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Jeff Chelesvig Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award by The Broadway League
News

Jeff Chelesvig Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award by The Broadway League

Des Moines Performing Arts is proud to share that Jeff Chelesvig, President and CEO of DMPA, has been awarded the Distinguished Lifetime Service Award by The Broadway League. The honor was presented during the League’s Annual Spring Road Conference in New York City—one of the industry’s most significant gatherings for national Broadway presenters and producers.

May 15, 2025
A group of women in black dresses are standing on a stage, posing for a picture.

2024–2025 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Recipients Announced

The 2024–2025 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards (IHSMTAs) recipients have been revealed, and we couldn’t be more proud to celebrate the students, educators, and schools across the state who brought unforgettable performances and productions to life this season.

May 7, 2025
Your Favorite Pop Anthem Revealed: “Since U Been Gone” Wins the & Juliet Song Bracket!

Your Favorite Pop Anthem Revealed: “Since U Been Gone” Wins the & Juliet Song Bracket!

To celebrate the arrival of & Juliet in Des Moines, we asked you to vote on the ultimate Max Martin banger featured in the show—and the results are in. After four fierce rounds and hundreds of fan votes, “Since U Been Gone” came out on top!

May 6, 2025
Three Des Moines Performing Arts-Invested Shows Receive 2025 Tony Award Nominations
News

Three Des Moines Performing Arts-Invested Shows Receive 2025 Tony Award Nominations

The Broadway League and The American Theatre Wing announced the 2025 Tony Award nominations on Thursday, May 1. Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) invested in three nominated productions – Buena Vista Social Club, Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical and Real Women Have Curves – as part of the Independent Presenters Network (IPN). The IPN is a consortium of 40 leading Broadway presenters, theaters and performing arts centers.

May 1, 2025
Just Announced at DMPA: Concerts, Comedy, and Can’t-Miss Events Coming Your Way!

Just Announced at DMPA: Concerts, Comedy, and Can’t-Miss Events Coming Your Way!

We’re turning up the volume—and the variety—for the newly announced lineup at Des Moines Performing Arts! From iconic love ballads and killer comedy to candlelit nostalgia and high-energy dance, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to what’s new:

April 24, 2025
DMPA CONVERSATIONS: SUSANNA WOLK
DMPA Conversations

DMPA CONVERSATIONS: SUSANNA WOLK

Join & JULIET Associate Director Susanna Wolk in conversation with Des Moines Performing Arts President and CEO Jeff Chelesvig as she explains what it’s like taking one of Broadway’s most popular shows from New York to national tour. Wolk describes the larger-than-life fun and the empowering message behind this playful retelling of Juliet’s story.

April 14, 2025

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DMPA CONVERSATIONS: SUSANNA WOLK
DMPA Conversations

DMPA CONVERSATIONS: SUSANNA WOLK

Join & JULIET Associate Director Susanna Wolk in conversation with Des Moines Performing Arts President and CEO Jeff Chelesvig as she explains what it’s like taking one of Broadway’s most popular shows from New York to national tour. Wolk describes the larger-than-life fun and the empowering message behind this playful retelling of Juliet’s story.

April 14, 2025
DMPA CONVERSATIONS: Dominic Moore-Dunson
DMPA Conversations

DMPA CONVERSATIONS: Dominic Moore-Dunson

Join director and choreographer of the stage adaptation of The Remember Balloons, Dominic Moore-Dunson, in conversation with Des Moines Performing Arts Director of Education, Karoline Myers. Moore-Dunson talks about bringing this popular children’s book about memory loss to the stage as well as the developmental residency that DMPA supported. See this incredible show on March 29 as part of the Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Family Series.

March 25, 2025
DMPA CONVERSATIONS: Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman
DMPA Conversations

DMPA CONVERSATIONS: Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman

Join Tony and Grammy Award-winning composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman and Tony and Grammy Award-winning lyricist Scott Wittman as they converse with Des Moines Performing Arts President and CEO Jeff Chelesvig about the writing process for the score of SOME LIKE IT HOT. The genius musical duo who also brought us catchy tunes from Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can and soon to come, Smash, share a few laughs and talk about the making of this HOT, HOT show!

March 18, 2025
DMPA CONVERSATIONS: NATASHA KATZ
News

DMPA CONVERSATIONS: NATASHA KATZ

Join eight-time Tony Award winner and the lighting designer for MJ, Natasha Katz, and DMPA President and CEO, Jeff Chelesvig, as they discuss Natasha’s incredible career, how she approaches her craft and what it takes to illuminate a show like MJ.

April 25, 2024
DMPA CONVERSATIONS: MARTHA REDBONE
News

DMPA CONVERSATIONS: MARTHA REDBONE

Join singer, songwriter, composer, and educator Martha Redbone as she discusses her career and inspiration with Laura Sweet, DMPA’s Vice President and COO.  Martha will perform at the Temple Theater on April 12 as part of the Prairie Meadows Live at the Temple Concert Series.

April 9, 2024
DMPA CONVERSATIONS: ORIN WOLF
Broadway

DMPA CONVERSATIONS: ORIN WOLF

Join Orin Wolf, Producer and Chief Executive Officer of NETworks - a theatrical production company, and Jeff Chelesvig, President and CEO of DMPA, as they discuss the revival of Funny Girl.

March 11, 2024