In a typical season, volunteers at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts welcome hundreds of thousands of patrons to more than 400 performances, concerts and events.
These amazing community members don the blue vests and help patrons have a fulfilling, enriching experience.
The Kauffman Center’s team of volunteers is like a family, making each other’s worlds and the performing arts community a better place, one helpful smile at a time.
Volunteers at the Kauffman Center support the facility’s mission through several key positions, with more volunteer positions opening as needed.
Usher
Ticket Taker
Plaza Lobby Greeter
Garage Greeter
Gift Shop Greeter
Coat Check Attendant
Ticket Office Greeter
Building Monitor
Bus Attendant
Student Matinee Greeter
Merchandise Table Attendant
Membership Table Attendant
Program Stuffing
Security Screening Greeter
Event Greeter
Outreach Team
Administrative
Tour Guide
From providing administrative support to participating in the performance and event usher corps, volunteers help create unique experiences that surprise, delight, entertain and educate tens of thousands of people each year.
Beyond the satisfaction of serving the arts community in Kansas City, volunteers enjoy perks and benefits just for them.
National Volunteer Appreciation Week is in April, but we like to celebrate our volunteers all month long. Previous celebrations include an Ice Cream Social, Music Bingo, tasty treats baked by Kauffman Center staff, and exciting giveaways donated by local businesses.
During the summer, the Volunteer Recognition event presents the Kauffman Spirit award to 5 volunteers who exhibited the highest level of professional, positive and exceptional customer service that season.
To help your volunteer experience, enjoy up-close and free parking during volunteer shifts, flexible scheduling, an excellent training program, social outings around Kansas City and much, much more!
If you’re interested in volunteering at the Kauffman Center, first apply for the apprentice program during the yearly recruitment session during the summer. This is the selection process and training program for new and returning volunteers.
Applicants admitted to the apprentice program will:
The recruitment session for the 2024 – 2025 season is now closed. The application was available from June 27 – Aug. 5. If you are interested in applying to become a volunteer during the upcoming 2025 – 2026 season, please email volunteer@kauffmancenter.org to be placed on the contact list. Thank you!
The best candidates for volunteer positions at the Kauffman Center will exhibit the following:
We usually accept volunteer applications from late June to early August preceding each season. If you have any inquiries about when the next volunteer application window will be and how to apply, please email volunteer@kauffmancenter.org and we’ll be glad to answer any and all of your questions.
Kauffman Center volunteers are asked to volunteer at least 15 times every season in a variety of roles at many types of performances, concerts and events.
Primary volunteer roles include:
Occasional / specialty volunteer roles include:
Those interested in volunteering at the Kauffman Center may apply for the apprentice program, which is the selection process and training program for new and returning volunteers.
If applicants are admitted to the apprentice program, they will:
Those who successfully complete the apprentice program receive an invitation to join the Kauffman Center Volunteer Program!
Presenting the world’s finest performing artists and companies to our KC metropolitan communities is a noble and inspiring task. However, ticket sales and rental income don’t begin to cover the full costs.
Your gift of any amount makes a difference. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.