Applause Series

The Applause Series delivers 50 matinee performances each year for students from preschool to high school. The cost of a ticket is just $1. That means more classrooms in more communities are discovering the power of the arts to inform and inspire.

Student Impact.  

  • 50,000 students each year attend an Applause Series performance. For many, it’s their first experience of live theater.
  • The change in learning environment is dramatic, as the Des Moines Civic Center or Temple Theater becomes the classroom.
  • One-hour matinees energize young imaginations and invite new thinking about creative expression, cultural diversity, and even career options.

Teaching Tools.

  • Each performance includes a specially designed resource materials to help teachers find creative ways to connect the event with larger academic objectives.
  • Pre-show lessons prepare students to better appreciate the nuances of a live performance.
  • Students return to school able to explore art’s connection to history, social studies, science, literature, and other topics. The shared experience of the performance gives everyone a voice in the conversation.

World-Class Talent.

  • The Applause Series brings the world to Iowa’s school children, opening their eyes to new cultures, customs, and ideas.
  • Many productions have received prestigious awards for their artistry and ability to connect with young people. 

2023-2024 SEASON - JUST ANNOUNCED!

THE ADVENTURES OF TORTOISE AND HARE: THE NEXT GEN

November 2 - 3, 2023 Get Tickets

joyUS justUS by CONTRA-TIEMPO

November 8, 2023 Get Tickets

DOKTOR KABOOM: THE WHEEL OF SCIENCE

November 14, 2023 Learn More

HAVANA HOP: a children’s tale of culture and identity

January 22 - 26, 2024 Get Tickets

TOMÁS AND THE LIBRARY LADY

February 5 - 9, 2024 Get Tickets

THE PEKING ACROBATS

February 15 - 16, 2024 Get Tickets

Beyond Earth: The Quest for Life on an Icy Moon

March 21, 2024 Get Tickets

THE PA’AKAI WE BRING

March 25 - 29, 2024 Get Tickets

PILOBOLUS

March 27, 2024 Get Tickets

SHOW WAY THE MUSICAL

April 1, 2024 Get Tickets

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA

April 18 - 19, 2024 Get Tickets

Aboard SeaLegacy 1: Documenting our Blue Planet

May 13, 2024 Get Tickets

Additional School Matinee Performances

Nutcracker Ballet

December 7 - 8, 2023 Get Tickets
Des Moines Performing Arts Partnerships: