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More than 600 young artists lit up the stages of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, delivering an unforgettable day of music, dance, and cultural expression.
The 12th annual Future Stages Festival served as a vibrant celebration of Kansas City’s diversity and artistic passion, providing young talents—some as young as five—with a chance to perform in a world-class venue.
A Prestigious Stage for Rising Stars
“The same stages that have hosted legends like John Legend now welcome our local youth,” said Paul Schofer, President and CEO of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. “We’re proud to give these talented children and teens the spotlight they deserve.”
This powerful statement reflects the core vision behind the Future Stages Festival — creating a space where young performers are not only encouraged but celebrated on the same prestigious stages that have featured internationally renowned artists.
By opening its doors to emerging talents from across the region, the Kauffman Center is actively nurturing the artistic development of the community’s youth.
Through this initiative, the center amplifies youth voices, fosters confidence, and provides an inclusive stage that values diversity, passion, and perseverance.
Whether it’s a first-time performer or a seasoned young artist, every child who steps onto these stages experiences the transformative power of artistic expression in a setting that validates their hard work and inspires future aspirations.
The festival doesn’t just showcase performances — it offers mentorship, visibility, and a sense of belonging within the broader Kansas City arts ecosystem.
In doing so, it continues to fulfill its mission of empowering the next generation of artists and ensuring that the creative spirit of Kansas City remains vibrant, dynamic, and deeply rooted in community engagement.
Four Stages, Endless Talent
Throughout the day, performances rotated across four dynamic venues:
- Muriel Kauffman Theatre
- Helzberg Hall
- Saint Luke’s Outdoor Stage
- KC Symphony’s Mobile Music Box
From jazz bands and aerial acts to spoken word poets and folk dance troupes, the variety of performances captivated both first-time visitors and returning audiences. One of the most popular acts featured a lively group of Irish step dancers, who thrilled the crowd with fast-paced footwork and infectious energy.
“We’re proud to represent our Irish roots here in Kansas City,” said instructor Bridgid Driscoll. “It’s a rhythm that never leaves us. Our feet are always moving.”
Dance, Culture, and Community
For performers like Shelby Owens, dance is more than just movement—it’s a form of self-expression. “I love using my feet and legs. It feels good just moving around,” she shared with enthusiasm.
In a deeply moving performance, a group of young Chinese dancers took the stage, performing routines rooted in centuries of tradition. Parent Aihua Zhu expressed pride in her children’s cultural journey: “We are immigrants from China, and we want our kids to embrace their heritage through the beauty of traditional Chinese dance.”
Performer Grace Zhou couldn’t hide her joy after her performance. “When we heard the applause, I felt really proud,” she said, beaming.
Free for Families, Full of Inspiration
The Future Stages Festival is entirely free and designed to be family-friendly. Throughout the day, the Great Hall and south lawn of the Kauffman Center were bustling with interactive arts activities for all ages, making it a celebration not just for performers, but for the whole community.
As music from the Kansas City Symphony echoed between performances, the professional-grade atmosphere reminded everyone—artists and audience alike—just how special this day was.
The 12th Annual Future Stages Festival once again proved that the spirit of the arts is alive and thriving in Kansas City. More than just a showcase, the event created lasting memories, deepened cultural connections, and inspired hundreds of young performers to dream bigger.
As the final round of applause echoed through the grand halls of the Kauffman Center, these young stars walked offstage proud, accomplished, and already looking forward to their next performance.