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 (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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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 (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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 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 (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.
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!
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.
