Student Matinees
Photo by Cody Boston.
The 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.
Please sign up at the bottom of the page to join our educator email list and be informed of upcoming opportunities during the school year.
Kauffman Center Student Matinees
The Kauffman Center is excited to bring you a new and inspiring speaker series – Trailblazing Talks. This popular series has a new name, but you can count on the same high-caliber close encounters with adventurers and photojournalists you experienced at past National Geographic Live events. Trailblazing Talks is replacing the National Geographic Live series. The Kauffman Center has curated speakers specifically from the Changemaker Speaker Series.
All student matinee tickets are $2 each, and ticket applications are required.
Trailblazing Talks student matinees are recommended for grades 6 – 12.
TRAILBLAZING TALKS 2024 STUDENT MATINEES:
Ella Al-Shamahi – Are You a Neanderthal?
Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.
Recommended for grades 6 – 12
Did you know that most of us have up to 4% Neanderthal DNA? Embark on a thrilling adventure through time and discover our early ancestors with evolutionary biologist and TV host Ella Al-Shamahi. Experience the excitement of scientific exploration as Al-Shamahi’s dynamic storytelling and interactive exercises transport you through hostile territories and into ancient caves, unlocking the secrets of our past. Get ready for an unforgettable journey of discovery and wonder!
Michael Davie – Documenting Our World
Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.
Recommended for grades 6 – 12
Experience the thrill of epic adventures around the world with documentary filmmaker Michael Davie. Davie has journeyed from the heights of Denali to the depths of the Blue Nile. From war zones to wildlife rescues, he uncovers high-stakes stories that bridge the gap between seemingly different people and cultures and reveal the powerful connections we all share. His talk will ignite a sense of exploration and inspire empathy for our diverse world.
Sylvia Earle – Saving Our Blue Planet Together
Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.
Recommended for grades 6 – 12
Join Dr. Sylvia Earle on an incredible journey beneath the waves! Having logged over 7,500 hours exploring the underwater world, Earle is a leading pioneer in marine research and in advancing the development of new technologies for accessing the deep sea. A passionate advocate, Earle sheds light on the wonders of the ocean and inspires us all to discover how we can play a part in preserving our blue planet.
Apply for Student Matinee Tickets
Contact opendoors@kauffmancenter.org with questions.
School matinees are eligible for bus transportation assistance through our Open Doors program. Transportation assistance applications and more information can be found here.
Kauffman Center School Matinee Frequently Asked Questions
Who can purchase tickets for these performances?
Any school in the five-county metropolitan Kansas City area and outside the KC metro can submit an order form to purchase tickets for students and chaperones to attend any of the Kauffman Center Presents student matinees. Homeschool groups are also welcome to purchase tickets to these performances.
How long will it take to review my order form?
Orders will be processed as they are received and confirmation emails with order information will be sent to the teacher within 2-3 weeks. Teachers are then responsible for sending relevant details to administrators to begin payment process.
Are all the Kauffman Center student matinee performances eligible for Transportation Assistance?
Each year, there will be over twenty school matinee performances, and they are listed under the Student Matinee page of our website. At this time, all student matinee performances qualify for the Open Doors Transportation Assistance program. Please be aware that only groups with more than 20 students who are traveling by bus are invited to apply. Also, transportation assistance applications must be submitted at least five business days prior to the scheduled performance.
What if my group reserves tickets to a Kauffman Center Presents school matinee, but we need to cancel at a later date?
If your approved group needs to cancel a student matinee reservation, please let the Kauffman Center know as early as possible by sending a notification to . Tickets must be paid for in full no later than one month prior to the performance date. Any school that cancels beyond that deadline will not receive a refund.
Can our school change our total number of students and adults attending in the months or weeks leading up to the performance?
Yes, you can adjust your numbers as needed, but all changes are subject to ticket availability. All changes must be made by one month prior to the performance date when ticket payment is also due.
For any other questions, please send an email to Open Doors at .
Partner Organization School Matinees
Kansas City Symphony
KINDERKONZERTS: SYMPHONY’S WILD ADVENTURE
All tickets are $2. Recommended for grades K – 3.
- Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
- Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
- Friday, May 12, 2023 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Click here for more information.
Contact info for questions:
Stephanie Brimhall
Director of Education & Community Engagement
816.218.2639
Lyric Opera of Kansas City
2022-2023 Student Dress Rehearsal Opportunities
All operas are performed in their original language with English subtitles and accompanied by the Kansas City Symphony.
- Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 6 p.m.
- Approximately 2.5 hours in length.
- Language: English
Click here for more information and to register.
Neal Long
Director of Education & Community Engagement
816.802.6054
Sign Up for Education Emails
Be among the first to learn about educational opportunities at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts by signing up for our Education Email List. By opting into this education email list, you will receive information about Kauffman Center educational programs as well as performances that will be presented at the Kauffman Center.