Policies & Accessibility
Policies and Procedures
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts hosts almost 500,000 visitors annually who experience over 350 extraordinary, world-class performing arts events. To help ensure such experiences for each visitor are enjoyed, the Center has created policies and procedures to promote a secure, welcoming environment for each guest. Helpful information about the Kauffman Center’s emergency and security policies can be found below.
Emergency and Evacuation Information
This emergency evacuation video was created by the Kauffman Center Patron Services team and volunteers.
Accessible Emergency Evacuation Procedures
In the event of an evacuation, the staff and ushers will guide patrons who have mobility limitations and/or cannot navigate stairs to a designated Emergency Evacuation Assistance area. These areas are placed throughout the facility to ensure the safety of all our guests who are unable to navigate stairs. Kauffman Center staff will communicate with the fire department how many patrons are at these areas of rescue. First responders will help evacuate these areas immediately once they’ve arrived. If you have any questions about emergency procedures, please see a House Supervisor or Team Captain for more detailed information.
Inclement Weather
Performances at the Kauffman Center are rarely canceled for inclement weather. Please remember in the case of snow or ice, you can count on all Kauffman Center sidewalks, driveways, and entry points to be clean and accessible. In case of a weather emergency, shelter in place inside the performance hall, not in the lobby, and please follow all instructions as announced from the stage.
It is possible that a tour, school program or community event might be canceled due to bad weather. In the unlikely event of a cancelation, the Kauffman Center will post a voicemail recording on its main box office line: 816.994.7222.
Concealed Weapons
The Kauffman Center prohibits employees and the public with concealed carry permits from entering the building with weapons. All Kauffman Center visitors are subject to search. Anyone found in violation will be asked to secure the weapon inside their vehicle or leave the property immediately.
Security Screening Policy
The evolution of the Kauffman Center’s security screening policy, in collaboration with our presenting partners, demonstrates an ongoing effort to reduce concerns about bulky or unsafe items which hinder the security, and comfort of all patrons. Policies and procedures at the Kauffman Center continue to evolve as technology and resources emerge which fit the environmental and security needs of all patrons.
All persons and items entering the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts are subject to search. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts management reserves the right to refuse any item deemed a potential safety or security risk or with the potential to be a distraction to the event being held.
Screenings will be performed by trained professional contracted security staff, and may include, but are not limited to:
• Visual screening
• Personal items including bag, case, coat and hat searches
• Hand-held magnetometers
• Walk-through magnetometers and/or threat detection systems
Certain types of bags and/or cases are prohibited, including but not limited to:
• Backpacks
• Luggage
• Computer Bags
• Camera Bags/Cases
• Instrument Cases
• Briefcases
• Large Totes and Duffel Bags
All bags entering the Kauffman Center will be searched at the point of entry. Items prohibited in the Kauffman Center include, but are not limited to:
• Firearms of any size or type*
• Other weapons and knives of any size or type
• Pepper spray, mace, or other chemicals
• Alcohol, illegal substances, or drug paraphernalia
• Professional-grade audio, photo, or video recording equipment
• Cans, bottles, or outside food and beverages
*Licensed law enforcement officers, please contact Patron Services with appropriate identification upon arrival if carrying a firearm.
Patrons with prohibited bags, cases, or other items have two options:
1. The item may be returned to a vehicle prior to admittance.
2. Bags or cases may be left at the Kauffman Center’s Coat Check located on the Plaza Lobby Level. (These items will be searched prior to entering the facility.)
The following exceptions will be made after a proper inspection for:
1. Diaper bags for families with infants and toddlers. The child/toddler must be in attendance.
2. Oversized medically necessary items.
3. Equipment use of approved media outlets accompanied and approved by Kauffman Center staff.
Backpack purses must be worn on one shoulder. If the purse is worn as a backpack, the patron will be asked to adhere to this policy or check the bag at Coat Check.
Unattended items left anywhere in the facility will be inspected and taken to the Security Office.
Please note:
Our security protocol is a perpetual, sustained, and ever-expanding effort. The Kauffman Center continues to reevaluate safety and security processes and new applications may be integrated into our operations to better provide service to our patrons and guests.
For questions or to connect with a Kauffman Center staff representative, please contact:
E-mail: contact@kauffmancenter.org
Phone: (816) 994-7222
Accessibility
The Kauffman Center’s promise to bring artists and audiences together is reflected in many ways, including accessibility for those who may need auditory, visual or mobility assistance.
We are dedicated to providing an accessible and enjoyable experience to all patrons. The Kauffman Center meets all Americans with Disability Act requirements. However, we strive to do more than simply be an accessible facility.
That means creating more accessible parking than is required and having easy elevator access to Brandmeyer Great Hall. Muriel Kauffman Theatre and Helzberg Hall have numerous accessible seating options for our patrons.
We want to be a welcoming facility for all and hope to make your experience one to remember. Please let us know what we can do to improve your experience.
Patron Access to Seating
All performances at the Kauffman Center are accessible to people who require assistance. Within both halls, there is a great deal of seating that does not require any stair use at all. If you purchase a wheelchair-designated seat, the seat will be removed to make space for your wheelchair. Companion seats are also available adjacent or nearby.
The Kauffman Center has elevator access to all levels except the Upper Grand Tier (level 7) in Helzberg Hall. Accessible seating for patrons using wheelchairs and walkers is available in all areas of Helzberg Hall except the Grand Tier sections.
We suggest that you call the Kauffman Center Box Office at 816.994.7222 to determine your best and most accessible seating options.
Accessible Parking and Drop-off Lanes
Handicapped parking slots in the Arts District Garage are close to building access points, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Event parking is $10, per car. Valet parking is also available on the south private drive for $20 cash ($18 prepaid).
Two drop-off areas allow guests to easily access the Center:
- The north side of the Kauffman Center, accessed from 16th Street
- The private drive on the south side of the Kauffman Center, accessed from Broadway
Wheelchairs
Complimentary wheelchairs and assistance is available by speaking to one of our volunteer greeters or ticket-takers at any of our exterior doors. Wheelchair assistance is available before a performance, during intermission and after a performance. Remaining in a borrowed wheelchair during your entire visit is not available at this time. In addition, Kauffman Center staff and volunteers are unable to lift, carry or otherwise physically assist with transferring a patron from a wheelchair to a seat. This responsibility is that of the companion(s) also in attendance. Please call our box office at 816.994.7222 for more information.
Public Elevator Access
Several elevators in Brandmeyer Great Hall make the Center fully accessible except the Upper Grand Tier (level 7) in Helzberg Hall.
Restrooms
Kauffman Center restrooms fully comply with disability requirements of both the City of Kansas City, Missouri and the ADA. This includes access to restroom doors, to sinks, and into stalls. There are also plenty of restrooms; the Kauffman Center contains a total of 196 public restroom stalls.
Braille and Tactile Signage
Kauffman Center signage conforms to ADA standards; major support and life-safety spaces such as stairs and restrooms are identified with tactile and Braille signs. Elevator panels and jambs provide raised letters and Braille text as well.
Assisted Listening Devices
Assisted listening device headphones are available for use by hearing-impaired patrons during all performances. These may be requested at the Gift Shop on Level 4. There is no charge for use of these devices; however, a driver’s license or credit card is required and will be held until the equipment is returned.
Accommodations for Nursing Mothers
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts supports nursing mothers by providing a dedicated space to express milk. The room has comfortable seating, an electrical wall outlet and a monitor to view the performance. You may reserve this room in advance by calling our box office at 816.994.7222. However, access to this room is also available without prior reservations by speaking to a staff member or volunteer during your visit.
Additional Questions
Kauffman Center is committed to providing assistance to those with disabilities. If you have questions or concerns, please call the Box Office at 816.994.7222 or email boxoffice@kauffmancenter.org. If you are hearing impaired or hard of hearing, you can get help with telephone access by using the free relay service – 711.