Kansas City Nonprofits and Charities

I have participated in several professional development activities with Kim Trudell and Kansas City Ballet's Early Childhood Dance Teaching Artists, and have been deeply impressed by their knowledge of child development, their commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and creative learning environment for their young dancers, and their passion for and dedication to the art of dance education.

We have enrolled our children in camps and classes at KCYA Community School of the Arts for over 2 years. It is so awesomely obvious that this organization is on a mission to educate and enrich children and serve families in KC. It is so much more than a business. After attending other "studios or schools" for dance in KC, I could tell KCYA was going to be different from the first day. The teaching artists in dance are as passionate abd gifted in the area of education as they are in dance. The dance director has goals beyond just getting the kids through a class or to the next "level." She incorporates life and social skills into the classes seamlessly---things like physical poise, how to sit or rise, how to present oneself- to smile, to speak clearly, to be healthy, to be dedicated. I guess I would say I am most impressed by the intentionality of all the teachers---they have goals, part of their mission. The mission is to support the growth of the while child, mind body and heart. I think that is extraordinary. The kids also love the chances to perform and the dance department teaches them the benefits of hard work and commitment in every step leading to performance. Additionally, KCYA regularly put on free events for families that highlight local artists. They are not fancy, but they all kids are their parents the experience of community, comradery and participation in the arts. For all of the quality and intention that KCYA puts into their classes and camps, I also find it extraordinary that they are able to keep it affordable and accessible to kids with a desire to learn and grow through creative arts. We feel very lucky to be a part of the CSA

PM Puppets is the greatest place, wonderful people and excellent puppet theater for all ages. The adaptation of beloved stories is extremely well done. they are miracle workers. Take you kids!!! Read the story ahead if you can. It is magical to see even very young children get the humor and the point of the stories. We have been going several years and my grandson has been in the Nativity and hopes to do so again. This organization deserves all the support we can give it in whatever way we can. Thank you Paul and Mike and everyone else who makes it all happen.

Consistently excellent, adventurous theatre on stages at UMKC and downtown. Artistic Director Eric Rosen has selected a wide variety of plays from large musicals to one man dramas, including three world premieres this season. National recognition has increased, educational programs are expanding, and audiences are diversifying.