Exciting New Chapter Begins for Starlight
A group of more than 100 Starlight supporters, public officials, and staff attended a groundbreaking ceremony at Starlight on October 8. The celebration began the first phase of a campus-wide improvement project that includes two new towers, a new production bridge, and a canopy that will extend over a portion of the seating. The canopy will allow for summer Broadway matinees for up to 3,200 attendees.
“As we break ground on this exciting new chapter for Starlight, we celebrate the future of Kansas City’s iconic cultural landmark,” Lindsey Rood-Clifford, Starlight President + C.E.O., said. “This project reflects our commitment to enhancing the arts, enriching community experiences, and preserving the magic of live performance for future generations. Today’s groundbreaking signals the beginning of a transformation that will ensure Starlight continues to be a place where everyone feels welcome and inspired, reinforcing our shared love for the arts and this city we proudly call home.”
In addition, the celebration signaled the launch of several new community engagement programs that will strengthen relationships with local organizations to use Starlight’s facilities for community events, provide high school students exposure to career paths in the arts, provide free resources and support for elementary schools to create sustainable arts programs, expand the number of free tickets offered to community organizations, and provide live theatre targeted to students and families.
“These new projects will help to sustain the arts and entertainment sector through the development of future performers, technicians, and arts administrators,” Alex Jones, V.P. of Community Engagement, said. “They will introduce students to career opportunities in the arts and will expand community partnership programming to bring theatre to schools where there is limited arts access.”
Uniquely KC, Starlight’s $40 million capital campaign was revealed to the public last fall. This bold plan will further the organization’s mission to connect the community through live arts experiences that entertain, inspire, and engage. It will also support the vision to create accessible live arts experiences for all generations at one of Kansas City’s most unique outdoor venues.
“Now is the time to reinvest in one of Kansas City’s beloved cultural icons to ensure these facilities and programs attract even more guests,” Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw said. “We at City Hall look forward to lending our support to this campaign because, just like you, we want Starlight to be here for us and our families for many years to come.”
The Uniquely KC construction projects aim to be completed in two phases. Phase 1 will be completed by the spring of 2025, prior to the summer season. Phase 2 is slated to begin in the fall of 2025 with an anticipated completion date of spring of 2026.