Posted September 02, 2026in Center Stage
One of America’s best community theatres, the Des Moines Community Playhouse, does stellar work in what it produces. Comedies, dramas, musicals –– all developed through a professional production team and the invaluable contributions of thousands of volunteer hours for each show. With a rich tradition that blends a strong book
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Posted August 05, 2026in Center Stage
Each year, a bounty of local theatres in the Greater Des Moines area produces dozens of shows. Celebrating these performances beginning in 2015, The Cloris Leachman Excellence in Theatre Arts Awards has become a pinnacle event for recognition. These awards provide a rare time when not only representatives from these
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Posted July 01, 2026in Center Stage
While the shows receive most of the spotlight, it is the producing teams behind the productions that make the magic happen. Two major leadership transitions recently took place in central Iowa’s performing arts community. Monica Holt assumed the role of president and CEO of Des Moines Performing Arts. She previously
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Posted June 03, 2026in Center Stage
Iowa Stage Theatre Company has a penchant for bringing unique programming through its play selections, and this thoughtfully developed niche of theirs gives Iowa audiences a deep dive into wonderful theatre. Samantha Hurley’s undeniably dark, comedic, brilliant script, “I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire,” is their next journey into great
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Posted May 06, 2026in Center Stage
Celluloid to old school dinner theatre to its glitziest iteration yet. Connor Delaney’s cherished memories of growing up in the area contributed to the renaissance of this venerable performance hall. His tenacity and acumen provided the fuel to carry its reawakening to realization. The Ingersoll resonates with a revival energy
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Posted April 01, 2026in Center Stage
April is filled with a bounty of performing arts, from musical artists to family fare to several musicals. Enjoy the allure of cultural adventurism that these Greater Des Moines shows have to offer. One of the best traditions in regional theatre welcomes its 11th iteration when Tallgrass Theatre Company presents
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Posted March 04, 2026in Center Stage
While climate traditions are being tested, Des Moines Performing Arts assures us that their March theatrical offerings come in roaring like a lion, and continue to roar. Whatever the swings of nature, a marvelous bounty of performing arts awaits cultural consumers. Also, nothing helps dispel the winter blues like pondering
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Posted February 04, 2026in Center Stage
We’re past the January scarcity of performing arts opportunities, finally pushing into a February filled with a variety of alluring options. From a classic murder mystery to a sassy re-interpretation princess musical to Pooh and Oliver. Add an internet-based twist on Jane Austen and the national touring hit, “Kimberly Akimbo,”
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Posted December 31, 2025in Center Stage
Iowa Stage Theatre Company is central Iowa’s successful professional theatre company, an evolving, dynamic amalgam of predecessor companies. That creative DNA has delivered a steady series of top-notch stage works featuring some of the best regional actors. At the ISTC core is the Resident Artists Company (RAC), with auditioning filling
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Posted December 03, 2025in Center Stage
The holiday performing arts options are a bounty on which to feast. Like a cultural Whitman’s Sampler, there is variety and appeal to attract anyone. The diversity this year is enticing from classical like “The Nutcracker,” the Des Moines Symphony and Central Iowa Wind Ensemble, to classics like “A Christmas
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