A Wonderful Start to the Applause Series: Inspiring Young Minds

Earlier this month, we launched the 2024-25 Applause Series with an unforgettable performance of Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster. Hundreds of young students filled the seats, their excitement palpable as they waited for the lights to dim. For many of these students, this wasn’t just a field trip—it was their first taste of live theater, and the atmosphere was electric.

There’s something magical about seeing a story unfold on stage, especially when it’s as whimsical and heartwarming as Leonardo! Students leaned forward, eyes wide, as they watched the tale of friendship and courage come to life from the page to the stage to the screen. Through Manual Cinema’s creative use of puppetry, the theater was filled with laughter, gasps, and applause. Teachers and students alike were inspired, learning valuable lessons about empathy, bravery, and kindness.

The Applause Series is about more than the show on stage; it’s about the impact that stays with students long after they leave the theater. Teachers took the excitement back to the classroom, where they used Mo Williem’s book and DMPA’s resource guides to dive deeper into the story’s themes. These PreK-2nd grade students learned the importance of friendship and acceptance, with direct ties into literacy and social-emotional learning.

Bring Your Students to a Live Applause Series Show!
The Applause Series continues all season long with shows that spark curiosity, creativity, and connection. These performances are a chance for students ranging from PreK to High School to experience world-class arts and culture right here in Des Moines—a memory they’ll carry with them for years. Tickets to all performances are accessibly priced at $1 thanks to support from our community. We invite school groups and home educators to join us at our upcoming Applause Series performances as we continue to help shape the next generation of thinkers and dreamers.