News

Cooney is a professor of Egyptology at UCLA and her work focuses on afterlife beliefs and gender studies.

Come From Away features a cast member who was born in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Dr. Kara Cooney, a world-renowned Egyptologist and Professor of Egyptian Art and Architecture at UCLA, comes to the Civic Center on Jan. 21, 2020.

Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that Live at Royal Albert Hall [Revisited]: The Everly Brothers Reunion Concert will take the Temple Theater stage for two performances...

Des Moines Performing Arts and Outback Presents are pleased to announce the addition of Broken Bow Records’ Lainey Wilson

When we last touched base with comedian Pat Hazell in August, the world-class comedian and writer

Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce STONER [UN]PLUGGED – a new concert collaboration with Des Moines startup HomeDitty.

Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that single tickets to the remaining five shows in the 2019-2020 Wellmark Family Series will go on sale Friday, Nov. 22, 2019

Des Moines Performing Arts announces today that the IT GETS BETTER Tour is headed to the Des Moines Civic Center this February.

So much so that the man once declared by Showtime as one of the five funniest people in America has chosen to world premiere his one-man comedy show

Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce single tickets to the remaining two shows in our 2019-2020 Prairie Meadows Temple Comedy Series—Lisa Lampanelli’s Losin’ It! and That Golden Girls Show!

For those wanting to add an extra slice of beauty, fun and tradition to their usual Christmas itineraries

Des Moines Performing Arts along with TCG Entertainment, announce that after a successful initial 2019 tour they are extending MASTERCHEF JUNIOR LIVE!

Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that Irving Berlin’s White Christmas will bring its 2019 National Tour to the Civic Center Tuesday, November 19 through Sunday, November 24.

Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that award winning dance company DORRANCE DANCE will be performing at the Civic Center on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that single tickets to all three engagements in the 2019-2020 National Geographic Live Series will go on sale Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.

Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that single tickets to the remaining four shows in the 2019-2020 Prairie Meadows Live at the Temple Concert Series will go on sale Friday, Oct. 11

The educational children’s character is set to bring his act from the screen to the stage starting February 2, 2020

Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce single tickets to Jungle Book will go on sale Friday, Oct. 4, 2019.

Over the course of the last decade or so, Canadian singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Royal Wood has been traveling the world with the goal of delivering his music to anyone and everyone who will listen.

Des Moines Performing Arts and Outback Presents are pleased to announce that country artists Justin Moore and Tracy Lawrence will bring their 2020 Late Nights and Longnecks Tour, sponsored by ROXOR, to the Civic Center on Thursday, March 26, 2020.

Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce single tickets to Pat Hazell’s Permanent Record will go on sale Monday, Sept. 23. Tickets can be purchased starting at 9 a.m.

Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that Lindsey Stirling will bring her Warmer in the Winter Christmas Tour 2019 to the Civic Center on Wednesday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Des Moines Performing Arts announced today that Master Classes will be available to Central Iowa dancers from all productions in the Dance Series – DORRANCE DANCE, BALLET BIARRITZ, and RONALD K. BROWN/EVIDENCE.

Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that single tickets to four shows in the 2019-2020 Live at the Temple Concert Series will go on sale Friday, Sept. 6 starting at 9 a.m.

Little Black Dress makes its Temple Theater debut from Jan. 22–26, 2020. Tickets to Little Black Dress The Musical will go on sale Friday, Sept. 13, 2019 at 9 a.m.

Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that single tickets to each performance in the Dance Series: DORRANCE DANCE, BALLET BIARRITZ and RONALD K. BROWN/EVIDENCE, A Dance Company will go on sale Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019.

DES MOINES, IA – No job is too big, no pup is too small! Nickelodeon and VStar Entertainment Group presentPAW Patrol Live! “Race to the Rescue,”an action-packed, music-filled production, presented by Pedigree. The heroic pups from the top-rated animated...

DES MOINES, IA – Des Moines Performing Arts is thrilled to announce that Michael Franti & Spearhead will appear live at the Des Moines Civic Center on Wednesday, October 23 at 7:30 p.m. Michael Franti is a musician, humanitarian, and filmmaker who is...

DES MOINES, IA – Des Moines Performing Arts is thrilled to announce that Theresa Caputo, from TLC’s hit show, Long Island Medium, will appear live at the Des Moines Civic Center on Monday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Theresa will share...

Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce the single ticket on-sale dates for the 2019-2020 Willis Broadway Series shows.

DES MOINES, IA ― Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that just in time for the holiday season, everyone’s favorite Peanuts television special...

DES MOINES, IA • Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) is excited to announce the musical entertainment for the three FAM JAM – “Family Jamboree” Mini Festivals that will be held at Cowles Commons this summer and fall. Each festival is...

DES MOINES, IA • Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) is excited to announce the musical entertainment for the three FAM JAM – “Family Jamboree” Mini Festivals that will be held at Cowles Commons this summer and fall. Each festival is free...

DES MOINES, IA • Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that single tickets will be available Friday, July 19 at 9 a.m. for the following three shows: Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Great Cheesy Movie...

DES MOINES, IA • Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that the children’s musical sensation Baby Shark Live! is coming to the Civic Center Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. on the initial...

DES MOINES, IA • Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that comedian Larry the Cable Guy will bring his Remain Seated Tour to the Des Moines Civic Center stage on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. The show...

DES MOINES, Iowa – In a surprise reveal during the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards (IHSMTA) Showcase, presented by EMC Insurance Companies at the Civic Center, Des Moines...

DES MOINES, IA • The Broadway League and The American Theatre Wing announced the 2019 Tony Award winners during a televised ceremony Sunday evening (June...

DES MOINES, IA • Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) is excited to announce the return of three community events at Cowles Commons throughout the summer and fall. The...

DES MOINES, IA • Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to present The Play That Goes Wrong,
the hilarious Tony Award-winning hit Broadway comedy, making its Des Moines debut at...

The DES MOINES CIVIC CENTER AND THE DES MOINES SYMPHONY ANNOUNCE
THE THIRD INSTALLMENT OF THE HARRY POTTER FILM CONCERT SERIES WITH
                     HARRY POTTER AND THE...

DES MOINES, IA • Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that America’s premier comedian, JERRY SEINFELD, will perform his...

DES MOINES, IA • Des Moines Performing Arts and NiteLite Promotions are pleased to present the STRAIGHT NO CHASER: OPEN BAR TOUR on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. at the Des Moines Civic Center. Tickets to STRAIGHT NO CHASER will go on sale Friday, May 10 at 9 a.m. and can be purchased at DMPA.org, the Civic Center Ticket Office, and by phone at 515-246-2300.

AIN’T TOO PROUD - THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, THE CHER SHOW and THE PROM Recognized with Nominations 
DES MOINES, IA ― The Broadway League and The...

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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The art of taking a recipe-less scene and turning it into a delicacy for the eyes and ears — also known as “improvisation” — has been a skill that “It’s Not You, It’s Me: The...

BERT KREISCHER
BODY SHOTS WORLD TOUR
Tickets on sale April 26!
DES MOINES, IA – Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that stand-up comedian and actor, Bert Kreischer, will take the...

 
DES MOINES, IA – Des Moines Performing Arts is thrilled to announce R&B group Boyz II Men will be performing at the Des Moines Civic Center on Tuesday, October 1st at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to Boyz II Men will go on sale Friday, April 26,...

Tickets on Sale April 12!
 
DES MOINES, IA – Des Moines Performing Arts is thrilled to announce that actor, comedian and writer TOM SEGURA has extended his Take It Down Tour due to...

“I AM, HE SAID” – A Celebration of Neil Diamond – Starring Matt Vee
DES MOINES, IA ― Des Moines Performing Arts is thrilled to announce that the musical celebration, “I Am, He Said” – A Celebration of Neil Diamond...

2019-2020 SEASON TICKET PACKAGES
On-Sale Schedule
DES MOINES, Iowa – Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce the on-sale schedule for four 2019-2020...

 
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE, COMEDY, LIVE AT THE TEMPLE CONCERT, FAMILY, DANCE
Series-At-A-Glance 
NEW! NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE SERIES

DR. KARA COONEY,...

 
Des Moines Performing Arts Announces
2019–20 Season  
Willis Broadway Series Season Ticket Packages On Sale Now

10-time 2018 Tony Award Winning Best Musical and 2019 Grammy winner for Best...

WILLIS BROADWAY SERIES
Season-At-A-Glance
ORDER SEASON TICKETS TODAY!
6-SHOW SEASON TICKET PACKAGE

MEAN GIRLS (Civic Center, Oct. 15–20, 2019)
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR...

We're excited to share our 2019-20 Season with you. Join us for the announcement on Thursday, March 14 at 9:00 AM at DMPA.org. 

COMING TO THE DES MOINES CIVIC CENTER ON JULY 11, 2019
TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 AT 10 AM
DES MOINES, IA – Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to present the comedy duo of...

Tickets on sale Feb. 18!
DES MOINES, IA – Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to present multi-Grammy Award-winner Bill Gaither for a spectacular evening of music, laughter...

“ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLE SHOWS IN
MUSICAL THEATER HISTORY.”
-The Washington Post
DES MOINES, IA ― Des Moines Performing Arts announced today that the First National Tour of Dear Evan Hansen has broken the...

“ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLE SHOWS IN MUSICAL THEATER HISTORY.”
-The Washington Post
 
DEAR EVAN HANSEN
FIRST NORTH AMERICAN TOUR MAKES
DES MOINES DEBUT AT THE DES MOINES CIVIC CENTER
Get...

High-caliber opportunities for students to expand theatrical talent
Learn More!
DES MOINES, Iowa - Each summer Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) offers young people throughout the Midwest the opportunity to explore their interest in performing arts. Four camp models will be offered this summer and includes, Musical Theater Camp: Let’s Put On a Show! (six sessions), Mission Improvisation: Featuring The Play That...