COMMUNITY TICKETING PROGRAM

Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the arts.

Ballet Des Moines’ Community Ticketing Program makes inspiring professional performances accessible to individuals and families across the state of Iowa. By removing financial barriers and building awareness and belonging, thousands of Iowans have the opportunity to experience the power of the arts — experiences that build community, understanding, and connection. 

Last season, Ballet Des Moines provided more than 3,000 complimentary tickets to Iowans from 113 unique zip codes. This season, with generous support from Principal Foundation, we are expanding and improving this program to reach an even broader audience with extraordinary performances full of inspiring artistry, technical excellence, and evocative storytelling.

HOW IT WORKS

If the cost of a ticket would otherwise prevent you or your family from attending a Ballet Des Moines performance, we invite you to register online for a Community Ticket beginning August 28, 2026, at 10am, at the button below.

Anyone who holds a current library card from any library in the state of Iowa is eligible to receive a complimentary ticket to one of Ballet Des Moines’ mainstage performances. 

Community Tickets generally become available 6-8 weeks prior to a performance. See below for Community Ticketing windows.

Additional information about eligibility, ticket availability, and the reservation process can be found in the FAQs below.

HELP US KEEP BALLET ACCESSIBLE

If you can afford to purchase a ticket, please do.

Ballet Des Moines relies on ticket sales revenue as well as philanthropic support to bring transformational experiences to our community. If you are able to purchase a ticket to a performance, rather than applying for a complimentary ticket, we encourage you to do so. Purchasing your ticket does three things: it supports the existence of Iowa’s resident, professional ballet company, it tells us that this work is meaningful to you, and it allows Ballet Des Moines to continue making the arts accessible to as broad a community as possible. Tickets start at $20 for all performances.

COMMUNITY TICKET REQUEST

TICKETING WINDOWs

Ghost Stories

Performance dates:
October 23 & 24
Location:
Hoyt Sherman Place
Community Ticketing registration opens:
August 28 – October 1, 2026

New Voices

Performance dates:
March 5 & 6
Location:
Hoyt Sherman Place
Community Ticketing registration opens:
December 4, 2026 – February 1, 2027

American Songbook

Performance dates:
May 21 & 22
Location:
Des Moines Civic Center
Community Ticketing registration opens:
March 5 – April 30, 2027

FAQs

Who is eligible to receive a complimentary ticket to a Ballet Des Moines performance?

Iowans (ages 7 and up) with a valid library card from any Iowa public library or Des Moines Public School students (grades 7-12) with a student ID.

What are the Ballet Des Moines performances in the 26/27 season?

Ballet Des Moines has three eligible productions for community tickets this season. The productions and performance dates are listed below. For specific performance times, please visit our performance pages by clicking below or check with the venue directly.

How do I reserve my ticket?

In order to maximize access, patrons can reserve Community Tickets using an online form available during the specified ticketing window for each production (details above). All attendees must have a unique library card number (or student ID) to reserve a ticket.

I am a DMPS student and my school ID card functions as a public library card. Can I use my school ID card to receive a ticket?

Yes! Des Moines Public Schools students in grades 7–12 can use their school ID in lieu of a library card.

I filled out the form. When will I receive my ticket?

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Everyone who completes the registration form will be contacted at the end of the ticketing window to confirm ticket availability. They will also receive directions on how to retrieve their ticket based on venue protocols. 

  • Ghost Stories, October 1: 2026 

  • New Voices, February 1: 2027

  • American Songbook: April 30, 2027

Can I reserve my ticket on the night of the performance?

Unfortunately, due to the high volume of tickets facilitated during the night of the performance, venues will not be able to accommodate library card holder requests the night of the show.

How many tickets is my family allotted?

Every library-card holding member of your household (ages 7 and up) is eligible to receive a ticket.

May I reserve my tickets at the venue or over the phone?

To ensure equal access to all patrons, Community Tickets may only be reserved online. Tickets cannot be reserved at the venue or over the phone.

I reserved a ticket, but my plans changed; can I sell it or give it away?

Tickets are not for resale and are non-transferrable. If you cannot use your ticket, please contact Beau Kenyon (beau@balletdesmoines.org). We will redistribute your ticket to someone who is still on our waiting list.

I participated in this program and loved every minute of it; can I reserve a ticket to the next performance?

Yes, please come back for multiple performances! If your financial situation changes, and you are able to purchase a ticket to our next performance, we are appreciative!

With my library card, may I request a complimentary ticket anywhere in the auditorium?

Community Ticketing Program patrons are seated in designated areas: the balcony at Hoyt Sherman Place and the upper rows of the Des Moines Civic Center. Community Ticketing patrons may not move their seats to another area without purchasing a ticket.

The selection of complimentary tickets is not where I would like to sit. Can I pay the difference between the complimentary ticketed seat and the seat I would like to sit in?

Unfortunately, no. 


SHOULD YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PROGRAM OR OTHER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AT BALLET DES MOINES, PLEASE CONTACT BEAU KENYON, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & OUTREACH, BEAU@BALLETDESMOINES.ORG