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Join us at a Des Moines Performing Arts camp, where young people sharpen their skills, stretch their imaginations, and create unique memories through a variety of educational opportunities.

With theater professionals as the instructors, students gain a deeper understanding of the creative process, build confidence, and benefit from a fresh jolt of creative energy.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Looking for ways to volunteer?

Check out these two opportunities for high school, college students, and adults to work with younger children at our theater camps:

Questions? Contact Lynnae at LynnaeL@DMPA.org

Make an Impact!

DMPA SUMMER CAMPS

Hundreds of students each year discover the joy of performing through DMPA’s Summer Camps. Students experience production and performance training from industry leading professionals while building their skills and most importantly their confidence. Camp culminates in a weekly performance for a live audience.

SUPPORT DMPA

ANNOUNCING 2026 THEATER CAMPS, DATES, and VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

REGISTRATION DATES

  • For donors: opens at 10 AM, Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
  • For the general public: opens at 10 AM, Thursday, January 29, 2026.

More details coming after January 1. 

NOTE: All grades levels are based on Fall 2026 enrollment (i.e. current 2nd grader would be fall 3rd grader for camps).

THEATER IN A BOX - GRADES 1-3

A miniature stage made from a table-top box becomes the home for your own creation - handmade characters, original stories, backdrops, and more bring your story to life.

Primary location: Civic Center
Tuition: $150
Half day:  M-F: 9 AM - 12 PM

Dates - 2 sessions:

  • June 15-19, 2026
  • June 22-28, 2026

MUSICAL THEATER CAMP - GRADES 3-8

Audition on Monday, then spend the week putting together a musical with your fellow actors to be performed for family and friends on Friday evening. Everyone is guaranteed a part.

Primary location: Temple for the Performing Arts
Tuition: $315
M-TH: 9 AM - 4 PM; Friday: 9AM - 6:30 PM

Dates - 6 sessions: 

  • June 15-19, 2026
  • June 22-26, 2026
  • July 6-10, 2026
  • July 13-17, 2026
  • July 20-24, 2026
  • July 27-31, 2026

BROADWAY INTENSIVE - GRADES 9-ENTERING FIRST YEAR COLLEGE 

Guest Broadway teaching artists help you develop and refine your musical theater and audition skills. For high school performers highly interested in musical theater.

Primary location: Des Moines Civic Center
Tuition: $515
M-F: 9 AM - 5 PM; Saturday: 9AM - 5 PM

Dates - 1 session:  July 13-17, 2026

BROADWAY ACADEMY - GRADES 6-8

Guest Broadway teaching artists help you develop your musical theater skills. For middle school performers highly interested in musical theater.

Primary location: Des Moines Civic Center
Tuition: $465
M-F: 9 AM - 4 PM; Saturday: 9AM - 5 PM

Dates - 1 session:  July 13-17, 2026