Tent Theatre
Once again, we are heading outdoors for summer theatre. Enjoy unique experiences under a grand event tent in our parking lot!
Be sure to check out the FAQs below!
GODSPELL
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PLAZA SUITE
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POLKADOTS: THE COOL KIDS MUSICAL
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FAE RIDES AGAIN
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Presented by
Sponsored by
Kent Sovern & Phyllis Mumford-Sovern
Jan & Layton Stump
Edward & Nancy Truslow
Polkadots sponsored by
Harry Bookey & Pamela Bass-Bookey
Summer Live Theatre Drive-In
The Playhouse announced a live summer theatre series, Live Theatre Drive-in, June 12-Aug. 16, 2020, excluding July 4, 2020, weekend. Click here for more information.
The Show Will Go On: A Conversation With Des Moines Playhouse Leadership
Playhouse executive director David Kilpatrick and artistic director Katy Merriman held a live conversation on the theatre, what has been happening during COVID-19 plus short term and long term plans. Click here to view a recording of that conversation.
Single tickets for canceled shows
We decided, to protect our audiences, volunteers, and staff, to cancel our shows through Aug. 31, 2020. This includes Singin' in the Rain, Frozen Kids, Pippi Longstocking, Leaving Iowa, and Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical, as well as the Friday Funday shows The Boy Who Cried Wolf and The Brementown Musicians.
Those who purchased individual tickets to these shows received an email Tuesday, May 19, 2020, with details on turning the purchase into a donation, creating a credit for something in the future, or getting a refund.
These forms apply to individual/single tickets only.
Season tickets for canceled shows
We decided, to protect our audiences, volunteers, and staff, to cancel our shows through Aug. 31, 2020. This includes Singin' in the Rain, Pippi Longstocking, Leaving Iowa, and Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical as well as the Friday Funday shows The Boy Who Cried Wolf and The Brementown Musicians.
Those who purchased 2019-20 John Viars Theatre, Flex Four, Curtain Crowd Flex, Kate Goldman Children's Theatre, and Friday Funday season tickets received an email Tuesday, May 26, 2020, with details on turning the purchase into a donation, creating a credit for something in the future, or getting a refund.
These forms apply to season tickets only.
2020-21 Season and Single Tickets
The Playhouse will be adjusting its 2020-21 season from what was originally announced. Changes will be announced as soon as possible this summer. Titles and dates are subject to change as necessitated.
Current season ticket holders will receive renewal information and season tickets will go on sale soon after the revised season is determined. Single ticket sales will be determined at a later date.
2020 Spring and Summer Classes
We decided, to protect our students and staff, to cancel our spring and summer onsite classes.
Those with spring and summer registrations received an email Thursday, May 21, 2020, with details on turning the purchase into a donation, creating a credit for something in the future, or getting a refund.
These forms apply to class registrations only.
Playhouse staff and teachers developed online courses lasting 45 minutes or longer for students in June. Planning is underway for July and August.
2020 Spring Best of Broadway Tours
The Apr. 23-26, 2020, and May. 7-10, 2020, Best of Broadway tours were canceled.
Travelers were called with details on turning the registration into a donation, creating a credit for something in the future, or getting a refund.
If you have not received a call, please contact Chris Andersen, director of philanthropy, at 515-974-5370.
Tent exterior
The tent in the east parking lot
Chair with cushion
Seat cushions by Raygun on each seat
Tent interior
The view toward the stage from the back of the tent
Tent interior
The view from the stage
Protecting Yourself & Others
- Please do not come if you are feeling unwell or have been unwell in the past 14 days, have been recently diagnosed with COVID-19, or are awaiting a COVID-19 test result. We will refund your ticket order.
- Masks are recommended for anyone who is unvaccinated or would feel safer wearing one. No masks will be required. Social distancing practices will continue to be followed.
- Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is readily available throughout public areas.
Paperless Interactions
- No tickets are issued. Seating will be assigned by the ticket office, based upon when tickets were purchased and the size of groups. If wheelchair, visual, or audio accommodations are requested, they will be honored.
- Playbills are digital. Links are sent in Welcome emails and posted on shows’ website pages.
Concessions
- A limited array of prepackaged concessions will be offered. Outside refreshments are not allowed.
- Credit/debit cards are preferred for contactless payments.
Restrooms
- Shows are performed with an intermission with the exception of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical, which is presented without intermission.
- Please maintain good physical distances while waiting.
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. By entering The Playhouse’s facilities, guests, volunteers, and staff voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
We have drawn upon the guidelines suggested by local, state, and federal agencies, experts, and associations. The Playhouse remains committed to monitoring the current recommendations, guidelines, and restrictions to which we are subject. Click here to read The Playhouse safety guide, effective June 29, 2021.
Feel free to reach out to David Kilpatrick, Playhouse executive director, with questions at any time: dkilpatrick@dmplayhouse.com, 515.974.5353.