By Jared Curtis
jared@dmcityview.com

Flam Chen will headline the upcoming “Fireball” event at Simon Estes Amphitheater on Aug. 16-17 Special to Cityview

‘Rent’ presented by The Des Moines Playhouse

Des Moines Playhouse, 831 42nd St.

July 15-Aug. 5

http://www.dmplayhouse.com

“Rent” is one of the most beloved Broadway shows thanks to a story that fans of all ages enjoy. The story, which takes place in New York City’s East Village, follows a group of friends finding their place in this world as they discover love, life and how they must live for today. Tickets are $35.

Third Annual Iowa Improv Festival

Civic Center’s Stoner Theatre

Aug. 3-4

http://www.facebook.com/ComedyXPeriment

The third annual Iowa Improv Festival (IIF) returns for more laughs with four different regional improv troupes showcasing their improvisational comedic chops. Each troupe will perform a 25-minute set, followed by a free-form, laugh-filled group event. The troupes will create scenes, short skits and complete plays in front of the audience based on suggestions from the crowd, making each show a completely unique experience. The troupes include 88improv, from Omaha, Neb.; Comics in Action or CIA, from Cedar Rapids; Half-Masted, from Cedar Falls; and Des Moines’ own Comedy XPeriment. At the end of each night, all four groups will join forces for a chaotic and comedic improv showcasing their wide ranges of talent. Tickets are $15 or $25 for both nights and tickets are available at the Civic Center box office or through Ticketmaster.

‘Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll’ presented by The Veez

Des Moines Social Club, 400 Walnut St.

Aug. 4

http://www.desmoinessocialclub.org

For one night only, theatre fans will witness a theatrical experience like no other with “Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll.” Mixing live music and theatre, “Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll” will showcase some of the best talent in town. Art will be on display, and cocktails will be served starting at 6:30 p.m. with live music starting at 7:30 p.m. and the show kicking off at 8 p.m. Admission is $13.

‘Fireball’ presented by Principal Financial Group and Community Choice Credit Union

Simon Estes Amphitheater

Aug. 16-17

http://www.desmoinessocialclub.org

“Fireball” will feature an unforgettable production filled with acrobatic feats of fire with special performances by Flam Chen, merging daredevil acrobatics and pyrotechnics to create a fiery spectacle like no other, and Pyrotechniq, the Midwest’s premier fire dancers featuring more than 40 years experience of creating fire as art, plus other special guests. Admission is $25 (kids 12 and under are free) or $50 for VIP, which includes VIP seating, drink ticket and a meet and greet, available at http://www.midwestix.com. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the show starting at 8 p.m.

Seventh Annual Iowa Playwrights Workshop presented by Tallgrass Theatre Company

Rex Mathes Auditorium, 1401 Vine St., West Des Moines

http://www.tallgrasstheatre.org

Calling all playwrights. The Tallgrass Theatre Company is currently accepting original scripts from Iowa-connected playwrights for the Seventh Annual Iowa Playwrights Workshop. Full-length or one-act plays from any genre can be submitted for the workshop, which features workshop sessions, a public-staged reading and a three-week production run. Anyone interested can submit scripts to ipw@tallgrasstheatre.org before Sept. 1, with the winner being announced on Oct. 1. For more information, email info@tallgrasstheatre.org,  or call (866) 745-4535. CV