Health and Safety Updates
The Kauffman Center is looking forward to welcoming audiences while keeping the health and safety of guests, staff and volunteers a top priority. Please see the below FAQ that outlines the layers of defense against COVID-19 and the new protocols that are in place as of Oct. 12, 2021.
Please note, the below protocols will continue to be regularly evaluated and updated based on community health data and public health and government guidance. Please check back here for updates in advance of scheduled performances.
Masks and picture IDs are always required for all patrons regardless of vaccination status.
All patrons with proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 may attend all performances at the Kauffman Center. Proof of vaccination includes:
- A vaccination card (which includes the name of the person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided and date the last dose was administered), OR
- Documentation of vaccination from an accredited healthcare provider’s electronic health record or governmental Immunization Information System record.
- Photo ID is required.
Effective Oct. 12:
A negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to a performance will now be accepted as an alternative to proof of vaccination (subject to artist approval) for Kauffman Center Presents performances and other select performances from touring/community arts organizations presented throughout the season. See below for a list of acceptable COVID-19 tests and other frequently asked questions.
PLEASE NOTE: Organizations NOT accepting negative COVID-19 tests and requiring proof of full vaccination at performances include:
- Kansas City Ballet
- Kansas City Symphony
- Lyric Opera of Kansas City
- Harriman-Jewell Series
Proof of a negative COVID-19 test includes:
- A negative COVID PCR test taken within 72 hours of the ticket holder’s performance, OR
- An antigen test administered by a health care or pharmacy provider within 24 hours of the performance.
- COVID tests must be administered by an official testing center. Self-administered tests will not be accepted. However, an at-home antigen test administered by a virtual proctor with a time and date stamped digital result will be accepted.
For a complete list of events and acceptable vaccination documentation for admission, visit:
kauffmancenter.org/event-updates
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or simply do not feel well, please stay home. By entering the Kauffman Center, you agree to our COVID-19 Waiver.
To learn more about changes to events and performances produced by the Kauffman Center, community arts organizations, and renters, visit kauffmancenter.org/event-updates.
COVID-19 Warning
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease that may result in personal injury, severe illness, and death. By visiting the Kauffman Center, and/or attending performances, concerts, events, or other activities, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure of COVID-19. All visitors must follow the Kauffman Center health and safety protocols. Please do your part to keep yourself and others safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Proof of Vaccination Requirements
- Patron must show proof they are fully vaccinated (see below for list of CDC- and WHO-approved vaccines) at their time of entry into the Kauffman Center for a public performance accompanied by a government-issued photo ID and a valid event ticket.
- Fully vaccinated means on the day of the performance:
- at least 14 days have passed since the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, or
- at least 14 days have passed since the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine
- Proof of vaccination must come directly from the healthcare provider or accredited clinic who performed the vaccination and list the dates each dose was administered.
- Government-issued photo IDs include driver’s license, school photo ID or passport.
- Entry will be denied for guests who do not provide the documentation as required above.
Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test
- As an alternative to proof of full vaccination for Kauffman Center Presents performances and other select performances from touring/community arts organizations, patrons may attend performances at the Kauffman Center with proof of negative COVID-19 test. Proof of a negative Covid-19 test includes:
- A negative COVID PCR test taken within 72 hours of the ticket holder’s performance, OR
- An antigen test administered by a health care of pharmacy provider within 24 hours of the performance.
- COVID tests must be administered by an official testing center. Self-administered tests will not be accepted. However, an at-home antigen test administered by a virtual proctor with a time and date stamped digital result will be accepted.
- For a complete list of events and acceptable vaccination documentation for admission, visit:
kauffmancenter.org/the-center/event-updates/
Are photocopies or digital copies (i.e. a photo on a mobile device) acceptable forms of proof of vaccination?
- Yes, the name on the card and dates of doses received must be legible.
Unvaccinated Patrons
- Unvaccinated guests may provide a health-official-administered negative 72-hour COVID-19 test to attend select performances.
- COVID tests must be administered by an official testing center. Self-administered tests will not be accepted. However, an at-home antigen test administered by a virtual proctor with a time and date stamped digital result will be accepted.
- To view a full list of performances and to see the health requirements directed by the presenting organization of the event, visit our events page. We continue to evaluate the ever-changing circumstances and encourage you to check back here for updates.
What is an acceptable form demonstrating proof of vaccination?
- A vaccination card issued by an accredited health care provider, which includes the name of the person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided, and date the last dose was administered, OR documentation of vaccination from an accredited healthcare provider’s electronic health record or governmental Immunization Information System record.
What constitutes “Fully Vaccinated?”
- “Fully Vaccinated” means that a ticket holder’s performance is at least 14 days after their final vaccine dose (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson or other WHO-approved vaccine).
Will I be asked to present a government-issued photo ID with my vaccination card?
- Yes. A corresponding photo ID will be required for individuals 18 years of age and older.
- Acceptable forms of ID include a government issued photo ID, school photo ID or passport. Parents/guardians may attest to the identity of their children under 18 in lieu of a photo ID.
I was vaccinated outside the United States with a WHO-approved vaccine. Will this be acceptable?
- Yes. Proof of “full vaccination” indicating the following vaccines approved by WHO will be accepted:
- Moderna
- Pfizer/BioNTech
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
- Oxford/AstraZeneca
- Serum Institute of India (Oxford / AstraZeneca)
- Sinopharm (BBIBP-CorV)
- Sinovac (CoronaVac)
My child under 12 was vaccinated as part of a research trial and has a valid vaccine card. Will they be admitted?
- Children who have participated in a vaccination trial and as a result were issued a valid proof of vaccination, will be admitted upon presentation of their corresponding vaccination card.
Will I still be required to wear a mask at performances?
- Face masks that cover the nose and mouth are required to be always worn by guests (including children 2 years old and older), staff, and volunteers, regardless of vaccination status, in all areas of our venues, except when consuming food or beverages in designated locations where physical distancing is encouraged. As a reminder, food and beverages are not allowed in performance spaces.
I am not vaccinated. Are there any exceptions to the proof of vaccination or proof of negative COVID-19 test policy?
- Currently, there are no exception to these two options.
When will this requirement end?
- The Kauffman Center and its presenting partners are reviewing the advice and data from local and national health experts on a daily basis. While we hope to return to what was once “normal” admission policy as soon as possible, the course of the COVID-19 virus and its variants and the advice we receive from these experts will determine if/when vaccinations will no longer be required to safely attend events.
Will the Kauffman Center require booster shots as a qualification of “fully vaccinated?”
- Currently, proof of a third COVID-19 booster shot is not required for admission.
How do you know that a vaccine card is not a forgery?
- We do not. While the Kauffman Center will require matching photo ID to help ensure validity of vaccination cards, we do not have the expertise or resources to confirm the validity of a vaccination card. In this case, we must rely on the ethical behavior of our patrons. Fraudulent use of proof of vaccination is against federal law.
How will the Kauffman Center check ticket holders for vaccination status?
- Patrons will be asked to show their vaccination card at the security checkpoints upon entering the building. Please allow for extra time before the start of the performance.
- For performances where a 72-hour negative COVID-19 test is accepted, please bring your proof of test results along with matching photo ID.
Can I take my own rapid test and bring the results as proof of a negative test?
- COVID-19 tests must be administered by an official testing center. Self-administered tests will not be accepted. However, an at-home antigen test administered by a virtual proctor with a time and date stamped digital result will be accepted
Do I need to show my vaccine card every time I see a show?
- Yes, we will need to verify your vaccine status for every public performance you attend to ensure the ticket holder is the person vaccinated. In the instance that a performance accepts a 72-hour negative COVID-19 test, please bring your proof of test documentation. Matching photo IDs will be required for either option.
Face Coverings
- Face masks are required at all times—when you arrive, moving/standing/sitting throughout the building, at your seats, in restrooms and as you leave.
- Everyone entering the Kauffman Center must wear a mask, regardless of age or medically granted exceptions. Entry into the building will be denied to anyone who cannot or will not wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth.
- You may briefly take off your face covering when actively eating or drinking.
- Face mask best practices:
- 2+ layers of breathable material.
- Fully covers nose and mouth and secures under chin.
- Fits snugly against sides of face.
- Is secured with ear loops or bands behind head and should stay in place without frequent readjusting.
- Prohibited face coverings:
- Bandana-style masks (do not fit securely around mouth or under chin).
- Neck gaiters (do not fit securely around mouth or under chin).
- Masks with exhalation valves/vents (do not prevent water droplets from being expelled).
Sanitization & Cleaning
- Attention to thorough cleaning and sanitizing (especially high-touch surfaces) before, during and after events. Electro-static sprayers will be used in the venues after each performance.
- Fresh air exchange has been increased by an average of 50 percent throughout the building, and high-efficiency MERV-14 filters are standard in all air handling equipment.
- High-volume, low-pressure air circulation system reduces the potential spread of aerosol droplets.
- Touchless hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the building.
Safe Spacing
- We encourage safe spacing throughout the building and remaining aware of those around you.
- Follow signage and any floor markers that may be visible.
- Acrylic barriers are being used in areas where social distancing is not always possible (i.e., box office, ticket-taking portals, etc.)
- Our team will help oversee compliance of mask-wearing and other appropriate protocols throughout your visit. Please follow their guidance.
Security
- A security screening will be conducted. To minimize lines, please leave unnecessary items at home. Large items (i.e., backpacks, computer bags, tote bags, large purses, etc.) are also discouraged. For more information, visit the Kauffman Center’s Security Screening Policy.
Minimizing Contact
- Touchless hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the building.
- Many doors have electronic openings. Foot openers have been installed on many others.
- Ticket-taking will be contactless. Our ticket-takers will not touch your paper ticket or electronic device. To expediate scanning of tickets, please ensure barcodes are visible. For electronic tickets, barcodes should be large enough to scan, the device should have a well-lit background and if you have multiple tickets, be prepared to scroll for the ticket-taker.
- We encourage cashless transactions using a credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover).
Services & Amenities
- The following services and amenities may not be available: Coat Check, Gift Shop, The Dining Experience restaurant, Bar Service, Valet, Serenity Rooms, and program availability/distribution.
- Our staff and support teams are required to wash their hands frequently and wear face masks at all times—plus, they have been trained on safety measures.
- Our valet team (if service is available) will wear masks and use hand sanitizer before and after entering vehicles.
- Our food & beverage team (if service is available) will be required to wear masks and gloves.
- Assistive Listening Devices are available. Please ask a Kauffman Center usher or staff member for assistance.
- Drinking fountains will not be available. You are allowed to bring in one, unopened bottle of water (12oz. or smaller). Reusable containers are not allowed inside the Center. As a reminder, all food and beverage should be enjoyed outside Muriel Kauffman Theatre and Helzberg Hall.
We encourage you to check back on this webpage prior to your visit, as processes and protocols are subject to change over time.
For questions, please email or call the Kauffman Center Box Office at 816.994.7222 during regular business hours.