Jeff Chelesvig

Review: LES MISERABLES at Des Moines Performing Arts
by DC Felton - Nov 24, 2025

An epic musical is taking the stage this week as Des Moines Performing Arts gets ready for an epic change of its own. This week, it was announced that Monica Holt will take over as President and CEO of Des Moines Performing Arts, succeeding Jeff Chelsvig, who is retiring. A big thank you to Jeff Chelsvig for the work he has done over the years, introducing so many to the power of the performing arts. The epic tale taking the stage at Des Moines Performing Arts is none other than the return engagement of “Les Misérables.”

Des Moines Performing Arts Names Monica Holt As Next President & CEO
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 11, 2025

Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) has announced Monica Holt, a nationally recognized arts leader and former Senior Vice President of Artistic Planning at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as its next President and CEO.

Industry Pro Newsletter: The Impact of NEA Grant Cuts, Global Arts at a ‘Tipping Point’
by Alex Freeman - May 19, 2025

This week's newsletter navigates a complex landscape for the theatre industry, from the immediate shockwaves of NEA grant terminations and their profound impact on individual organizations, as detailed by Cara Joy David, to A.R.T./NY's revealing 'Health + Wealth' report offering both stark realities and paths toward resilience in a challenging post-COVID environment. On Broadway, Andrew Lloyd Webber's potential acquisition of the former Mark Hellinger Theatre and the celebration of the Broadway League's latest award winners. Regionally, we see both ambitious growth with the announcement of David Rockwell's new magic theater in Chicago and concerning retrenchment as Berkeley's Aurora Theatre suspends its upcoming season.

Jeff Chelesvig, Jeff Loeb and More Receive 2025 League Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 14, 2025

The annual League Awards were held today during The Broadway League’s 2025 Spring Road Conference as esteemed members and partners were honored for their outstanding achievements in support of Touring Broadway.

Review: LIFE OF PI at Des Moines Performing Arts
by DC Felton - Mar 2, 2025

Stories are not just narratives, they are powerful tools that shape our understanding of the world. They can be about the legacy a person leaves, they can excite us about what is to come, or they can help us process the events in our lives. But most importantly, stories leave us with questions, sparking our curiosity and imagination.

Jeff Chelesvig Will Depart Des Moines Performing Arts
by Stephi Wild - Feb 28, 2025

The board of directors of Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) has announced the planned retirement of Jeff Chelesvig, president and chief executive officer of the organization since 1995.

Kristin Caskey Elected as Chair of the Board at The Broadway League
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 12, 2023

Kristin Caskey, Executive Vice President, Content and Creative at Ambassador Theatre Group, has been elected Chair of the Board of The Broadway League. Learn more about Casey here!

The Independent Presenters Network Resumes Its Biennial Meeting In London
by Stephi Wild - Nov 17, 2022

The Independent Presenters Network (IPN) resumed its biennial meeting in London last month. The meeting, which is usually held every two years, was on hold for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Des Moines Metro Opera Announces $2 Million Gift From Nix & Virginia Lauridsen
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 11, 2021

Des Moines Metro Opera today announced a $2 million leadership gift from Des Moines-based philanthropists Nix and Virginia Lauridsen in support of a ground-breaking production of Mozart's The Magic Flute, which will kick off the organization's 50th Anniversary Season in 2022.

BWW Review: THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG at Des Moines Performing Arts, An Evening of Theatre That Goes Right!
by DC Felton - Jun 26, 2019

If you are coming to read a review of The Cornley University Drama Society production for The Murder at Haversham Manor,' this is the wrong review. If you've heard of this theatre company, then it is probably because you've seen a show called, 'The Play That Goes Wrong,' which is playing at the Civic Center this week as the closing of Des Moines Performing Arts Willis Broadway Series.

Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Announces Exciting Changes
by A.A. Cristi - May 22, 2018

Each year, more than 5,000 students are impacted through the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards (IHSMTA) program, a year-long signature Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) community initiative. The program focuses on enhancing the talents of high school thespians and their schools' theater programs, while providing a platform for recognition. The IHSMTA program launched in 2013 with nine Central Iowa schools participating and has grown to serve 68 schools across the state.  

HAMILTON, ON YOUR FEET & More Will Arrive in Des Moines in 2018
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 20, 2017

Today, Des Moines Performing Arts, Central Iowa's leading not-for-profit performing arts organization, unveils its highly anticipated 2017-2018 Season.  This announcement includes dates for Des Moines' premiere engagement of HAMILTON, which will take the Des Moines Civic Center stage during Independence Day 2018.  Adding to the excitement, DMPA announces that the traditional five-show Willis Broadway Series Season Ticket package will increase by one additional show. 

Photo Flash: First Look at Opening Night of BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY Tour
by Christina Mancuso - Dec 4, 2015

Des Moines Performing Arts, in partnership with THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY national tour and the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, welcome Elizabeth Stanley and Andrew Samonsky, who star as Francesca Johnson and Robert Kincaid in THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY's national tour. THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations, is famously set in Iowa and will launch its national tour at the Des Moines Civic Center November 28 - December 5. Check out photos from the opening night below!

THE LION KING Tour Sells Out Des Moines Engagement
by Tyler Peterson - May 19, 2015

Disney's THE LION KING continues to reign across North America with a sold-out engagement in Des Moines, which concluded on Sunday, May 17 at the Des Moines Civic Center. The triumphant three-week return grossed over $4.1 million at the box office and entertained nearly 60,000 patrons during 24 performances.  

Des Moines Performing Arts' Jeff Chelesvig Re-Elected to Broadway League's Board of Governors and Executive Committee
by Tyler Peterson - Jan 7, 2014

Des Moines Performing Arts today announced that Jeff Chelesvig, the organization's president and CEO, was re-elected to The Broadway League's Board of Governors and Executive Committee. In both appointments, Chelesvig will help The Broadway League achieve its mission to foster increased interest in Broadway, as well as support the creation of profitable theatrical productions.

Des Moines Performing Arts Appoints New Chairs & Members to Board of Directors
by Tyler Peterson - Aug 7, 2013

Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) has named two new members to the organization's board of directors at its most recent board meeting.

Broadway League Honors Des Moines Performing Arts Board Member E.J. Giovannetti
by Tyler Peterson - Jun 21, 2013

Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) board member E.J. Giovannetti is a recipient of the Broadway League's 2013 Star of Touring Broadway Award. Jeff Chelesvig, DMPA's President and CEO, presented the award to Giovannetti on behalf of the Broadway League during DMPA's annual board meeting on Thursday, June 20.

Photo Flash: Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Honor 'Triple Threat' Performers
by BWW News Desk - Jun 12, 2013

Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) has announced the first-ever Triple Threat Award recipients for the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards (IHSMTA). Announced in a surprise reveal during the inaugural Awards Showcase at the Civic Center on Monday, June 3, they are: Bridget Johnston - Waukee High School and Kellen Schrimper - Waukee High School. Scroll down for photos from the event!

Tom Gabbard, Wayne McWorter, et al. Win 2012 Broadway League Awards
by Nicole Rosky - May 15, 2012

The honorees of the Broadway League Awards, honoring excellence and achievement for Touring Broadway, were announced today during the Broadway League's 2012 Spring Road Conference. First presented in 1992, the Broadway League Awards recognize the contributions of those who have displayed exemplary service to the Broadway industry and are considered innovators of their craft.

Laura Sweet Named Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
by Kelsey Denette - Apr 17, 2012

The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines today announced the addition of Laura Sweet to the staff as its Vice President & Chief Operating Officer.