Plan your visit
Seating Charts
Studio Theatre (opening fall 2025)
Maps to come
Parking
Playhouse Parking Changes Beginning June 5, 2024
Most of the east/41st Street Playhouse parking lot will be closed due to construction. Access to the remaining spaces will be from the south off of 41st Street.
- The west/42nd Street parking will have Handicapped spaces. There is no other public parking in this area.
- Valet parking will be offered at performances beginning with The Play That Goes Wrong by Keck Parking at the 42nd Street entrance.
- To reach the Valet parking and Handicapped spaces, you need to take 41st Street south and drive around the building.
- A $5 discount is offered if you prepurchase your valet parking.
- 2023-24 season ticket holders receive a further discount on prepaid valet parking by using the code sent from The Playhouse via email.
- Valet parking day-of-show will be $15, credit or cash.
Public self-parking is available behind/east of the Shops at Roosevelt after 5:00 PM daily. Parking in the west/front Shops parking lot is restricted to Shops customers at all times. Public self-parking is available on streets around the theatre.
The Playhouse is not responsible for loss of any personal property left in vehicles.
Accessibility
The Playhouse strives to make its facility and performances accessible to all guests.
- Theatres are wheelchair accessible.
- Service animals are welcome.
- Assisted listening devices are available at the ticket office for shows in the John Viars Theatre. If your hearing aid has a T-coil, toggle to that setting to receive the audio signal directly without any headset or other equipment needed.
- Large-print programs are available upon request in advance.
- ASL interpreted performances and audio description are regularly scheduled for most productions and available upon request.
Please call the ticket office at 515.277.6261 with specific service requests.
Security Policies
In order to best serve our whole community, The Playhouse respectfully requests the following items are not brought into the theatre:
- Alcohol, drugs, illegal substances, or any paraphernalia associated with drug use
- Weapons of any type, including chains, knives, and firearms (excluding law enforcement officers)
- Pepper spray/mace/other chemicals
- Noisemakers such as air horns
- Laser pens/pointers of any type
- Fireworks
Dining
Looking for some pre- or post- show dining? The Playhouse recommends these great local bites:
Louie’s Wine Dive
4051 University Ave, Suite A, Des Moines
0.7 miles from Playhouse
Reservations: (515) 777-3416
Mon 4 PM-9 PM / Tues – Thur 11 AM-9 PM/ Fri 11 AM-10 PM / Sat 10 AM-10 PM / Sun 10 AM-8:30 PM
American – $$
Being so close in proximity, there has been a long relationship between Louie’s and the Playhouse. With a large selection of beer and wines, Louie’s Wine Dive presents high-quality comfort American food in a homey and local-featured ambiance.
Crème Cupcake + Dessert
543 28th Street, Des Moines
1.7 miles from Playhouse
Tues-Thur 11 AM-5 PM / Fri 11 AM-12 AM / Sat 10 AM-12 AM
Dessert – $
An elegant bakery offering freshly baked cupcakes, cookies and cake truffle, plus a nighttime lounge for desserts including cheesecake, lava cake and bread pudding. We also have a bar offering craft cocktails, beer, wine, and espresso drinks. A great place to stop in for a sweet treat before or after the show!
Gusto Pizza
2301 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines
2.3 miles from Playhouse
Reservations: (515) 244-8786
Sun-Thur 11 AM-10 PM / Fri-Sat 11 AM-11 PM
Italian – $$
With an authentic and warm atmosphere, Gusto Pizza offers an eclectic and wide variety of made-from-scratch pizzas. Not feeling pizza? Gusto also offers sandwiches, salads, pastas, and delicious desserts made fresh daily.
Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio
1238 8th Street, West Des Moines
3.2 miles from Playhouse
Reservations: (515) 809-1727
Mon-Thur 11 AM-10 PM / Fri 11 AM-10 PM / Sat-Sun 9 AM-10 PM
American – $$
Gilroy’s is a quick trip west from the Playhouse on West Des Moines’ historic 8th street, offering a comfortable and vibrant atmosphere perfect for a night out with friends and family. Serving up stylish American comfort food with a little something for everyone! Enjoy craft beers, our famous Moscow Mules or specialty cocktails on our spacious covered patio. We look forward to serving you before or after the show!
Looking for something more?
We recommend Yelp to find the best places to eat in Des Moines.
Hotel
Coming to town to see a friend or family member in a show?
Hilton Des Moines Downtown
435 Park St
Des Moines, IA 50309
Book the Des Moines Playhouse rate at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown and receive a 15% discount off their Best Flexible Rate.
Click here for more details.
Click here to book your room.
FAQs
When do shows start?
Signature Series show times are 7:30 PM Wednesdays-Saturdays and 2:00 PM Sundays. Kate Goldman Family Series show times are 7:00 PM Fridays, and 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays. The December show times are 7:00 PM Thursdays and Fridays and 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays.
Will there be an intermission?
Virtually every show has a 15-minute intermission.
What time will the show be over?
Signature Series musicals typically last 2-1/2 hours, while non-musicals are 2 hours. Kate Goldman Familly Series shows are typically 60-90 minutes. Show times are available on each individual show page and by calling The Playhouse ticket office at 515.277.6261. Ticket office hours are Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesdays-Fridays.
What should I wear?
You will see a range of clothing styles from shorts to cocktail dresses. Wear what makes you comfortable.
Is The Playhouse handicap accessible?
Handicap-accessible parking is available in both the 41st Street (east) and 42nd Street (west) parking lots. An elevator provides access between the two levels of the building. Handicap seating, including wheelchair positions, are available in both the John Viars Theatre and Studio Theatre. These are indicated online on the seating map. The Playhouse ticket office is also happy to assist. Contact them at 515.277.6261. Ticket office hours are Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesdays-Fridays.
Do you have interpreted performances?
ASL interpreted performances, audio description, and other services may be available with advance notice. Please let the Playhouse ticket office know of your needs by calling 515.277.6261. Ticket office hours are Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesdays-Fridays.
I have a hearing problem. Do you have devices to help?
Assisted listening devices are available at every John Viars Theatre performance. You may pick them up at the ticket office. You will need to leave your photo ID when checking them out. If your hearing aid has a T-coil, toggle to that setting to receive the audio signal directly without any headset or other equipment needed.
Is it possible to read the script before I come to the show?
Contact The Playhouse ticket office at 515.277.6261 to confirm script availability. Ticket office hours are Noon-5:00 PM, Tuesdays-Fridays.
Are there any discussions or events related to the show?
Artistic staff share background information on each Signature Series season show excluding the December show. These preshow talks begin 30 minutes prior to show time, and are held in the west lobby. Some shows may have post-show discussions. These will be publicized on The Playhouse website. The December show typically has area musicians performing 30 minutes prior to show time in the west lobby.
May I take photos?
You are welcome to take photos in the lobby and in your seats. Photographing or recording shows is not permitted.
I have flowers for a cast member. Can I take them to him/her/them?
An usher or other Playhouse volunteer can take your flowers to your friend.
I know someone in the show. Can I see him/her/them before or after the show?
You can visit your friend after the show. Ask any volunteer or Playhouse staff member to let your friend know you are here so they can meet you in the lower lobby after they have changed out of their costume.
Do you sell concessions? May I take them into the theatre?
We sell Coca-Cola products, including water, and Chocolaterie Stam candy and nuts. In the Signature Series, we also offer beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Prices range from $2-4 for non-alcoholic beverages and candy. Prices range from $4-8 for alcoholic beverages. You may take all food, bottled water, and beverages into the theatre.