PRESERVATION: MAINTAINING A GEM

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MAINTAINING A GEM

The Des Moines Civic Center continues to shine as a world-class venue.

The Civic Center’s iconic multicolored seats as seen from above.

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What first struck Laura Sweet on her inaugural tour of the Civic Center is what strikes so many who come through the iconic venue. Sweet, now Des Moines Performing Arts’ Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, walked onto the stage with DMPA President and CEO Jeff Chelesvig and looked out.

The sea of different seat colors — green, blue and red — is unlike any other theater. It’s become one of the defining characteristics of the Civic Center, a true architectural gem of Des Moines and the theater industry. In fact, the Civic Center was named the building of the decade statewide for the 1970s by the American Institute of Architects Iowa Chapter.

“I’ll never forget that,” Sweet says. “The color palette is truly unique to our theater, and I told Jeff I love it. It’s distinctive. We are committed to constantly updating the building to maintain a premier venue worthy of the performances on our stages. This means being good stewards of donor dollars while making important updates to keep the building modern. We think of our efforts as maintaining a work of art.”

The Civic Center and its seats have been a staple in Iowa’s arts and culture scene since opening in 1979. It’s among the largest theaters in the state, with a capacity of more than 2,700 people for concerts, Broadway musicals, ballets and more. The building is also home to the Stoner Theater, a 200-seat venue ideal for more intimate performances.

It takes hard work and dedication to create world-class experiences at every show. DMPA’s operations team follows a tight schedule that plans any repairs or inspections in between a packed calendar of performances. Everything from seating trim to carpeting to the efficiency of concession lines are constantly monitored for an optimal guest experience.

All work is completed with the original Civic Center architecture in mind. The distinct seat colors remain. Carpeting has been replaced, but still matches the original colors and patterns. Recently installed LED lights illuminate the lobby and stage areas in newer and better ways. Adding to the comfort and uniqueness of the venue is the original fan-shaped continental seating area, which allows patrons easy access to aisles and provides for a true center seat experience that is lost in many theaters with a center aisle.

That combination of historic charm and modern amenities makes the Civic Center an exciting destination for both touring acts and audience members.

“We are a venue that tours love to play,” says Janet Albanese, DMPA’s Director of Production and

PHOTOGRAPHER: DUANE TINKEY

Multi-colored lights illuminate the Civic Center stage. OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS DMPA HAS INVESTED OVER $29 MILLION IN BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND CAPITAL PROJECTS.

Highlights of previous projects:

• Installation of T-coil/assisted hearing technology

• Exterior updates including safety bollards and new digital sign

• State-of-the-art orchestra shell

• New sound system

• Expanding backstage loading docks

Anticipated future projects:

• Public Wi-Fi

• New design for Swirl sculpture

• Enhancements to the Temple Theater

• Backstage Civic Center updates

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A steel structural beam high above the stage was installed in conjunction with The Phantom of the Opera’s first Civic Center engagement.

This logo indicates that a space, like the Civic Center, has T-Coil technology available to provide guests with compatible hearing devices amplified sound.

Building Services. “We try and make it easy for shows to come in. And our attention to detail, that sets us apart from other venues. You want to be show ready at all times, so that everyone can focus on the experience of the Civic Center.”

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Improving the Civic Center’s capability is just as important as maintaining its gem status. As performances, particularly Broadway shows, become more intricate and complex, being on the cutting edge is essential.

That’s where the Civic Center shines. Over the years, DMPA has steadily made improvements to the Civic Center to better accommodate touring shows and acts. In some instances, that included making small adjustments for renowned touring acts.

The longtime standard for theater venues was the capability to host The Phantom of the Opera, one of the most iconic and longest running Broadway musicals. When the performance first came through the Civic Center in 1997, DMPA outfitted steel structural beams high above the stage to support hanging the false proscenium used in the show.

Disney’s Mary Poppins came to Des Moines in 2010. To accommodate the final scene where Mary Poppins flies over the crowd and out of sight, DMPA created a hole in one of the ceiling clouds above the audience and lifted the performer up and away.

But much of the work being done is broader. DMPA has taken steps to ensure the Civic Center is an ideal destination for any touring show. A new loading dock makes it much easier for shows — some of which have up to 20 semi-trucks — to unload. LED stage lights can now be adjusted for brightness and color. A state-of-the-art sound system, installed in 2018, captures and delivers unparalleled sound.

The Civic Center’s sterling reputation is a product of the continuous effort from DMPA, which is always on the lookout for the best technologies and logistics to implement.

“We are constantly making adjustments,” Sweet says. “We’re doing things that hopefully make it easier for the touring productions to come in and use our space.”

The advancements extend to accessibility as well. Catching a show at the Civic Center is a one-of-a-kind experience and serves as a source of inspiration. It’s crucial the venue is inviting to everyone.

In 2017, a T-coil system was installed throughout the Civic Center. Individuals with hearing loss can connect compatible hearing aids to the system and stream sound directly into their ears. DMPA also has a partnership with the Iowa Radio Reading Information Service (IRIS) to enlist volunteers who provide a live audio description of performances to visually impaired patrons via a headset. Additionally, ADA-compliant seating is available at every performance and ASL interpreters are available at select performances.

It takes all of these pieces and more to make the Civic Center a historic, safe, accommodating and beautiful backdrop for any performance.

“When you walk in, we want your focus to be on the experience rather than noticing something is off. That’s our goal,” Albanese says. “These are things our audience members will never see or notice if we’re doing it right.”