THE LATEST FROM DMPA

Two DMPA investments win Tony Awards this year!

The Simon and Garfunkel Story is an immersive concert-style theater show that takes audiences on a journey through the iconic career of folk-rock duo Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.

DMPA Announces the 2022-23 Season for the Willis Broadway Series - Season Tickets On Sale Now!

DMPA has had a lot to celebrate recently. As we continue to welcome audiences back to our stages for spectacular engagements, we are delighted to look ahead to what's next.

Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) announced new health policies for audiences attending indoor events in advance of live performances returning to the organization’s venues.

DMPA announced the return of the immensely popular Touchdown Tailgate on Cowles Commons. Touchdown Tailgate will take place Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 11 AM – 8 PM.

Broadway is making a triumphant return to the Des Moines Civic Center

DMPA announced two new concerts heading to the Civic Center. All-vocal Country entertainers, Home Free’s Warmest Winter Tour 2021 and Disney Princess – The Concert.

Thank you for both your patience and support during this challenging time. As we all know, the world is a very different place than it was when we closed our doors in March.

DMPA announces the 2020 IHSMTA Technical Theater Scholarship recipient that recognizes one graduating senior pursuing a technical theater major or minor at an accredited college or university.

DMPA announces the 2020 IHSMTA Impact Award recipients recognizing educators and community members who support their local high schools’ musical productions.

DMPA Announces 2020–21 Season

Des Moines Performing Arts welcomes the legendary Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons at the Des Moines Civic Center

Your Favorite Characters Brought to Life, Plus Surprise Celebrity Guests. Tickets On-Sale Feb. 17 at DMPA.org

Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce the creation of a new family-friendly Symphony show

Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce WICKED, will return to the Civic Center June 17–July 5, 2020

Save the date for DMPA’s 2020-21 Season Announcement . We will be sharing all of the great performances coming to our stages next season on Tuesday, March 24. Watch DMPA.org for more details.

Each summer Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) offers young people throughout the Midwest the opportunity to explore their interest in performing arts....

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...

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.

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 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...

TONY AWARD®-WINNING BROADWAY LEGEND BETTY BUCKLEY
STARS IN FIRST NATIONAL TOUR OF “HELLO, DOLLY!”


THE TONY AWARD-WINNING BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL
WILL BEGIN PERFORMANCES APRIL 9 AT THE DES MOINES...

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If you’re wondering if “Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man” actually works, consider this: The show’s playwright skipped the national tour’s kick-off because his wife was in labor. The tour started here in Des...

Tickets on sale Dec. 14!
DES MOINES, Iowa – Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to present American jazz singer, cabaret singer, and musical theater actress Marilyn Maye for two...

  
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DES MOINES, IA – The Des Moines premiere of Disney’s Aladdin opens tonight, Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Des Moines Civic Center for a limited...

The producers have canceled the tour and we have not been able to rebook for a future engagement. We apologize for any disappointment this may cause....

 
Des Moines’ Limited Premiere Engagement Plays
Nov. 28 to Dec. 9 at the Des Moines Civic Center

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DES MOINES, IA Thursday, October, 11, 2018 – Casting has...

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DES MOINES, Iowa – Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to present multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning band, CHICAGO, at the Des Moines Civic Center on Tuesday, May 22, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. Single tickets will go...

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DES MOINES, IA • Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that single tickets for three Willis Broadway Series shows, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s SCHOOL OF ROCK–THE MUSICAL, BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL & MEGAN...

NICKELODEON SUPERSTAR JOJO SIWA ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER
U.S. CONCERT TOUR AND FIRST EP RELEASE
NICKELODEON’S JOJO SIWA D.R.E.A.M. THE TOUR KICKS OFF MAY 17, PRODUCED BY AEG PRESENTS
D.R.E.A.M. The Music, Siwa’s First EP Release, Available Friday, Nov. 16 
Tickets On Sale To General Public Beginnng Friday, Nov. 16, at 10:00 a.m.
Share it: @Nickelodeon #JoJoDREAMTour
Click HERE to Download Photos and Video from JoJo Siwa’s Tour Announcement 
DES MOINES, Iowa – Nov. 7, 2018 – Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to present Nickelodeon’s JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The Tour at the Civic Center on June 5, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets to JoJo Siwa will be available Friday, Nov....

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DES MOINES, IA ― Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that single tickets for three Prairie Meadows Temple Comedy Series shows, SEX TIPS FOR STRAIGHT WOMEN FROM A GAY MAN, MEN ARE...

 

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DES MOINES, IA ― Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that single tickets for four Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Family Series shows, GOLDEN DRAGON...

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DES MOINES, IA ― Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that single tickets for six Prairie Meadows Live at the Temple Concert Series shows, ORDINARIUS, THE HOT SARDINES, RAUL MIDÓN, TÉADA, RIDERS IN THE SKY, and KATIE THIROUX, will be available starting Friday,...

 


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DES MOINES, IA ― THE NAKED MAGICIANS, billed as the naughtiest and funniest magic show in the world, are coming back to the Temple Theater! The popular duo...

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DES MOINES, IA ― Des Moines Performing Arts announced today that master classes will be available to Central Iowa dancers from all productions in The...

Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce the mind-blowing, face melting, nothin’ but a good time, audience favorite ROCK OF AGES will return to...

 
DES MOINES, IA ― Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that single tickets for two 2018-2019 Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Family Series shows, THE...

“ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLE SHOWS IN MUSICAL THEATER HISTORY.”
-The Washington Post


Get Tickets!

DES MOINES, IA ― Des Moines Performing Arts announced today that individual tickets for the Des Moines premiere of Dear Evan Hansen will go on sale Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 at 9 a.m. Tickets are available at DMPA.org, the Civic Center Ticket...

If you drive downtown during the next week, you may be surprised by a vibrant, cloud-like structure captivating Cowles Commons. Des Moines Performing Arts’ (DMPA) newest experience for central Iowa...

Listening to the likes of the Beatles, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and the Rolling Stones from his parents records first inspired a young Jacob Sanders to learn guitar. But the teenage...

DES MOINES, IA ― Des Moines Performing Arts will present THE CHOIR OF MAN at the Des Moines Civic Center on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. as part of their North American tour! This worldwide smash, and runaway...

DES MOINES, IA ― Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that 79 schools will participate in the 2018–2019 Iowa High School Musical Awards....

Des Moines Performing Arts had the opportunity to hear from Brady Seals and Lua Crofts of SEALS & CROFTS 2, performing at The Temple Theater on Oct. 13.

Where do you both call home?
Brady lives in...

Des Moines Performing Arts had the opportunity to hear from THE RAD TRADS, performing at The Temple Theater on Friday, September 21.
 
How did your love of music begin?
{John Fatum - Drums /...

DES MOINES, IA ― Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that single tickets for four Prairie Meadows Live at the Temple Concert Series shows, SAMMY MILLER AND THE CONGREGATION, BONNIE KOLOC WITH DON...

Disney Theatrical Productions and Des Moines Performing Arts announced today tickets for the long-awaited engagement of Disney’s Aladdin will go on sale on Monday, Sept. 10 at 9:00 a.m.

DES MOINES, IA ― Des Moines Performing Arts, in partnership with Civic Music Association, is pleased to present THE LOVESTRUCK BALLADEERS for one night only on...

DES MOINES, IA ― Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce FINDING NEVERLAND will take the Des Moines Civic Center stage during the holidays Dec. 27–29, 2018. Single tickets to FINDING NEVERLAND will go on sale Monday, Aug. 20, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. and...

DES MOINES, IA • Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce Andrew Lloyd Webber’s LOVE NEVER DIES, will take the Des Moines Civic Center stage Oct. 16–21, 2018. LOVE NEVER DIES is the first production in the 2018-2019 Willis Broadway Series.

DES MOINES, Iowa– Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to present the American hip hop duo, Black Violin, at the Des Moines Civic Center for one night only on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018...

DES MOINES, IA • Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce the following two engagements at the Temple Theater this fall: BEAUSOLEIL avec Michael Doucet and AN EVENING WITH PAULA COLE. Tickets for both engagements...

DES MOINES, IA ― THE NAKED MAGICIANS, billed as the naughtiest and funniest magic show in the world, are coming back to the Temple Theater! The popular duo strips away the top hats...

Popular Light and Air Sculpture Will Delight All Ages
Tickets on sale Aug. 22! 
DES MOINES, IA ― Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) is excited to announce the...

Complimentary Events Set to Run Through September
DES MOINES, IA - Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) is excited to announce a variety of complimentarycommunity events...

THE BAND’S VISIT earns 10 Awards, including Best Musical!
DES MOINES, IA - The Broadway League and The American Theatre Wing announced the 2018 TonyAward winners...

DES MOINES, IA ― The grr-ific musical for little tigers and grown-ups alike is back! Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to present the hugely popular DANIEL...

EMC Insurance Companies proudly announces Title Sponsorship
Iowa Public Television to livestream Showcase and air highlights special
Showcase tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 16

Learn...

DES MOINES, IA - Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce A MAN AND HIS PROSTATE starring legendary television actor, Ed Asner, at the Temple Theater on Thursday,...

COMEDY, LIVE AT THE TEMPLE, DANCE, and FAMILY SERIES
Season-At-A-Glance
PRAIRIE MEADOWS TEMPLE COMEDY SERIES

THE NAKED MAGICIANS (November 9–10, 2018, Temple...

DES MOINES, IA ― Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce two opportunities presented by the Education Department. The first opportunity, COMMUNITY SPOKEN WORD WORKSHOPS AND SLAM will kick off...

DES MOINES, Iowa – Due to strong demand for 2018-19 Willis Broadway Series Season Tickets, Des Moines Performing Arts is establishing a waitlist for individuals...

DES MOINES, IOWA - Today, Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA), Central Iowa’s leading not-for-profit performing arts organization, unveils its highly anticipated 2018–2019 Season....

 
DES MOINES, IA ― Des Moines Performing Arts is pleased to announce that the hit musical production, PJ MASKS LIVE! Time to Be a Hero, will take the Civic Center stage for one...

Additional seats may be made available for sale closer to the engagement. Please feel free to check back at your convenience. There will be a lottery...