News: News
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News
Serving Iowans at Every Stage: DMPA Expands Arts Access for Pre-K Students
At Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA), we believe the arts are how communities connect, reflect and grow – and that it’s never too early or too late for those experiences. As a complete home for the arts, DMPA serves Iowans at every stage of life, from pre-K students discovering live performance for the first time to seniors continuing to find meaning and connection through the arts.
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News
DMPA Welcomes Students and Educators from Across the State for an Afternoon of Arts, Connection and Creativity
Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) proudly hosted 130 middle school students – from Meredith Middle School in Des Moines, West Branch Middle School in West Branch and East Union in Afton – for an immersive afternoon of workshops, performance and collaboration. This community initiative, inspired by the national tour of The Outsiders’ Stay Gold Project, highlighted the musical’s messages around resilience, identity and finding your place in the world.
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News
Made in the Midwest: Carver Jones
The Made in the Midwest series continues with rising artist Carver Jones, bringing his guitar-driven rock sound to the Temple Theater on February 28. We caught up with Carver to talk about his influences, Midwest roots, and what audiences can expect from this intimate performance.
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News
Applauding 30 Years of DMPA’s Applause Series
The 2025-26 season marks the 30th anniversary of DMPA’s Applause Series, which engages over 35,000 students from pre-K through high school annually.
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News
WICKED Public On-Sale Date Announced!
Good news, Ozians — it’s about to get thrillifying. Tickets for WICKED will officially go on sale to the public on Thursday, March 12! Set your alarms, color your calendars green, and get ready to head to Oz. This on-sale is going to be wickedly popular!
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Broadway
SIX – Press Highlights
The Queens have arrived! SIX is now taking the stage at the Des Moines Civic Center — and local media outlets have been buzzing with excitement. Cast members stopped by Des Moines studios to talk Tudor, tour, and why this high-energy hit musical has become a global sensation.
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News
A Year of Standing Ovations: Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Ahead
What a year it has been! 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.
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News
DMPA Wrapped 2025
As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a page from the Spotify Wrapped playbook to look back at the moments, milestones, and memories that defined 2025 at Des Moines Performing Arts.
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Broadway
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical – Press Highlights
Before Dr. Seuss' classic holiday tale comes to life on stage Dec. 16-21, Mr. Grinch had to scope out the Whos and the Roast Beasts in Des Moines — check out press links, photos from his appearances, and see what celebrity readers will be at the show!
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News
Join Us for Dog Man Library Events Ahead of Dog Man: The Musical
In celebration of Dog Man: The Musical coming to the Des Moines Civic Center on January 31, families are invited to take part in a series of Dog Man–themed programs at Des Moines Public Library locations throughout January. Each event offers a fun, welcoming environment for young readers, along with the chance to enter and win a four-pack of tickets to the performance.
