DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Community Playhouse is the home of many family-friendly theater and arts initiatives in central Iowa.
However, with an expanding need for services, their current space requires renovations, according to officials with the Playhouse.
On Monday, construction crews began breaking cement in the Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre, the Playhouse’s black-box space which traditionally puts on programming geared toward children.
That space hasn’t been updated in over 20 years.
The project will enhance the venue and meet the growing demand for live performances in Des Moines. Leaders at the Playhouse also said the renovation is all about community.
“The Playhouse is very tied into the artistic community,” said Artistic Director Katy Merriman.
The renovation will not only happen in the performance space, but in supporting spaces as well.
"With the big goals of more classroom space, more rehearsal space, turning this black box theatre into what it is traditionally used for to be very malleable space," Merriman said.
The project is creating more opportunities for theater education, something longtime donor Marshall Linn's family is eager for.
"My wife Julie and I have been coming to the Playhouse for years to see what the Playhouse has done for the younger generation and how it has brought together young people, given them the confidence to go on,” Linn said.
He believes all the improvements will set the stage for fostering more arts in Des Moines.
"It's part of Des Moines, it's part of our growth, it's part of who we are,” Linn said. “And to have this opportunity and the Playhouse for people to come and witness the incredible talent in Des Moines makes Des Moines just that more special."
Even those working on the project have deep ties to the theatre.
"The Community Playhouse is actually a gem and it really is nice to see the community getting back together and supporting this wonderful organization," said Bryan Myers.
Myers is the chief operating officer of Neumann Brothers, the contracting firm on the project. He has a long history at the Playhouse, previously serving on its board of directors.
He said it’s a full-circle moment to work on this project.
"This one I think is a really fun one, because I believe this might be the last one that we can do and fit on this site, so yes, I’m very excited about this one," Myers said.
A costume shop and new staff offices will be aspects of the renovation as well.
Playhouse officials also said the project will include accessibility increases like a gender-neutral bathroom and the addition of hearing devices for performances for patrons who are hard of hearing.
The cost of the construction, design and permits for the project totals $3.9 million. Playhouse Executive Director David Kilpatrick said they have raised $2.9 million so far and expects the remaining $1 million to be funded through grants and additional donations.
Kilpatrick anticipates the project will be completed by September 2024.