Accessibility
At Des Moines Performing Arts, we are committed to making the arts accessible to everyone. Our venues and programs are designed with inclusivity in mind, offering a range of services such as wheelchair seating, assistive listening devices, sensory-friendly performances, and more.
We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of ability, can fully enjoy and participate in the magic of live performances. Explore our accessibility options to learn more about how we can enhance your experience.
For questions, contact us at 515-246-2300 or email access@dmpa.org.
GALAPRO CLOSED CAPTIONING
DMPA offers on-demand closed captioning through GalaPro for select shows in the 2026-27 Willis Broadway Series.
1. Download: Get the free GalaPro App on your smartphone at home or on DMPA’s free public Wi-Fi. Be sure to open the app before taking your seat so the current show can load.
2. Airplane Mode: Once at your seat, turn on Airplane Mode first.
3. Connect: Turn on Wi-Fi and connect to the network “GalaPro_CivicCenter” using password galapro1.
4. Enjoy: Open the app, select your performance, and live captions will sync automatically with the stage.
A limited number of GalaPro-enabled devices are available to borrow at no cost from the Guest Services Counter in either lobby.
DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING ACCOMMODATIONS
Assistive Listening
For those who do not use hearing aids but would benefit from amplified sound.
- Auracast™ Receivers: DMPA offers assistive listening via Auracast™ receivers that amplify show audio to in-ear buds or wearable headphones. Check these out at no cost from the Guest Services Counter in either lobby.
- ListenWIFI App: Stream audio directly to your personal smartphone. Download the free ListenWIFI App before you arrive. At the Civic Center, connect to the “CCLE” Wi-Fi network, open the app, and connect your own headphones.
Assistive listening is also available at all Temple Theater productions as well as Stoner Theater performances using amplified sound.
Hearing Aid Integration
Directly connect your personal hearing aids to DMPA’s in-house sound system in one of two ways:
- Telecoil (T-coil): Check out a complimentary neck loop from the Guest Services Counter in either lobby. This loop plugs into an Auracast receiver to transmit sound directly to your T-coil. Switch your hearing device to the "T" setting via your device button, app, or automatic sensing.
- Bluetooth (Auracast™): Guests with Bluetooth Low Energy Audio-enabled hearing aids can stream the house mix directly to their devices. Check your device documentation for "Bluetooth LE Audio" compatibility, or look for an option like "Find a broadcast" in your hearing aid's companion app.
American Sign Language Interpretation
ASL interpretation is provided by Deaf Services Unlimited for the first Sunday matinee of each Willis Broadway Series show, the first Sunday matinee of each multi-week Stoner Theater show, and select other performances. To verify if ASL interpretation is offered for a specific date, visit dmpa.org, call the Ticket Office at 515-246-2300, or email access@dmpa.org.
BLIND AND LOW VISION ACCOMMODATIONS
Audio Description
DMPA partners with the Iowa Radio Reading Information Service (IRIS) to offer live audio description for the first Sunday matinee of each Willis Broadway Series show, the first Sunday matinee of each multi-week Stoner Theater show, and select other performances.
- How it works: An audio description device delivers the show's audio in one ear and a live, spoken description of the onstage visual action in the other.
- How to book: Call the Ticket Office at 515-246-2300 to request a device for a described performance.
- Pick-up: Collect your device from the Guest Services Counter in the Nollen (west) Lobby when you arrive.
VIEW AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCES
Braille Programs
In partnership with the Iowa Department for the Blind, we offer Braille programs for all Willis Broadway Series performances. Visit the Guest Services Counter in the Nollen (west) Lobby to check one out.
MOBILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
- Accessible Seating: Wheelchair-accessible seating is located at Doors 1 and 5. Select these seats online at dmpa.org or by calling 515-246-2300.
- Wheelchair Transport: Complimentary indoor wheelchair escort service is available to assist you from the entrance to your seat. Ask any of our front-of-house team members for assistance.
- Other Mobility Needs: If you require specific seating changes or physical accommodation, call the Ticket Office at 515-246-2300 ahead of your visit.
Getting Around
- Elevators
Elevators to the second level of the lobby are located in the Nollen Lobby and near the Stoner Theater. - Restrooms
Each public restroom is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible stall featuring grab bars, as well a changing table. A single-stall all-user restroom is located on the first floor outside the Stoner theater for guests who are disabled, require assistance from another individual, or feel more comfortable using a non-gendered restroom. - Parking
Valet parking is available for most Civic Center performances and may be purchased in advance or the night of the event.
The parking garages around the Civic Center may have special event parking fees of $5-8. The Civic Center is connected by skywalk and accessible by elevator to the parking garage located on 3rd Street and Court Ave.
Street parking surrounding our venues is metered and can be paid using the ParkDSM app or at the kiosks on each block. - Getting to Your Seat
Enter the Civic Center through the Ticket Office Lobby, Skywalk, or northeast (Locust Street) entrances. The ticket window and will call are located at the southwest corner of the building at the bottom of the Skywalk entrance stairs. See the seating chart for the closest door to your seat. Doors 1 and 5 are accessible without the need for stairs.
If attending a performance in the Stoner Theater, please use the Ticket Office entrance on the southwest corner of the building.
Tickets for doors 1E – 8E will enter the theater through the Prairie Meadows lobby (northeast side). Tickets for doors 1W – 8W will enter through the Nollen lobby (west side).
SENSORY-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS
In partnership with Easterseals, we offer complimentary sensory-friendly items at the Guest Services Counter in either lobby, including:
- Adult- and child-sized noise-dampening headphones
- Weighted lap pads
- Low-noise fidgets
Sensory-Friendly Performances
Sensory-friendly performances are geared towards those on the autism spectrum, individuals with other sensory sensitivities and their families. These dedicated performances will contain all the joy of a typical theater setting with a few adjustments to help those in attendance feel more comfortable. This will include alterations to light and sound, a variety of seating options, an environment that will encourage movement and breaks when needed, ASL interpretation, and inclusive staff that will welcome guests from the moment they arrive. Families who do not require these accommodations are still welcome to attend.
Note: A quiet space is available for guests needing a break during all Applause Series performances and select Wellmark Family Series performances. Ask any front-of-house staff member for directions.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES AND INFORMATION
Service Animals
Des Moines Performing Arts welcomes services animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act to accompany their owner at any of our indoor venues. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, therapy animals, and pets are not permitted. If you intend to bring a service animal to a performance, please notify your ticket agent at the time of purchase so that we can identify the most suitable seating location for you.
Medical Assistance/First Aid
If you have a medical need, please notify Guest Services staff. Medical services are provided by Unity Point Health Des Moines in the Prairie Meadows Lobby. Medical Services are only available during performances at the Civic Center. All DMPA facilities are equipped with AEDs.
There is space at the Civic Center for those needing to pump or nurse. Ask any venue staff for access.
Other Amenities
Available at no cost from the Guest Services Counter in either lobby:
- Ear plugs
- Cough drops
- Binoculars
- Booster Seats
Contact Us
- Call: 515-246-2300
- Email: access@dmpa.org
- Web: dmpa.org/accessibility