The Kauffman Center: Not Your Grandpa's Concert Hall (Unless Your Grandpa Rocks)
Kansas City, Missouri, is known for some pretty cool things: barbeque that'll slap your tastebuds, jazz that'll soothe your soul, and a whole lot of Chiefs fans (here's hoping for another winning season!). But nestled amongst the burnt ends and cheering crowds sits a architectural marvel that deserves a standing ovation: The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
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| What is The Kauffman Center In Kansas City |
Fancy Schmancy digs for Music, Theater, and More!
Forget your shoebox-shaped auditoriums of yore. The Kauffman Center is a vision of gleaming curves and cascading glass, designed by the architect Moshe Safdie. Think if a giant seashell and a spaceship had a baby, and that baby loved the symphony. It's like walking into a futuristic concert hall where the acoustics are so good, you might just hear a pin drop (unless it's during a particularly enthusiastic rendition of the William Tell Overture, of course).
Inside, you'll find two main performance spaces: the Muriel Kauffman Theatre, a grand dame of a theater perfect for operas and ballets, and Helzberg Hall, a more intimate space ideal for concerts. Both boast impressive seating arrangements that put you closer to the action than ever before. Imagine whispering sweet nothings to your date during a play without needing a megaphone. (Although, that might depend on the play...)
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More Than Just Performances (But Seriously, the Performances Are Stellar)
The Kauffman Center isn't just a place to catch a show (though, as previously mentioned, the shows are fantastic). It's a hub for the Kansas City arts scene, offering educational programs, workshops, and even behind-the-scenes tours. You can learn about everything from the history of set design to how to properly hold a tuba (because, let's be honest, it looks trickier than it seems).
They also host special events throughout the year, from movie screenings to lectures. Who knows, you might even catch a life-changing performance by a mime troupe made entirely of dachshunds (hey, it's Kansas City, anything is possible).
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So You Wanna Experience the Magic of the Kauffman Center? How To!
1. How to Get Tickets: Head over to their website (
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2. How to Dress: While there's no formal dress code, it's a nice venue, so ditch the ripped jeans and band t-shirt (unless the band is performing, then by all means, rep your colors!). Think "business casual" with a touch of panache. (Sequined sneakers? We wouldn't say no.)
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3. How to Find Parking: The Kauffman Center has its own parking garage, but it can fill up fast, especially on show nights. Consider taking public transportation, ride sharing, or carpooling to avoid the parking drama. (Plus, it's good for the environment!)
4. How to Prepare for the Show: Depending on the performance, you might want to brush up on your opera knowledge or classical music repertoire. But hey, if it's a ballet about breakdancing robots, just come ready to be amazed.
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5. How to Act During the Show: Shhh! This ain't a rock concert. Applause is encouraged, but hold off on the air guitar solos (unless you're at a Bluegrass show, then let loose!). Enjoy the performance, be respectful of your fellow audience members, and prepare to have your socks knocked off by the beauty of the Kauffman Center and the talent on stage.
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