People & Places
What Makes You Proud?
After her mother’s death and her father’s illness, Susan was determined to find a way to help people. And she did exactly that, but it wasn’t without her share of road blocks. Learn more about her and your other neighbors in Kansas City through Flatland’s new Youtube series, “I’m Your Neighbor.” Every Tuesday and Thursday through…
I’m Your Neighbor | Preview
Sometimes what makes us unique is also what makes us similar. Flatland, KCPT’s digital magazine, is on a mission to better understand our fellow Kansas Citians through our new Youtube series, “I am Your Neighbor.” With thoughtful questions, we aim to make neighbors out of strangers, regardless of zip code. Every Tuesday and Thursday through…
Trad A Burns | Becoming a Lighting Designer
“[I] fell in love with something I didn’t know I was going to like.” Trad A Burns, Lighting Designer for the Kansas City Ballet’s world premiere of “The Wizard of Oz,” thought he wanted to be an actor, but it was only after petitioning for a class in college that he found his calling. Now, he…
Opening Up About Coming Out
It has been more than two decades since Darrel Brenneke broke the news to his mother that he was gay, but the memory still brings him to tears. He knew his mom would worry that this was a death sentence, since it had not been that long since his brother had died of AIDS. But…
Michael Raiford | Becoming a Set Designer
“Just go out and find it and do it.” Michael Raiford, set designer for the Kansas City Ballet’s “The Wizard of Oz,” says he “fell” into the profession, but encourages other aspiring set designers to get their feet wet wherever they can. Every Tuesday and Thursday through Oct. 12, Flatland looks at the various people…
The Rise and Fall of an Overland Park Icon
Metcalf Avenue is certainly not the Champs-Élysées, but at one time, a French-themed market loomed large — like a medieval castle — above Overland Park’s main drag. This superstore, in fact, was named the French Market, and curiousKC delved into the history of the place at the behest of Quentin Brewer, a Mission, Kansas, resident…
Devon Carney | Becoming an Artistic Director
As the Artistic Director for the Kansas City Ballet, Devon Carney knows the significant impact he can have on a ballet dancer’s career, which often is only 15 years or so. Along with that commitment to his dancers, he’s equally as committed to the audience experience, and ensuring their first visit isn’t their last. Every Tuesday and Thursday through…
Ramona Pansegrau | Becoming a Music Director
At the age of four, Ramona Pansegrau decided she was going to be a concert pianist. And that’s exactly what she did. Now, as the Music Director for the Kansas City Ballet’s world premiere of “The Wizard of Oz,” she stresses to other young musicians that loving what you do is the driving force behind success. Every Tuesday and…
Nicholas Mahon | Becoming a Puppet Designer
Growing up in rural Quebec, Nicholas Mahon learned about the arts by watching “Sesame Street.” The more he explored the arts, though, the more he was drawn to the art of puppets and the variety of mediums — drawing, mechanics, animation — that go into making a puppet. Now, as the puppet designer for The…
Liz Vandal | Becoming a Costume Designer
After making her first fashion drawing at 9 years old, Liz Vandal knew she’d become a costume designer. But she also knew it would take more than just innate talent to get her there. Now, as the the costume designer for The Kansas City Ballet’s world premiere of “The Wizard of Oz,” she gives her tips on how…