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The Des Moines Playhouse Tickets

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About The Des Moines Playhouse

The Des Moines Playhouse is a historic and community-centered venue in Des Moines, Iowa, offering two intimate spaces: the John Viars Theatre (413 seats) and the Studio Theatre (165–225 seats, a versatile black box with six configurations). Whether you’re catching a classic mystery, a contemporary play, or a family-friendly production, we’ve got you covered with straightforward, no-fuss ticketing. Read on for seating options, parking, transit accessibility, and recommended nearby hotels and dining to help you plan your visit.

Two great spaces, one mission: The John Viars Theatre provides a traditional proscenium experience with comfortable sightlines. The Studio Theatre offers flexibility with multiple configurations, ideal for more intimate audience interaction. Both spaces feature established seating charts to help you pick the best seats for your night out.

Located at 831 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312, The Des Moines Playhouse has a rich history dating back to 1919 and a series of renovations, including a 1953 move to the Roosevelt Theatre location on 42nd Street. The venue is accessible by Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART): Route 11 (Ingersoll/Valley Junction) serves near 42nd St via Ingersoll Ave, and Route 60 (University/Ingersoll) serves the surrounding corridors. Parking is convenient with Playhouse lots on the east (41st St) and west (42nd St), plus parking behind Shops at Roosevelt after 5 PM and nearby street parking. For a complete plan-your-visit experience, consider nearby hotels and dining options that fit many itineraries.

Popular offerings and events to look for include Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap (Studio/Theatre Corner configuration) in February 2026, Plaza Suite as part of the Tent Theatre lineup, and the Live Theatre Drive-In hosted in the Playhouse parking lot. When you’re ready to secure seats, we provide reliable access to tickets with transparent seating information and flexible options.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Address: 831 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312.
  • Venues: John Viars Theatre (413 seats) and Studio Theatre (165–225 seats, black box with six configurations).
  • Parking: east (41st St) and west (42nd St) Playhouse lots; after 5 PM parking behind Shops at Roosevelt; street parking available nearby.
  • Seating charts exist for both theatres (John Viars and Studio Theatre).
  • Transit: served by Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART); Route 11 (Ingersoll/Valley Junction) connects via Ingersoll Ave to 42nd St; Route 60 (University/Ingersoll) serves University and Ingersoll corridors near the area.
  • Nearby hotels: Hilton Des Moines Downtown (example listed in Plan Your Visit).
  • Notable events: Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap (Feb 2026) in the Studio/Corner layout; Plaza Suite (Tent Theatre); Live Theatre Drive-In in the Playhouse parking lot.
  • Historical note: The Playhouse has undergone name changes and renovations since its 1919 founding, including a 1953 move to the Roosevelt Theatre on 42nd Street.