Plan your visit
Seating Charts
Marshall & Julie Linn Studio Theatre
The studio theatre is a black box theatre that can be configured in multiple layouts to best serve the story.
Wide Three Quarters (Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical, May 2026; Junie B Jones in Boo…and I Mean It!, Oct. 2026; The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors, May 2027)
Narrow Three Quarters (Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress, Jan. 2027; The Lifespan of a Fact, Feb. 2027; The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Nov. 2025)
Alley (Red Riding Hood, Jan. 2026)
Corner (Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, Feb. 2026; not used in 2026-27 Season)
Round (not used in the 2025-26 season)
Parking
Parking is available in The Playhouse’s east/41st Street and west/42nd Street lots. Handicapped parking is available in both lots.
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. 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 welcomed.
- The theatre is equipped with telecoil hearing loop technology and also offers assisted listening devices.
- 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.
- Closed captioning is available in the Signature Series via GalaPro. The GalaPro app is available in the Apple App Store as well as the Google Play Store. Guests should download the GalaPro app and create an account before arriving at the theatre. Once at the theatre, guests can open the app, find the show being sure to check Des Moines, and follow the simple steps to get connected and enjoy the show.
- Sensory-friendly performances are offered for select family shows.
- A gender-neutral restroom is located on the lower level.
- Changing tables are located in men’s and women’s restrooms on the lower level.
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
Concessions
The Playhouse offers a variety of beverages and snacks.
Pop & Water: $3
Vitamin Water: $4
Non-Alcoholic Drinks: $6
Wine: $6
Beer & Hard Seltzer: $7
Liquor: $9
Candy: $3-6
Click here for a current list of specific concessions items.
The shows in the Family Series are based on books youths are reading, and concessions often has those books on sale with prices ranging from $5-20.
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)
4 PM–9 PM Mon / 11 AM–9 PM Tue–Thur / 11 AM–10 PM Fri / 10 AM–10 PM Sat / 10 AM–8:30 PM Sun
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.
There are a wide variety of restaurants just blocks from the theatre on The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand. Check out these locally owned spots.
Cheese Bar 10 AM–7 PM Tue–Thur / 10 AM–8 PM Fri–Sat
Creme 11 AM–Midnight Fri / 10 AM–Midnight Sat
Eatery A 11 AM–10 PM Mon–Thur / 9 AM–Midnight Fri–Sat / 9 AM–9 PM Sun
El Patio 5 PM–9 PM Tue–Sun
Gateway Market & Cafe 10:30 AM–9 PM Mon–Thur / 8 AM–9 PM Fri–Sun
Harbinger 4 PM–8 PM Sun–Thu / 4 PM–9 PM Fri–Sat
Jesse’s Embers 4:30–9 PM Mon–Sat
Lucky Lotus 5 PM–8 PM Mon–Thu / 5 PM–9 PM Fri–Sat / 11 AM–3 PM Mon–Sat
Noah’s Ark 4 PM–9 PM Wed–Sat / 11 AM–2 PM Wed–Sat
Oak Park Restaurant Open at 4:30 PM Tue–Sat
Palmer’s Deli 8:30 AM–3:30 PM Sat
Palms 11 AM–9 PM Tue – Sun
Panka Peruvian Restaurant 5 PM–9 PM Tue–Sat / 9 AM–2 PM Sun / 11 AM–2 PM Sat
Sakari Sushi 5 PM–10 PM Mon / 5 PM– 9 PM Tue–Thu / 5 PM–11 PM Fri / 11 AM-11 PM Sat
Star Bar 11 AM–2 AM Mon– Fri / 9 AM–2 AM Sat / 9 AM–12 AM Sun
Ted’s Coney Island 10:30 AM–9 PM Mon–Sat / 10:30 AM–8 PM Sun
Thai Flavors 5 PM–9 PM Mon–Thurs / 5 PM–10 PM Fri / 12 PM–10 PM Sat / 12 PM – 8 PM Sun
Wellman’s Pub 11 AM–2 AM Mon–Fri / 10 AM–2 AM Sat–Sun
Click here to learn about these and many more restaurants and bars on The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand.
Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio
1238 8th Street, West Des Moines (3.2 miles from Playhouse)
11 AM–10 PM Mon–Thu / 11 AM–10 PM Fri / 9 AM–10 PM Sat–Sun
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.