Before it was the Vox Theatre Event Space, it was a 1940s talkie theater; and before the theatre amused audiences with full sound, it was a silent film theatre entertaining the growing population of the Rosedale neighborhood in Kansas City, Kansas.

In December 1922, Mr. T.L. Ricksecker spearheaded the construction of the brick building for $30,000 - about $461,000 in today's money. 

Fast forward to August 1940, when the theatre debuted as a "talkie", and renamed the Vox Theatre.  The owners touted a "newly remodeled" space, "new sound", "new upholstered seats"-- and Spencer Tracy flicks. 

In the early 1960s, small intimate theaters gave way to large drive-in theaters and the space was sold to Westport Heating and Cooling; the company used the space to manufacture sheet metal ductwork. The floor was filled in making one large, leveled room. . 

Eventually, the space transitioned into an antique car garage, and fitted with a garage door in the front of the space. 

The space is used for a variety of events, including live music shows, comedy stand up sets, large fundraisers, weddings, graduation parties, and small weekly company meetings. Nearing its 100th year in existence, the Vox Theatre Event Space will remain a staple of the Rosedale neighborhood for years to come. 

Planning a wedding is a hefty task, no matter where the date falls on the calendar. Doing so in the midst of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) will definitely come with challenges. 

The Vox Theatre Event Space has taken a proactive approach to working with our wedding couples to bring solutions to the planning table. Vox couples impacted by official guidelines from the CDC are able to seek alternative dates on the Vox's 2020 events calendar, and into 2021 if necessary. We are also ready to support couples as they coordinate with their other vendors about their date change. 

Professionals in the industry, including wedding planners and travel consultants, all agree that couples need to remain aware of their local conditions, follow the news, and maintain an open conversation with their vendors and guests. 

For Kansas City couples, the stay-at-home order is due to expire on April 24th, however this may not mean larger gatherings will be encouraged or even allowed immediately following that date. The Vox recommends that all our May, June & July couples have honest conversations with their family and immediate friends about the effects of COVID-19 on their lives and their ability to remain safe and healthy getting to and throughout their wedding day. For now, the CDC recommends all weddings be postponed until Mid-May. The Vox Theatre Event Space will continue to follow the guidelines set out by local and federal entities, and will work with couples to create the best solution to their individual situations. 

To take a deeper dive into the nitty-gritty of planning a wedding during these strange times, we recommend these articles: 

"What to Know if You're Planning a Wedding During the Coronavirus Pandemic" -- Brides.com

"3 Things To Do if COVID-19 is Affecting Your Wedding Planning"-- Herecomestheguide.com

We're here for you, Vox couples! Stay safe and stay healthy, Kansas City.