Des Moines has a flourishing arts scene, from its own symphony to a ballet. As a college student with a limited budget, it can be difficult to see all the shows you want to. Don’t worry, though! As a senior, I’ve developed some workarounds in my four years, some that Drake University students are familiar with and some that are new. Now, I’m passing it down to the next generation.
Theater is right below your nose
Drake Theatre Arts performances are $8 for students and always blow my mind with the performances and technical aspects. Drake Theatre People puts on free shows throughout the year, and often highlights students who aren’t majoring in the craft.
Outside of the theater, the Drake choirs, bands and orchestra have concerts throughout the year, and every show I’ve seen has left my jaw dropped. It’s always wonderful to support your fellow students, especially when their talent is out of this world!
Ticket prices can’t rain on my parade
When touring Broadway shows stop by the Des Moines Civic Center, I use their student rush program to get tickets for $25. Simply visit the center in person, show your ID and sign up. On the day of the show, you can reserve tickets online through their app or go in person prior to the show’s start.
As long as the show doesn’t sell out — which they rarely do — then you’re in the room where it happens. But beyond their student rush program, the Des Moines Civic Center provides discounts for Des Moines Symphony shows — college students can receive $10 tickets to their Masterwork series.
They play not only classical music but modern as well, and everything I’ve seen has immersed me fully in a different world.
Ballet is not just for the wealthy
The Des Moines Public Library system has a wonderful program where patrons are able to use their cards to receive two free tickets to shows. And yes, as long as you are living in the Des Moines metro, you can get a library card, and have access not only to the ballet, but to countless books, board games and more. Patrons can reserve tickets online on the library’s page, https://www.dmpl.org/ballet, or in person at the show venues weeks ahead of time.
Beyond their ballet program, the Des Moines Public Library has a plethora of resources and events that students can take advantage of. Their library of things provides access to everything from crafts to tools, and their events teach attendees anything from cooking to noveling.
Support your community theater
Community theater in Des Moines is an underrated gem, especially at the nearby Des Moines Playhouse, where students can volunteer at shows in exchange for getting to watch said performance. It’s a great way to serve your community and support them at shows, especially since most shows feature Drake students and alumni!
More information about volunteering is available on their site: https://www.dmplayhouse.com.
A summer of arts
For students staying over the summer, the Des Moines Metro Opera in Indianola, Iowa, and Shakespeare on the Lawn also accept volunteers in exchange for free performance tickets. To register myself for these, I emailed their contact pages, which may change by year.
Go for a walk through Des Moines’ free art
The Des Moines Art Center, Polk County Heritage Gallery, Moberg Gallery, Pappajohn Sculpture Park and even the Anderson Gallery in the Harmon Fine Arts Center showcase stunning artwork from diverse and talented artists for free. Even if you’ve been before, you’ll notice different things on your second go.
Events in Des Moines showcase our arts scene, too, for free! Mainframe Studios hosts First Friday events every month to show off their resident artists to the public, and the Des Moines Arts Festival has booths where local artists sell their wares.
Hollywood in Dogtown
The Varsity Cinema in Des Moines offers not only films, but sometimes screens performances and theater performances through their various partnerships. They often host Q&As and audience interaction events for the community, and with their $9 student discount, it makes for a great treat.
There’s no better time than the present to treat yourself to a show, especially if it doesn’t eat at your pockets too much. Take advantage of the student discounts you’ll get now, and immerse yourself in the arts!
