One of Kansas City’s coolest places to see a show is planning a slew of fan-friendly upgrades.

As Kansas Citians, we’re fortunate enough to have many incredible venues for concerts and events close by. But Starlight is an extra special spot. The open-air amphitheater across from KC Zoo in Swope Park looks like a magical castle; and for over 70 years it has hosted countless musicals and plays from its Broadway Series, to concerts featuring artists from every genre. ZZ Top, Jack White, and Alicia Keys are among the big names that have rolled through Starlight in just the past couple of years. These events transport us to other worlds for a few hours at a time, and Starlight has plans to make them even better.

A new canopy will provide some shade during the hot summer months. They’ll build a new production truss and light bridge closer to the stage to improve lighting. Both those changes will allow for daytime matinees during the summer.

Currently at Starlight, video screens flank the stage on each side. But the renovation renderings show a new screen on the production truss in addition to screens positiioned closer to the action. People with seats towards the back won’t have to choose between watching the stage and watching a video screen if they can see both at once.

There are additional changes to the venue coming as well. The west campus will triple the number of bathroom stalls and add family/accessibility amenities like family restrooms, nursing rooms, and facilities for caregivers with adult clients. A new, larger kitchen means more food and beverage options. And Starlight will add a third entrance ramp into the venue. These are the kinds of changes that may not impact how we watch a show, but they’ll improve the Starlight experiece for a ton of people.

Starlight has launched a new fundraising campaign to help cover the cost of these upgrades. Unlike many of Kansas City’s venues, Starlight is a nonprofit and relies on the generosity of sponsors and members for support. And that support extends beyond physical renovations. Starlight’s community engagement programs include public events, technical theater training for high school students, musical theater programs for elementary school students, and helping disadvantaged communities access the arts.

Stadiums, arenas, and amphtheaters around the metro might hold more people, but a great show at Starlight is an experience. Experiences that will be even better once these renovations are complete.