Serving Iowans at Every Stage: DMPA Expands Arts Access for Pre-K Students

Two nationally recognized artist companies. Three original productions. Four week long tours. One meaningful first step in a lifelong relationship with the arts.

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.

This season, DMPA brought the magic of live performance directly into classrooms, reaching more than 1,500 pre-K students across all 16 Des Moines Public Schools sites. Through partnerships with two nationally recognized performance companies, DMPA met its youngest audiences where they are, sparking creativity long before a child ever steps into a theater.

Storytime adventures, musical road trips and imaginative journeys came to life through three original productions and four week‑long tours designed especially for early learners. These experiences are more than entertainment; they help build engaged, curious audiences who will seek out more stories, genres and opportunities to connect with the arts.

“Bringing the arts to pre‑K students gives them more than a performance – it offers the tools to imagine, explore and grow. We know early arts experiences strengthen language, emotional skills and social connection, but they also simply spark joy. When we cultivate a joyful environment for our youngest learners, we set the stage for long‑term academic and emotional success, which benefits both individuals and our community,” said DMPA’s Director of Education, Karoline Myers.

Funded by a one-time Bravo Greater Des Moines grant, this pilot project reflects DMPA’s commitment to ensuring access to art and connection – regardless of background or means. By investing in accessible, community-centered programming, DMPA serves not only as a venue but as a civic partner. The impact of these early experiences is already felt in classrooms across the district.

“The performance was perfect for our preschoolers,” shared a J.F. Taylor Education Center administrator. “It was interactive, funny and the performers made sure all our students had an incredible experience. Thank you again for sharing your love of the theater with our preschool family. We hope this is the beginning of an annual partnership and that we get to see you all again next year.”

DMPA is proud to be a place where communities come together around shared artistic experiences. With Des Moines’ strong commitment to arts and culture, DMPA remains dedicated to expanding access, nurturing curiosity and ensuring life-changing arts experiences for generations to come.

Programs like this are made possible through the generosity of donors who believe in the power of the arts to shape lives from the very beginning. By supporting Des Moines Performing Arts, you help ensure that all have access to meaningful, life‑changing arts experiences. We invite you to invest in DMPA’s education initiatives and help build curious, connected audiences who will carry the arts with them for a lifetime.

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