Des Moines Playhouse
About
Nation's Largest Community Theater Education Program
The Des Moines Playhouse operates what it describes as the largest community theater education program in the United States, running year-round classes, workshops, and camps for kids ages 4-18+ at its 42nd Street venue alongside a full mainstage season.
Programs for Kids and Teens
Curriculum is age-banded across early childhood through high school. Offerings include:
- Creative drama classes (preschool-grade 2)
- Performance classes (grades 2-8)
- Performance Academy for teens
- Summer camps for ages 4-18
- Year-round class series across all ages
- Workshops on specific theatrical skills
- Mainstage audition opportunities for youth
What's Included
- Indoor venue at 831 42nd St
- Year-round class schedule (not just summer camps)
- 70,000+ annual audience members
- 1,700+ volunteer infrastructure
- Professional 10-person staff
- Mix of class, workshop, and camp formats
Experience
Scale and diversity of programming sets this apart from typical community theaters - kids can move through an unbroken progression from preschool creative drama to teen Performance Academy without switching providers.