancer Chat: New Moves will be held from 6:30-7:15 p.m. March 13 on Facebook Live, and Dance Speaks: New Voices, New Moves will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. March 6 (location to be announced). Learn more here.

Finally, visit the performance page and select any production to find program notes, casting rosters, story synopses and more.

Photo provided by Lyric Opera of Kansas City

Lyric Opera of Kansas City
Held in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre, pre-opera talks are a must for the curious ticketholder. Simply arrive fifty minutes early to get a complete overview of the production you are about to see.

Soon Roméo et Juliette will take the stage at the Kauffman Center. Arrive early to hear Italian conductor, opera coach and composer Dr. Raffaele Cipriano deliver a pre-opera talks from 6:40-7 p.m. March 9 and 15, or from 1:10-1:30 p.m. March 17. Purchase tickets for Roméo et Juliette here.

For additional details on any Lyric Opera event or production, view their Upcoming Events page and start planning your next visit to one of many extraordinary performances.

Photo provided by Kansas City Symphony

Kansas City Symphony
Next time you join us in Helzberg Hall for an upcoming classical concert, remember to come one hour before each Kansas City Symphony Classical Series performance to hear G. Kenneth and Ann Baum Concert Comments. Learn more here.

With Music Director Michael Stern or Executive Director Danny Beckley as hosts, these pre-show insights promise to be lively and informative — often featuring that evening’s guest artist.

Future performances offering Concert Comments include Joy Yang Plays Tchaikovsky on March 1, 2 and 3, as well as Matthias Pintscher Welcomes Violinist Philippe Quint on March 22, 23 and 24. Purchase tickets to the next Symphony events here.

Please note that Concert Comments are not held prior to concerts featuring the Kansas City Symphony Chorus.