Making Events Special at the Kauffman Center

Epic surprise finale for wedding guests in Brandmeyer Great Hall | Photo by Mullinix Weddings

It is often debated whether the journey or the destination holds the most significance. For the special events team at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the answer is both. The destination includes dazzling spaces, unique customizations and superb food, but the journey is equally important as client needs are prioritized from the first meeting all the way through to the end of the event.  

Executive Chef Laura Comer crafts delicious dishes for special events at the Kauffman Center | Photo by Fantasia Ta

Lisa Voss, senior director of sales, special events, leads a team who is eager to elevate projects with focused planning and attention to detail. Every event looks different based on the client’s vision, but the planning process is consistent and guarantees success. Voss and her team take pride in effectively leading client meetings to understand the vision and scope of the event. From there, it is all about time management and organization to create the more than 100 events Voss’ team averages a year.  

Widely known for exceptional catering, the Kauffman Center is fortunate to have award-winning Executive Chef Laura Comer preparing culinary selections that highlight her talents from the first bite to the last crumb of each dish. What sets Chef Comer’s culinary abilities apart is her attention to detail and eagerness to fulfill every client’s wish… and of course, a touch of edible glitter when she has the chance! With flexibility and patience, Chef Comer crafts menus considering dietary restrictions and specialized requests. 

In addition to an exceptional special events team, the Kauffman Center offers unique spaces providing clients with the flexibility to design the aesthetic of their dreams. Three main spaces, Brandmeyer Great Hall, Muriel Kauffman Theatre and Helzberg Hall, offer vastly different experiences for both big and small occasions. 

Brandmeyer Great Hall features a wall of windows with gorgeous views of the Kansas City skyline to the south. This stunning space is a blank canvas of white walls and floors allowing clients to bring their ideas to life. Brandmeyer Great Hall holds up to 450 guests for a seated dinner and up to 1,000 guests for a cocktail reception.

An array of hors d’ourves for a special event | Photo contributed by Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Muriel Kauffman Theatre’s breathtaking interior in shades of red provides an elegant backdrop for any event. The stage in this space can be used for onstage presentations with the addition of a large screen. Additionally, the 5,000 square-foot stage can accommodate 300 guests for a seated meal. 

Helzberg Hall is a space known for its amazing acoustics as well as the Julia Irene Kauffman Casavant Organ, Opus 3875, which is a focal point of the hall. This space has a capacity of 1,600 seats for a performance or presentation and can seat 80 onstage for a culinary event. 

The exceptional staff, services and spaces at the Kauffman Center combine to create unforgettable  experiences for the Kansas City community year after year. The journey and the destination are filled with magic at the Kauffman Center! For pricing, booking and more information about event rentals, visit kauffmancenter.org/specialevents or email events@kauffmancenter.org.

Cocktails and amazing views under the Kauffman Center cables and glass curtain | Photo by Jessica Roark

Helzberg Hall awaiting guests for a special event | Photo by Freeland Photography

Brandmeyer Great Hall transformed for a private dinner | Photo by Kyle Rivas