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Des Moines Community Playhouse



Performance Academy

in Class Type

SUM26 Performance Academy: Robin Hood*

$300

with Rusk Dorsett

Calendar Jun 8, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Grades 7-9, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, June 8-12
$290 Subscribers/$300 Non-Subscribers

Follow the adventures of Robin and her merry men (and women) as they battle the evil Prince John, outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham, give to the poor, and fight for justice. Strap on your swashbucklers and get ready to laugh with horseless jousting, over the top disguises, silly chases, epic battles with pool noodles, and a show-stopping archery contest with moving targets. Performance on the final day for family and friends!

*In Performance Academy, actors are taken through a more disciplined process: Auditioning, rehearsing, and performing a play to learn how to polish skills in a dynamic, challenging environment. Previous experience is not required, but is strongly encouraged. Performance Academy rehearsals move quickly and are generally more rigorous than other classes and camps, attendance is vital to the success of both the student and process. 

Full Course

SUM26 Performance Academy: Peter Pan & Wendy Session A*

$300

with Megan Lenstra

Calendar Jun 15, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Grades 5-7, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, June 15-19
$290 Subscribers/$300 Non-Subscribers

Grab your pixie dust and fly straight into adventure! Join Peter Pan and Wendy Darling as they whisk Michael and John away to the thrilling world of Neverland—a place filled with sword fights, secret hideouts, mischievous fairies, fearless Lost Boys and Never Girls, and treacherous pirates. From daring escapes to epic battles, our heroes must work together to outsmart the notorious Captain Hook and his crew. On the final day of camp, family and friends will be there to cheer as the adventure comes to life onstage.

*In Performance Academy, actors are taken through a more disciplined process: Auditioning, rehearsing, and performing a play to learn how to polish skills in a dynamic, challenging environment. Previous experience is not required, but is strongly encouraged. Performance Academy rehearsals move quickly and are generally more rigorous than other classes and camps, attendance is vital to the success of both the student and process. 

Full Course

SUM26 Performance Academy: William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Clueless*

$300

with Nate Jorgensen

Calendar Jun 15, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Grades 8-12, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, June 15-19
$290 Subscribers/$300 Non-Subscribers

Cher, the fairest maiden of Bronson Alcott High in Beverly Hills, spends her days merrily match-making and mall-hopping with her best friend Dionne. But her good intentions create mischief for her friends and family, turning a comedy of errors into high drama. Can Cher admit her folly in time to save her friendships—and her own heart?

 taken through a more disciplined process: Auditioning, rehearsing, and performing a play to learn how to polish skills in a dynamic, challenging environment. Previous experience is not required, but is strongly encouraged. Performance Academy rehearsals move quickly and are generally more rigorous than other classes and camps, attendance is vital to the success of both the student and process. 

Full Course

SUM26 Performance Academy: Peter Pan & Wendy Session B*

$300

with Ron Hyde

Calendar Jun 22, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Grades 6-8, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, June 22-26
$290 Subscribers/$300 Non-Subscribers

Grab your pixie dust and fly straight into adventure! Join Peter Pan and Wendy Darling as they whisk Michael and John away to the thrilling world of Neverland—a place filled with sword fights, secret hideouts, mischievous fairies, fearless Lost Boys and Never Girls, and treacherous pirates. From daring escapes to epic battles, our heroes must work together to outsmart the notorious Captain Hook and his crew. On the final day of camp, family and friends will be there to cheer as the adventure comes to life onstage.

*In Performance Academy, actors are taken through a more disciplined process: Auditioning, rehearsing, and performing a play to learn how to polish skills in a dynamic, challenging environment. Previous experience is not required, but is strongly encouraged. Performance Academy rehearsals move quickly and are generally more rigorous than other classes and camps, attendance is vital to the success of both the student and process. 

Full Course

SUM26 Performance Academy: Audition Workshop*

$240
Calendar Jun 29, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Grades 5-8, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, June 29-July 2
$230 Subscribers/$240 Non-Subscribers

The 2026-27 Season will be announced soon, and will include great titles with roles for young actors. Work with Playhouse directors to get the experience necessary to be comfortable in auditions. Participation in the course does not guarantee a role but will acquaint students with scenes from the shows, available roles and the audition procedure used at The Playhouse. This class will focus on the scene work from both plays and musicals in the upcoming Playhouse season.

*In Performance Academy, actors are taken through a more disciplined process: Auditioning, rehearsing, and performing a play to learn how to polish skills in a dynamic, challenging environment. Previous experience is not required, but is strongly encouraged. Performance Academy rehearsals move quickly and are generally more rigorous than other classes and camps, attendance is vital to the success of both the student and process. 

Full Course

SUM26 Legally Blonde Jr Teen Intensive

$590

with Allison Crain

Calendar Jul 1, 2026 at 9 am, runs for 3 weeks

Grades 7-10, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, July 1-21
$550 Subscribers/$590 Non-Subscribers

July 1-2 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
July 6-10, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
July 13-17, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
July 19-21, 5:30 PM call for cast and crew, 7:00 PM performances. Teen Intensive performance tickets will go on sale on June 1, 2026. All students registered for class will receive two tickets as part of their registration to be used on any of the three performances.

OMG you guys! Based on the award-winning Broadway musical and the smash hit motion picture, Legally BlondeThe Musical JR. is a fabulously fun journey of self-empowerment and expanding horizons. The show's instantly recognizable songs are filled with humor, wit and sass — leaving cast members and audiences alike seeing pink!

We’re seeking a devoted group of performers who are keen on singing, dancing and acting and who welcome the demanding challenge of rehearsing and performing a musical for this multi-week intensive camp.

Full Course




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