Volunteers
Photo by Don Ipock.
Gift Shop Attendant Columbus Leveringston and Volunteer Terri Curran share a laugh at the 2022 Five- and Ten-Year Luncheon.
What Volunteers Do
Generous volunteers are at the center of the patron experience at the Kauffman Center. Volunteers are not only friendly faces at every entry point, but they also scan tickets, provide directions and help patrons to their seats. They oversee coat check, guide patrons as they look for the perfect keepsake in the gift shop and participate in community outreach initiatives through the Kauffman Center’s Open Doors programs.
Why Volunteer
Volunteers have the opportunity to be part of extraordinary performances, special events and concerts across all musical genres at the Kauffman Center. As a thank you for their outstanding contributions to the organization, volunteers are invited to attend appreciation events at the Kauffman Center, like exclusive backstage tours, movie nights, milestone luncheons and annual recognition celebrations. Volunteers also explore Kansas City together during quarterly outings to area museums, art collections and must-see spaces throughout the metro.
“There are so many things about being a volunteer at the Kauffman Center that make it great. The volunteer corps is a group of fun folks who make you feel welcome from your first shift. We have a ‘we’re all in this together’ kind of attitude that allows each volunteer to feel supported whether it’s your first shift or your 100th shift. We feel appreciated and valued by the Kauffman Center staff as well.”
– Marlene F., 2022 – 2023 apprentice program graduate
Who Should Volunteer
The Kauffman Center maintains a volunteer corps of approximately 500 individuals, and each person brings their own unique skills and life experiences. While some applicants have experience as an usher, ticket taker or customer service representative, most do not. What all volunteers do have in common is that they are friendly, like to collaborate with others, enjoy meeting new people and are excited about welcoming the entire Kansas City community to performing arts experiences.
“For anyone considering volunteering, I would tell you this is a great facility which is extremely well run. They are always thanking and recognizing the volunteers in many different ways.” – Steve F., 2022 – 2023 apprentice program graduate
Photo by Jenny DeFreece.
Volunteers Phyllis Grootemaat, Gary Lint, Cindy Sheets and Belete Fikru at a volunteer briefing.
How to Become a Volunteer
Those interested in being considered for the upcoming annual volunteer recruitment period for the 2024 – 2025 season can complete an application on the volunteer page of the Kauffman Center website. Applicants may be accepted into the apprentice program, which is the selection process and training program for new and returning volunteers.
Participants in the apprentice program complete three in-person training classes and online evaluations, as well as volunteer for four guided shifts alongside veteran volunteers. Throughout their tenure, volunteers are invited to attend advanced training classes that explore the ins and outs of ushering and specialty positions. All volunteers gather at an annual refresher training every season to learn up-to-date policies and procedures, as well as applications for the Kauffman Center’s customer service philosophy of “Making It Memorable.”
To find out more about the Kauffman Center’s volunteer program visit kauffmancenter.org/volunteer.
On Monday, April 10, we welcomed almost 300 volunteers and their guests to a springtime soirée. Attendees enjoyed the musical stylings of award-winning local jazz band, Hot Club KC, special creations by Executive Chef Laura Comer and the Bonterra team, and exclusive building tours.
Photos by Jenny DeFreece and Mary Maxine Luber. Hand-written notes of appreciation from Kauffman Center staff to volunteers.
Kauffman Center staff also showered volunteers with homemade treats and personalized thank-you notes.
In a typical season, volunteers welcome hundreds of thousands of patrons to more than 400 performances, concerts and events — including an incredible 51 in the month of December. These dedicated individuals fill over 16,000 shifts in a myriad of roles across the organization, including in administrative capacities. In total, they provide over 60,000 hours of service each year.
“I love my role and all the people I interact with every time I volunteer. It’s like coming home to friends and family. It’s been one of my best decisions, and I look forward to many more volunteer hours and attending functions,” Barbara A. said.
Those interested in volunteering at the Kauffman Center can email volunteer@kauffmancenter.org to be notified of the next recruitment period.
Diamond Volunteers Frank Hawk, Vicki Dickerson, Mark Dickerson, Blair Bieser and Sandra Reilly. Photo by Don Ipock.
Congratulations to Our New Diamond Level Volunteers
The Kauffman Center would like to congratulate and thank the following five Diamond Level volunteers who have each contributed more than 2,500 volunteer service hours.
Vicki Dickerson | “As a new volunteer at the Kauffman Center, I quickly realized the energy and enthusiasm of other volunteers and staff was contagious and real. This was evident when COVID, should be a four-letter word, ended the 2019/2020 season in February. While the staff did a great job keeping volunteers engaged with each other, when we physically returned, restrictions and all, it was smiling eyes just above the masks and “hugs” all around. That joy continued when we saw our Patron friends, and them us. I am thankful the people of Kansas City continue to support the Performing Arts and feel lucky to be one of the many people that have and continue to represent the Kauffman Center.”
Mark Dickerson | “When I was growing up our family was not exposed to the arts. Since I started volunteering here in September 2017 I have been exposed to the Symphony, Ballet, Opera and many other performances at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Volunteering has broadened my experiences and I have found I like performances that I had not experienced before. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Best building for performances. Best performances. Best patrons. Best staff. Best volunteers. Just the best place to volunteer!”
Blair Bieser | “The pandemic has certainly shown us how important art is – how it can comfort us when we feel alone, and how it can bring us together when our differences are dividing us. And although the performing arts posted a lot of videos, there’s nothing like coming to our beautiful Kauffman Center and watching artists from around the world sing, dance, and make music for us. I’ve loved welcoming you back!”
Sandra Reilly | “Thank you for the opportunity to serve as a volunteer and support the success of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Always memorable and rewarding.”
Learn more about the Kauffman Center’s volunteer program and get involved by visiting kauffmancenter.org/volunteer or contact volunteer@kauffmancenter.org.
Volunteer Terri Curran pumps up students during a recent school matinee. On average, there are more than 30 school matinees each year that require volunteer support. Photo by Brittany Zarco
On average, more than 500 volunteers contribute 51,000 hours annually to the Center. While most volunteers do not have formal customer service experience, their diverse backgrounds, cultures and previous professions create an inclusive and friendly environment. Around every corner is a smiling face and helping hand. Volunteers are easy to spot in their iconic blue vests, and they carry out a variety of tasks at performances, from taking tickets to greeting guests, to assisting with security screenings.
When asked why he chose to begin volunteering at the Kauffman Center Mark Gardner said, “…because the arts are a vital part of a thriving Kansas City, and I want to help. I love and look forward to working with the staff, the volunteers … where else can you have such a memorable impact on so many people in an evening? It is quite amazing!”
Howard Pitler, Mark Dickerson, Mark Gardner and Dennis Connor have some fun during the holiday season. In December alone, volunteers work an average of 5 shifts for a total of more than 1,900 shifts worked. Photo by Jenny DeFreece
About 60 volunteers are needed to help run each performance, and often the Kauffman Center will have two performances running simultaneously, requiring even more volunteer support. Events are scheduled around the clock, including daytime matinees and evening, weekday and weekend performances, providing volunteer opportunities that fit every schedule. Volunteers who work at least 15 shifts a year are considered “active” members meaning that they are invited to attend special events and receive additional perks throughout the season.
One of the perks granted to active volunteers is an invitation to the annual Volunteer Ice Cream Social and Trivia Night, which takes place during Volunteer Appreciation Month in April. At this event, volunteers are treated to snacks, games and prizes. Prizes, donated by local businesses, can vary from gift cards, to concert/sporting tickets, to memberships to local attractions. Additionally, each summer, a Volunteer Recognition Event is held, and five volunteers who exhibited the highest level of professional, positive and exceptional customer service that season are awarded the Kauffman Spirit Award. These individuals will have made a significant contribution to our mission to “create devoted constituents and enhance the satisfaction for all who come to the Kauffman Center.” They are recognized for serving each patron with dignity and respect. Chairman of the Kauffman Center Board, Julia Irene Kauffman, presents this award annually and to date has bestowed the award to 40 deserving volunteers.
Kauffman Spirit Award winners with Chairman of the Board Julia Irene Kauffman and President & CEO Paul Schofer. (Left to right) Jennifer Wehmeyer, Mark Gardner, Julia Irene Kauffman, Carolyn Curtis, Nancy Rhoades, Phil Caldarella and Paul Schofer. Photo by David Riffel
“Receiving one of the Kauffman Spirit Awards was truly one of the highlights of my life,” said 2019 Kauffman Spirit Award Winner Phil Caldarella. “To be recognized for my service at the Kauffman Center with this prestigious award was a true blessing and honor. It is a reflection of my job in making the Kauffman Center patron experience the best that it can be. Being recognized in front of my fellow volunteers, the team captains, the team leads, the patron services team and the executive staff is something I will always treasure. Finally, to have this award presented to me by our distinguished Chairman of the Board, Julia Irene Kauffman, made it even more special and rewarding. I am truly blessed to be a part of the Kauffman Center family.”
The dedication displayed by volunteers is astounding, and the Kauffman Center distinguishes its volunteers by the total number of hours an individual has donated to the Center. There are six levels:
- Active (less than 100 hours) – currently 90 volunteers at this level
- Bronze (100 volunteer hours) – currently 108 volunteers at this level
- Silver (250 volunteer hours) – currently 124 volunteers at this level
- Gold (500 volunteer hours) – currently 84 volunteers at this level
- Royal (1,000 volunteer hours) – currently 86 volunteers at this level
- Diamond (2,500+ volunteer hours) – currently 11 volunteers at this level
Members who have devoted thousands of hours to the Center are honored with additional perks. Royal Volunteers get their name added on a plaque displayed in the volunteer office and are invited to a special reception before the Volunteer Recognition Event in July. Volunteers who reach Diamond status are given a “performance night out” package including two tickets to a performance, valet parking, dinner for two, a meet and greet with a performer, and two complimentary Kauffman bar beverages. In addition, every fall, the Kauffman Center hosts a luncheon for volunteers who have been with the Center for five seasons.
A group of volunteers show their KC pride during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl run in January 2020. Photo by Jenny DeFreece
Volunteer recruitment takes place once a year. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, should be comfortable working with a variety of individuals and be able to treat all volunteers, team members and guests with dignity and respect at all times. If you are interested in applying to become a volunteer, please email volunteer@kauffmancenter.org to be placed on the contact list and have an application emailed directly to you. Or visit the volunteer page on the Kauffman Center website.
The Kauffman Center is thankful for all the hard work volunteers put into making a visit to the Center memorable for patrons each season. Their smiling faces and warm personalities are instrumental in providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all who visit the Center. As the Kauffman Center approaches its 10-year anniversary, it is evident that our volunteers are indispensable to the Center’s success.
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Kauffman Center staff members, Barry, Mary Maxine, and Jenny, help out at the annual Future Stages Festival.
Recognition on Employee Appreciation Day
Kauffman Center is interrupting your regularly scheduled programming to introduce a few hardworking employees in anticipation of Employee Appreciation Day on March 1. Below are some details about some of the people behind the programming, the curtains, and the productions at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
First, meet Joanna Polley, the Kauffman Center’s Community Outreach Supervisor. She is largely focused on managing and growing the Open Doors program which provides Kauffman Center access opportunities for local schools, social service agencies, students, and families across the KC Metro.
“My favorite day every year is Future Stages Festival when the building is full of hundreds of young artists and families – many of which are experiencing the Kauffman Center for the first time!”
Click here to learn more about the Kauffman Center’s Open Doors program.
The second employee under the spotlight is Trisha Drape, Development Manager of Individual Giving.
She assists with various membership and fundraising efforts including Spotlight, Spotlight Premier and Adventure Circle members. She also communicates directly with generous donors about their support and accommodates requests they have to make their experience at the Kauffman Center extraordinary.
“I love the day-to-day interaction with our members, many of whom have become friends. It is such a privilege to work with our city’s philanthropists and our members who understand the importance of the Kauffman Center and who want to ensure it thrives for years to come and for future generations.”
Click here to learn more about becoming a Kauffman Center Spotlight member!
The next hardworking staff member is Barry Myers, Director of Patron Services. For Barry, it’s all about people, people, people! He oversees/is responsible for 31 full and part-time staff, 500+ volunteers and 400,000+ patrons annually. He’s a coach, mentor, advocate, listener, and problem-solver.
“No two days are EVER the same! Having worked in the venue management industry for 35 years now, I’ve seen a lot of things, but a couple of things come to mind from my time at the Kauffman Center – a woman who was knitting while watching a KC Symphony concert and a man who sat in the first row of the Orchestra section and was visibly conducting along with the conductor for all to see. I can’t say I’ve seen it all, but I’ve certainly seen a lot. [It] keeps things interesting!”
Meet Donna Miller-Brown, a Kauffman Center Production Manager. She acts as a liaison between productions and the Center, making sure performers have everything they need for a successful show. Donna loves to share some memories from her time working in production management, including a Broadway show that needed the entire stage covered in plastic for their water effect, and once, Carol Burnett needed 50 Casa Blanca lilies in a bowl on stage for a gag.
“[My favorite things about working at the Kauffman Center] are the special moments most people don’t get to experience—walking down the hall and listening to Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin warming up together or listening to a pianist working on a passage over and over again until it’s perfect. Also, on average, for every person you see on stage, there’s at least one person offstage also working. I wish productions would bring out all the dressers, carpenters, and electricians working on the show when they do bows so you could really see the entire ensemble.”
The final staff member is Jennifer DeFreece, Volunteer Manager. She oversees the 500+ Kauffman Center volunteers! Her position plays a key role in the Kauffman Center’s ability to staff performances and events, a function that contributes significantly to providing an exceptional patron experience.
“I love seeing how [volunteers] have goals for their volunteer position (i.e. reaching a certain number of hours). They are role models for everyone, and I appreciate their passion to serve our patrons every day.”
Click here to learn more about the Kauffman Center’s volunteer program!
Though there are only a few stories shared here, everyone that contributes to the success of this beautiful building is greatly appreciated. Because of the men and women who do what they do so well, the Kauffman Center can run as smoothly as possible. Happy Employee Appreciation Day!
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