Kansas City Library Program Spotlights Inner Workings of the Kauffman Center

Date: April 23, 2008

Author: Kauffman Center

A special presentation in partnership with the Kansas City Public Library will be held on  Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Central Library at 14 West 10th Street. The event is free and reservations are not required.  However, the library would appreciate knowing that you are coming.   Call 816-701-3407 to indicate your interest in attending. 

Get an up-close-and-personal update about Kansas City’s new performance venue from four actively involved principals in the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts:
Jane Chu, President and CEO, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Tyler Nottberg, Chairman and CEO, U.S. Engineering Co.
Kyle McQuiston, Kauffman Center Project Executive, JE Dunn Construction Co.
William Whitman, Vice President of Mechanical Engineering, W.L. Cassell & Associates.

You’ll get a brief overview about the facility that is now emerging from the ground at 16th and Broadway. Then delve into intriguing architectural, engineering and design details needed to ensure great acoustics, high-tech production capacity and a unique audience experience. Speakers will focus on the intricate system of “veins and arteries” that pump life into a performing arts center, including concrete and steel construction and heating and cooling approaches.  A 3-D “fly-through” will help you to envision the process of creating a performing arts center— one of the most complex types of structures to build. 

With opening planned for fall 2011, the Kauffman Center will provide a state-of-the art performance venue for three resident companies: Kansas City Symphony, Lyric Opera and Kansas City Ballet.  The center will also present a diverse range of other performances including dance and music of all types, as well as smaller Broadway and off-Broadway touring productions.

A world-class team of architects, acousticians and theater planners have designed the Kauffman Center, which includes a 1600-seat concert hall and 1800-seat proscenium theater.  Audiences will enjoy excellent acoustics, state-of-the-art theater and lighting design, staging and sightlines as well as comfortable ergonomic seating.

Admission is free. A 6 p.m. reception precedes the event.  Call 816-701-3407 to indicate your interest in attending.  Free parking is available in the Library District Parking Garage at 10th and Baltimore.