Updated January 17, 2019
We are so lucky to have a number of live theater venues and production companies that present shows the entire family can enjoy, here in Central Iowa. From musicals to dramas, comedies to tragedies, there’s nothing like watching a kid’s face light up in wonder while viewing a live performance on stage.
Children’s theater and kids’ series are designed with families in mind. Both provide younger crowds an opportunity to gain initial exposure to a live performance that is intended to educate, engage and entertain even the smallest audience members. So cue the lights and get ready to settle into a seat at one of these local live performance venues.
Know Before You Go
- Pick the right show. Do a little research to make sure what you will be seeing is appropriate and will hold your child’s attention.
- When purchasing tickets try to get an aisle seat, especially if you have younger children.
- A couple of days before the show review the plot. If you’re attending a musical, listen to some of the music, if the show is based on a book or movie, you may want to read it or see it beforehand.
- Before finding your seat at the venue, locate the bathroom and have everybody go before you sit down.
- Check to see if the venue allows snacks. If they do, bring a few along and make sure to clean up any mess.
- Feel free to take pictures before and after the show, just not during it. There are copyright issues, but it’s also very distracting to the performers.
- Some venues have a receiving line for the actors after the show. It can be fun for kids to meet the performers they just saw on stage and get their autograph.
Live Performance Venues and Production Companies around Des Moines
Ankeny Community Theatre
1932 Southwest 3rd Street
Ankeny
(515) 964-5007
Des Moines Moines Performing Arts – Civic Center, Stoner Theater and Temple Theater
221 Walnut Street
Des Moines
(515) 246-2300
Class Act Productions Theatre
201 1st Avenue S
Altoona
(515) 967-7950
Des Moines Community Playhouse – Kate Goldman’s Children’s Theatre
831 42nd Street
Des Moines
(515) 277-6261
DM Young Artists’ Theatre – performances at Stoner Theater
4801 Franklin Avenue, Suite 1166
Des Moines
(515) 218-8016
Iowa Stage Theatre Company – performances at Kum & Go Theater/Des Moines Social Club
111 11th Street
Des Moines
(515) 309-0251
Tallgrass Theatre Co – performances at Rex Mathes Auditorium
1401 Vine Street
West Des Moines
(515) 518-0658
Let us know in the comment section below your fave place for children’s theater in Des Moines.