Our Impact
Over $40M contributed to local economic impact from the Willis Broadway series each year.
40,000 students Enjoyed a field trip performance as part of the Applause Series.
102 Iowa high schools
DMPA’s IHSMTA presented by EMC Insurance is the largest program of its kind in the nation.
Mission
Engage the Midwest in world-class entertainment, education and cultural activities.
Key Services Provided
As a national leader in performing arts presentation, DMPA strives to engage the Midwest in world-class entertainment, education and cultural activities. As the home of seven resident performance series, DMPA imparts a significant cultural and economic impact throughout Greater Des Moines and Central Iowa. Meeting the ever-changing needs of today’s learner, DMPA offers a variety of performances, workshops and in-class opportunities for students of all ages. From dance master classes and summer theater camps to teacher professional development workshops, education initiatives are a key component of DMPA’s programs.
Key Audiences Served
Annually, DMPA reaches over 50,000 students and teachers through education initiatives and 5,000 people from 350 hours of community and audience engagement activities. Over 320,000 guests attend Broadway, music, comedy, dance and other performances at the Civic Center, Stoner Theater, Temple Theater and Cowles Commons each year.
Ways to Give
Over 6,000 individual supporters energize our local arts and cultural community annually by making a generous donation to Des Moines Performing Arts. Your support creates an immediate impact in our community and enriches the lives of your friends and neighbors.
$1,600 provides 200 students the opportunity to attend an Applause Series performance and access to the Patron Lounge during performances.
$800 provides two full summer camp scholarships to historically underserved youth and Centerstage program recognition.
$360 provides an in-school artist residency for one classroom.
To learn more about how your support will make a difference, visit dmpa.org/donate or call 515-246-2354.
Signature Events
Willis Broadway Series
Dance Series
Explorer Series
Wellmark Family Series
Prairie Meadows Live at the Temple Concert Series
Prairie Meadows Temple Comedy Series
Applause Series for Curriculum Connected Performances
Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards presented by EMC Insurance
Professional Development for Arts-Integration Teaching
Leadership Team
President and CEO - Jeff Chelesvig
Vice president and chief operating officer - Laura Sweet
Vice president and chief financial officer – Heidi Watkins
Interim vice president of marketing – Greg Votava
Director of production and building services - Janet Albanese
Director of ticketing - Kennedy Bollmeyer
Director of communications - Jonathan Brendemuehl
Director of development - Tim McMillin
Director of education - Karoline Myers
Director of human resources - Bill Pinegar
Director of marketing - Barb Preuss
Board of Directors
Chair - Nola Cartmill
Vice chair - Ardis Kelley
Treasurer - Paul Hlivko
Secretary - LaNae Ceryanec
Past chair - Stacy Wanderscheid
Chuck Freeman
Lisa Gobber
Christine Her
Vanessa Howell
Sonia Parras Konrad
Kathryn Kunert
Matt McCoy
Josh Mandelbaum
Dennis Menken
Maribeth Mulready
Kevin Patrick
Timothy Perkins
Bob Ritz
Melinda Ruperto
Linda Westergaard
Rich Willis