DMPA Helps Launch Initiative Supporting New Youth and Family Theater Works
July 9, 2025
Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) has partnered with eight performing arts presenting organizations from around the United States to form the TYA Tour Development Collective (TYA TDC).
Founded in 2024, TYA TDC champions the creation of new theatrical work for youth and family audiences by providing funding for artists and companies developing projects for national tours.
“We are thrilled that the pilot year of this endeavor was so successful,” says Collective steering team member and Des Moines Performing Arts Director of Education Karoline Myers. “By collaborating with like-minded organizations who want to champion a work early in its development process, the impact of our contributions goes further, and we can be more assured that exciting and meaningful projects will be able to make their way to our – and other – stages across the country.”
In its first funding cycle, 34 artists and companies applied, with four selected in April 2025 to receive a total of $74,000 in support.
To learn more and sign up for Collective updates, interested venues, agents, artists, and touring companies should visit tyatourdevelopment.org.