All trials on the merits must be conducted in open court and, subject to Kan. Stat. Ann. § 20-347, and amendments thereto, in a regular courtroom. All other acts or proceedings, including the entry of a ruling or judgment, may be done or conducted by a judge or judge pro tem in chambers, without the attendance of the clerk or other court officials, or at any place either in or outside the district; but no hearing, other than one ex parte, may be conducted outside the district without the consent of all affected parties not in default.