Des Moines Performing Arts

Des Moines Performing Arts
Name	Des Moines Performing Arts
Caption	Exterior of the historic Polk County Auditorium and Civic Center in downtown Des Moines
Formation	1994 (merger)
Headquarters	Des Moines, Iowa
Type	Performing arts organization
Region served	Central Iowa
Leader title	President & CEO
Leader name	Jake Teixeira

Des Moines Performing Arts is a nonprofit presenting organization based in downtown Des Moines, Iowa that produces, presents, and manages performing arts venues and programming across central Iowa. The organization operates a portfolio of historic and modern theaters that host touring Broadway productions, resident companies, and community events, collaborating with regional institutions to support arts education and cultural tourism. Des Moines Performing Arts serves as a cultural anchor alongside institutions such as the Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines Art Center, and the Blank Park Zoo, contributing to downtown revitalization and civic life.

History

The origins trace to the restoration of the historic Polk County Auditorium and the later preservation of the Paramount Theatre during late 20th-century historic preservation efforts tied to the revitalization of Court Avenue and downtown Des Moines. Institutional consolidation culminated in 1994 with the merger of presentation and venue-managing entities to form the current corporation, reflecting trends seen in organizations like the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the Kennedy Center in leveraging multiple venues. Major capital campaigns paralleled projects such as the renovation of the Fox Theatre and the restoration of the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, positioning the organization to attract touring Broadway touring productions and national touring companies. Leadership transitions have included executive directors and boards with links to civic institutions like the Greater Des Moines Partnership and philanthropic foundations such as the Polk County Historical Society and private donors modeled after benefactors to the Guthrie Theater and the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Venues and Facilities

The organization manages several distinct venues: the restored Paramount Theatre, the larger Polk County Auditorium complex, and the flexible black box and rehearsal spaces associated with the Civic Center, all located within adjacency to the Des Moines River. The Paramount, known for its historic marquee and atmospheric auditorium, is comparable to restored houses like the Wichita Orpheum Theatre and the Orpheum Theatre in architectural significance. Facilities include backstage support rooms, fly systems, orchestra pits, and patron amenities paralleling standards at venues such as the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. The complex supports technical production for touring companies previously associated with producers like Nederlander Organization, Shubert Organization, and Cameron Mackintosh.

Programming and Productions

Season programming blends touring Broadway musicals, comedy tours, classical music residencies, and dance companies, bringing productions similar to those mounted by the American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet when on tour. The presenter hosts national tours promoted by producers such as Live Nation and Broadway Across America, while staging in-house series akin to subscription programming offered by the Hartford Stage and Arena Stage. The organization curates festivals, cabaret series, and special engagements with artists reminiscent of appearances by performers linked to the Tony Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, and Grammy-winning ensembles. Collaborations with local ensembles echo partnerships exemplified by the Des Moines Symphony, the Iowa Stage Theatre Company, and university programs at Drake University and Iowa State University.

Education and Community Outreach

Education initiatives include school matinees, residency programs, and youth workshops modeled after outreach frameworks used by the New Victory Theater and the Arts for Learning network. Partnerships extend to K–12 districts such as the Des Moines Public Schools and community organizations comparable to Mission: Read, providing access and subsidized tickets for students and underserved populations. Workforce-development and internship pathways mirror collaborations seen with conservatories like the Juilliard School and regional training programs at the University of Iowa, cultivating technicians, stage managers, and arts administrators. Community engagement includes talkbacks, pre-show lectures, and collaborations with civic festivals such as the Des Moines Arts Festival.

Governance and Funding

Governance follows a nonprofit board model with committees for programming, finance, and development, resembling governance structures at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the Carnegie Hall board. Funding streams combine earned revenue from ticket sales and rentals, contributed income from foundations like the Iowa Arts Council and private philanthropists, corporate sponsorships from firms headquartered in Des Moines and county grants analogous to support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Capital campaigns for renovation and expansion have drawn lead gifts comparable to those behind the Julliard School facilities campaigns and municipal support mechanisms used by cultural districts nationwide.

Notable Events and Performances

Venues have hosted touring productions of landmark musicals and plays that previously appeared on Broadway, as well as concert engagements by artists associated with the Grammy Awards and national comedy tours affiliated with agencies like William Morris Endeavor. The theaters have served as stages for regional premieres, gala fundraisers, and civic ceremonies, echoing high-profile events at institutions such as the Royal Opera House and the Metropolitan Opera. Special engagements have included collaborations with the Des Moines Symphony, residencies featuring directors and designers linked to Tony Award–winning shows, and community celebrations timed with citywide events like the Iowa State Fair and downtown festivals.

Category:Performing arts organizations in Iowa Category:Culture of Des Moines, Iowa