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. Live and on stage, these speakers will share their vivid stories, stunning imagery and fascinating footage!
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
KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY STUDENT MATINEES AND OPEN DRESS REHEARSALS 2023-2024
YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERT: MUSIC FROM THE AMERICAS
All tickets for Young People’s Concert are $2.
- Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
LINK UP: THE ORCHESTRA MOVES
All tickets for Link Up are $2. The Symphony no longer offers a ticket including a recorder. Schools are responsible for providing recorders for students.
- Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
KINDERKONZERT: BECAUSE
All tickets for KinderKonzert are $2.
- Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
- Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
OPEN REHEARSALS
All tickets for Open Rehearsals are $4.
- Friday, Oct. 6, 2023 at 10 a.m. – BRONFMAN PLAYS BRAHMS, WITH BARTOK’S CONCERTO
- Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 at 10 a.m. – JOYOUS TRILOGY, DON QUIXOTE
- Friday, Jan. 12, 2024 at 10 a.m. – JOYCE DIDONATO AND DIE FLEDERMAUS
- Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 at 10 a.m. – VIOLINIST PAMELA FRANK PERFORMS BEETHOVEN
- Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10 a.m. – XAVIER FOLEY’S BASS CONCERTO
- Friday, April 19, 2024 at 10 a.m. – MOZART GRAN PARTITA & BEETHOVEN’S FOURTH PIANO CONCERTO
Click here to visit the Kansas City Symphony’s website for more information and to reserve tickets!
For Young People’s Concerts, KinderKonzert & Link Up ticketing questions, please contact:
Stephanie Brimhall
Director of Education & Community Engagement, Kansas City Symphony
816.218.2639
For Open Rehearsal ticketing questions, please contact:
Sarah Larson
Operations Assistant & Artist Liaison, Kansas City Symphony
816.218.2631
Kansas City Ballet
KANSAS CITY BALLET STUDENT MATINEES 2023-2024
Fee: All seats $12
Audience: Recommended for 2nd grade and older. For school groups at this special rate; 1 adult/teacher chaperone is required to accompany every 10 students that attend. Reservations are made on a first come first serve basis and groups must have a minimum of 10.
THE NUTCRACKER
- Thursday, Dec. 7 at 10:30 a.m.
- Friday, Dec. 8 at 10:30 a.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 14 at 10:30 a.m.
A two-act ballet based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s story— featuring vibrant costumes, elaborate scenery, and stunning sets, this classic tale tells the timeless story of Clara, the Mouse King, and her Nutcracker Prince.
PETER PAN
- Friday, Feb. 23 at 10:30 a.m.
It’s the classic family adventure for those who never want to grow up! Witness the magic of Peter Pan as he flies into the Darling family nursery, convincing Wendy, John, and Michael to join him for the adventure of a lifetime in Never Never Land, his enchanted home. The troublesome Tinker Bell, the Lost Boys, their nemesis Captain Hook, and a hungry crocodile all help bring J.M. Barrie’s fantastical tale to life.
Click here to visit the Kansas City Ballet’s website for more information and to reserve tickets!
For ticketing questions, please contact:
April Berry
Director of Community Engagement & Education, Kansas City Ballet
816.216.5583
Lyric Opera of Kansas City
LYRIC OPERA OF KANSAS CITY OPEN DRESS REHEARSALS 2023-2024
Fee: All seats $6
Audience: All shows are recommended for grades 5 and above.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 at 6 p.m.
Sung in English with English titles
ROMEO ET JULIETTE
Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 6 p.m.
Sung in French with English titles
JOURNEY TO VALHALLA
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 6 p.m.
Sung in German with English titles
For ticketing questions, please contact:
Neal Long
Director of Education & Community Engagement, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
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.