Latest news with #IowaHighSchoolMusicalTheaterAwards
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Iowa's high school musical theater talent on display in Des Moines Thursday
DES MOINES, Iowa — Hundreds of central Iowa high school performers are completing final rehearsals ahead of Thursday night's Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards in downtown Des Moines. Des Moines Performance Arts has been all a buzz this week as 650 students from around the state have gathered for rehearsals at the Civic Center. The showcase and awards happen Thursday night and feature ensemble performances of the best vocalists in central Iowa schools singing together, and then about half the schools will perform excerpts of their high school musicals on the Civic Center stage. Gabe on the Go: Cuddling with goats in Cumming A musical director and a choreographer, both based in New York City, are here to work with the kids to prepare for the showcase. The program started in 2013 and has seen huge growth. 'When we started, we had nine schools in central Iowa. We've grown to be statewide with over 100 schools, more schools asking to join us, and we've become one of the largest programs of its kind in the country. And schools just keep telling us how valuable the feedback is and all the learning opportunities and how much showcase provides inspiration,' said Karoline Myers, DMPA Director of Education. The High School Theater Showcase is a ticketed event and is sold out. But you can watch the live stream on starting at 7:00 p.m. The showcase will also air on Iowa PBS in July. Awards and scholarships will be given at the end of the night for categories like best actor, vocalist, and dancer. And two students will win a 10-day trip and Broadway workshop in New York City to take part in a national High School Theater Showcase on Broadway later this summer. Those two students will be guests on Hello Iowa at the end of June. On Monday morning on Today in Iowa, we will feature some of the student performers and their directors in Scholastic Spotlight. Iowa's high school musical theater talent on display in Des Moines Thursday Gabe on the Go: Cuddling with goats in Cumming Sausage plant planned for Perry, 500 new jobs to be created Inside look at Final Four in Coolest Thing Made in Iowa Contest Forecast: Thursday raindrops, then heat Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jeff Chelesvig, DMPA President, retires after 30 years
DES MOINES, Iowa — After serving as the Des Moines Performing Arts President and CEO for 30 years, Jeff Chelesvig announced his retirement on Thursday. Chelesvig joined the DMPA in 1995 and quickly made his mark with impressive programs and expansive ideas. His work on the Willis Broadway Series brings shows in a package deal for viewers, helping establish the DMPA as one of Iowa's premier nonprofit art organizations and drove substantial economic results. The program has more than 12,000 subscribers and brings in $40 million in annual economic impact to DMPA. Panther coach's tragedy fueled trailblazing career Chelesvig has worked to bring the DMPA to schools through programs like the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards and the Applause Series which delivers speakers, musical acts, and performing arts education around the state. 'I am thankful for all of the people who I've had the privilege to work with over the years including our team, our board, donors, patrons and the community of central Iowa,' said Chelesvig. 'Together we have developed a reputation for excellence, for the dynamic support of arts and culture, for warm and supportive audiences, and as a destination where performers will continue to feel welcomed. I am confident our star will continue to shine bright in Des Moines.' Chelesvig will continue in his position till August 31, 2025, during this time the DMPA says they will perform a national search to find his replacement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
