A Year of Standing Ovations: Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Ahead

2025: A Spectacular Run

What a year it has been! From celebrating 30 years of DMPA’s Applause Series, which has introduced nearly 1 million students and teachers to the magic of live performance, to marking the 20th season of the Willis Broadway Series, 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary.

We welcomed more than 346,000 guests to 365 unforgettable performances – from Broadway blockbusters that had audiences singing all the way home, to intimate concerts that turned ordinary evenings into cherished memories. And as we bid a heartfelt farewell to longtime President and CEO Jeff Chelsvig, we reflected on his incredible legacy of making the arts accessible to all.

Every standing ovation, every laugh, every tear shed in our theaters this year was because of you. Thank you for filling not just our seats, but our hearts.

New Year. New Chapter.

As the curtain rises on 2026, excitement fills every corner of DMPA. We’re thrilled to welcome Monica Holt as our new president and CEO – a leader passionate about creating transformative arts experiences in our community.

This year, we’ll open our doors to thousands of students for programs that change lives:

• Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards, where young performers shine like Broadway stars.
• Access Broadway, giving students from all backgrounds the chance to experience world-class theater.
• DMPA summer camps, where creativity takes center stage and lifelong friendships are born.

And yes, we’re already buzzing about the 2026–27 Willis Broadway Series lineup – we promise, it’s going to be spectacular!

Making 2026 Our Best Year Yet

None of this would be possible without you. Your support – whether through ticket purchases, partnerships, or donations – fuels everything we do. In 2025 alone, 5,000 donor gifts helped us bring the arts to classrooms, community parks, and stages across the metro.

Because of you, a student saw their first Broadway show. A family shared a magical night. A young artist discovered their voice. Together, we’re building a legacy of accessibility and inspiration – one that ensures everyone has a seat at the table (and in the theater).

Want to be part of someone’s story? Visit DMPA.org to see how your gift – whether $1 or $1,000 – can open the curtain to a lifetime of unforgettable experiences.

Here’s to 2026. Here’s to you. Here’s to the power of the arts.