Students Shine with DMPA Technical Outreach

The Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards (IHSMTA) showcase happens just once a year, but the preparation leading up to that moment on the big stage is months in the making.

This summer, Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) partnered with five Iowa high schools to maximize the lighting and sound technology already available in their auditoriums. The Summer Technical Theater Outreach Program consisted of a four-hour training with DMPA’s resident lighting designer and resident sound designer, who assessed lighting and sound technology, addressed concerns with school staff, and provided hands-on, personalized training with students.

“Moving forward, our program can provide more opportunities for our students to explore lighting and sound design,” said Drama Director Kaitlyn Vasey at Bondurant-Farrar High School. “Before, students were incredibly limited in how they could create, but now, they are excited about all the possibilities and truly being designers. This wouldn't be possible without DMPA’s tech outreach program.”

The impact doesn’t end there. DMPA and its IHSMTA program offer learning opportunities for high school staff and students throughout the year, providing eye-opening experiences and training in set design, choreography, directing, and beyond.

“In the few productions we’ve done while participating in the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards, our students have grown immensely. They have been given feedback after each show, which they immediately implement for the next year. Additionally, with many students, this program has shown them how they can pursue theatre professionally,” added Vasey.

The Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards celebrates the achievements of students involved in high school musicals across the state.