Wellmark Family Series in Des Moines
Des Moines Performing Arts is bringing the Wellmark Family Series back for its 14th year and another amazing season. This series of live shows are perfect for introducing the littlest members of your family to the theater and live performances. The 2023-24 series sponsored by Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, will offer three shows that are a one-hour performance. Perfect for the youngest attention span and fun for the whole family. The Wellmark Family Series is not your typical live theater show. Each performance will encourage your family to use their imaginations, get young minds moving, and have fun!
In addition, before each performance families can participate in a FREE Discovery Party with educational opportunities that correlate with the performance. Discovery Parties are held 1-hour before the start of the show and consist of FREE demonstrations, music, activities, and more. This is a great way to introduce the show you are about to see to your children.
3-Show Package Pricing Starts at $24
Des Moines Performing Arts is offering a super affordable way for the entire family to enjoy the Wellmark Family Series. You can purchase season tickets for all three productions being held at the Des Moines Civic Center starting at $24. Purchase season ticket packages on the Des Moines Performing Arts website or at the Des Moines Civic Center ticket office.
Purchasing a package brings benefits that include:
- Convenient payment plans
- Save up to 15% on package add-on shows
- Best seats at the best prices
- Flexible ticket exchanges
- Easy show substitution
2023 Wellmark Family Series Shows:
The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Gen
November 4, 2023, on the Civic Center Stage
11 a.m.
The show begins with Aesop’s classic fable of the The Tortoise and the Hare but continues the story which finds them 10 years down the road, now with children of their own and exploring modern-day distractions. Smartphones and video games create a new landscape of lost connections to life experiences. The Next Gen features Tortoise Junior and Lil’ Hare in a whole new kind of race; where their adventures lead them into unexpected territory. Old Man Tortoise and Big Daddy Hare must come together despite their differences to find and save their children. What hurdles will they have to overcome to make it to the finish line? Learn more here.
The Peking Acrobats
February 17, 2024, on the Civic Center Stage
11 a.m.
For the last thirty-two years, THE PEKING ACROBATS® has redefined audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. They perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs and display their technical prowess in such arts as trick cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. They push the limits of human ability, defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control. THE PEKING ACROBATS are often accompanied by live musicians who skillfully play traditional Chinese instruments; the time-honored Chinese music coalesces with high-tech special effects and awe-inspiring acrobatic feats, creating an exuberant entertainment event with the festive pageantry of a Chinese Carnival. Learn more here.
What Do You Do With An Idea?
April 20, 2024, on the Civic Center Stage
11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Sensory Friendly)
One day, a child has an idea. At first, they don’t know what to do with it. It seems strange. They don’t know what other people will think of this idea and they attempt to hide it away. But the idea persists and gets stronger– along with the child’s confidence. And then, one day, something amazing happens…
Told through movement, music, and narration, an ensemble of dancers creates a magical world where ideas grow and take flight. Based on the New York Times best-selling book, this is a story for anyone, at any age, who has ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, or too difficult. Learn more here.
Wellmark Family Series Package Add-Ons
The following two shows are shows you can add to your 3-show package. Such a great deal! There are two add-ons available this year.
Havana Hop
January 27, 2024, at the Temple Theater
11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Sensory Friendly)
Havana Hop: a children’s tale of culture and confidence!
Young Yeila dreams of being a superstar but her lack of confidence gives her awful stage fright. With advice from her mother and mentors, Yeila begins her journey to find her roots, get confidence and be amazing! Travel with Yeila who visits her grandmother in Cuba to add a salsa flavor to her own hip-hop style! The audience gets to dance along in this dynamic participation play where one actress creates three generations of lively women. Journey with Yeila as she discovers the fun of her multicultural heritage. Purchase tickets here.
The Pa’akai We Bring
March 30, 2024, at the Temple Theater
11 a.m
This original production introduces audiences to Native Hawaiian ideas of balance and healing by exploring our relationship to pa‘akai (salt). This original production introduces young audiences to the Native Hawaiian relationship to pa‘akai (salt). Traditionally, pa‘akai is food, medicine, a sacrament, and a treasured gift. The play follows a family with multiple generations of salt farmers on the island of Kauai, mixing in ancient stories, hula, live music, original songs, and plenty of audience participation into a tasty potluck of performance, joyously served up with aloha.
Created in partnership with the Bishop Museum and cultural elders and leaders, the performance is intended for a multi-generational audience, so audience members young and old can have this restorative experience together. Purchase tickets here.
Visit dmpa.org for an entire list of shows and performances such as the National Geographic Live series, Prairie Meadows Temple Comedy Series (great date night idea), and more!
