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Kansas City Prepares for 12th Annual Future Stages Festival

Young artists showcasing their talent at the Future Stages Festival in Kansas City.

News Summary

The 12th Annual Future Stages Festival is set for June 15, 2025, in Kansas City. This free event celebrates young talent in the performing arts, featuring performances from numerous young artists across various venues. Attendees will enjoy activities aimed at families, making it a vibrant celebration of community engagement. Applications for youth arts groups are open until March 3, 2025. The festival emphasizes accessibility and provides initiatives to connect young people with the arts. Mark your calendars for a day of creativity and fun!

Kansas City Gears Up for the 12th Annual Future Stages Festival

Excitement is building in Kansas City as the 12th Annual Future Stages Festival has officially been announced for Sunday, June 15, 2025. Running from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., this fabulous event promises to be a spectacular celebration of the city’s vibrant diversity in the performing arts, and the best part? It’s entirely free for all to attend!

A Showcase of Young Talent

Each year, the Future Stages Festival shines a spotlight on hundreds of talented young artists, showcasing their performances for audiences of all ages. The event serves as an extension of the Kauffman Center’s commitment to community engagement, and it’s evident—from the smiling faces of performers and attendees alike—that this festival is a beloved tradition.

In the past 11 festivals, an impressive 6,800 young performers have graced the stages, representing over 100 community arts organizations. This year, attendees can expect to see a wide variety of performances at some amazing venues including Helzberg Hall, Muriel Kauffman Theatre, the Saint Luke’s Outdoor Stage, and the Kansas City Symphony Mobile Music Box!

Activities for Everyone

The excitement doesn’t stop at the impressive performances! Additional activities are slated to take place in Brandmeyer Great Hall, across the south lawn, and in the delightful PNC PlaySpace located in the PNC Grow Up Great Gallery area. Families can look forward to an afternoon packed with opportunities for creativity and fun.

Call for Young Artists

Want to be a part of the fun? Applications are now open for youth arts groups to participate. Organizations must submit their applications by the deadline of Monday, March 3, 2025. Community arts groups and school programs are especially encouraged to apply, particularly those with youth performers aged 5 to 18. This is a golden opportunity to let young creative talents shine!

Interested groups can easily find the application details by visiting kauffmancenter.org/futurestages.

Connecting Youth to the Arts

The Kauffman Center continues to foster connections between young people and the arts through initiatives like the Open Doors Spotlight on Youth and the Open Doors Community Tickets programs. One exciting initiative is the Open Doors Transportation Fund, designed to help schools cover transportation costs, thus ensuring that taking part in performing arts experiences remains accessible for all students.

More information about these enriching community engagement programs can be found at kauffmancenter.org/open-doors.

Accessibility for All

As always, the Kauffman Center is dedicated to removing barriers for everyone wanting to experience the arts. Their accessibility promise ensures that all patrons can enjoy the festival. If anyone requires assistance or has questions regarding their visit, they can easily reach out to the ticket office at 816.994.7222 or send an email to accessibility@kauffmancenter.org.

Upcoming Events

In addition to the Future Stages Festival, you won’t want to miss the other exciting performances happening at the Kauffman Center. The American Theatre Guild will bring chills and thrills with “INSIDIOUS: THE FURTHER YOU FEAR” on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. Meanwhile, the Coterie Theatre will dazzle audiences with a new musical based on Sonia Sotomayor’s inspiring book, “Just Ask!” And let’s not forget the ever-popular annual classical music gala, Stanislav & Friends, slated for Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Mark your calendars, Kansas City! The Future Stages Festival is just around the corner, and it promises to be an event full of cherished memories and immense talent!