(Des Moines, IA) -- Des Moines Performing Arts is expanding its reach to Central Iowa's youngest learners.
DMPA is taking its shows on the road to preschoolers in Polk, Dallas and Warren Counties.
Last year, a pilot program in Des Moines brought live music and storytelling to more than 1,500 public, pre-K students.
Mitchell Early Learning Center Principal Jessica Parsons says students loved the performances.
“The performance was highly engaging, and our students thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The mix of music, live instruments, fast-paced energy, and audience participation kept students captivated throughout,” Parsons said.
The positive response led to the the program being expanded during the current school year.
“A child’s first experience with the performing arts can happen in many places,” said Karoline Myers, director of education for Des Moines Performing Arts. “Sometimes access means opening our doors and welcoming students into the theater, and sometimes it means going beyond them. Des Moines Performing Arts: On Tour for Little Learners allows us to bring live performance directly into preschool classrooms, giving young children an opportunity to experience the arts while nurturing creativity, language, and connection.”
The season of the "On Tour for Little Learners" program will feature four touring productions and 26 live performances.
Ringo’s Sing Along Road Trip | Oct. 26-29, 2026
Join Ringo the singing dog and his owner on a musical road trip to the Doggy Dance Party.
Swing Along with Allegra Levy and Friends | Jan. 25-28, 2027
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Allegra Levy performs original jazz songs celebrating childhood experiences.
Little Half Chicken | March 22-25, 2027
Based on a folktale shared across cultures, this imaginative story follows an unusual little bird searching for where he belongs.
Uncle Jumbo: One Big Family | April 12-13, 2027
Grammy-nominated Uncle Jumbo combines soul, funk, R&B, and interactive dance-alongs focused on connection, kindness, and wellbeing.