Kansas City Music Hall

In 2000 Walter P Moore worked with the architect to study the possibility of renovating an art deco 1930’s auditorium in Kansas City. One of the greatest challenges was that the stage area was too small to handle today’s Broadway shows and events.

Walter P Moore studied the possibility of removing the 75 foot tall, three brick thick, back of stage wall and the structure behind it by 15 feet to increase the stage depth. The rigging system also needed to be moved from stage left to stage right to better facilitate performance activities. A structural steel frame was constructed to extend the stage house vertically, move the lighting grid approximately 18 feet and increase the stage depth from 35 to 50 feet.

Completed in just six months, theatergoers enjoy better views and a more comfortable experience, thanks to new seating, an optimal seating configuration, and easily accessible restrooms. To meet ADA requirements, ramps were constructed in the historic lobby and handicap seats were added in the theater space.