221 Walnut Street

Des Moines, IA 50309

515-246-2300

www.dmpa.org

 

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