BLANK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
A FEASIBILITY STUDY TO MODERNIZE AND MAXIMIZE OUR TREASURED PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
For more than half a century,
the Blank Performing Arts Center (BPAC) has been the summer home of Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) and a cornerstone of Simpson College’s arts programming. Built in 1970 by architect Chick Herbert—who later designed the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines—BPAC was conceived with dual purposes: to serve Simpson College’s growing theatre and opera programs, and to attract a professional performing opera company that could utilize college housing and amenities during the summer months.
The relationship between Simpson and DMMO dates back to DMMO’s founding, as beloved Simpson College music faculty members Robert L. Larsen and Douglas Duncan, Simpson students, and professional artists worked side by side to build an esteemed opera company. And the partnership that began over 50 years ago remains strong today—offering students, patrons, and artists a one-of-a-kind performing arts experience.
The Blank Performing Arts Center stands as one of the most substantial theatre facilities on any college campus in Iowa, rivaled only by venues at major state universities. It has been central to DMMO’s identity, artistic success, and national reputation, with critics and artists alike citing the theatre’s unique stage layout and intimacy as a defining factor in its acclaim.
Throughout Blank Performing Arts Center’s history, Simpson and DMMO have invested in facility upgrades—such as the south facing expansion with elevator and balcony, orchestra pit expansion, studio theatre creation, and a stage elevator replacement—demonstrating the shared commitment to maintaining and improving this acclaimed resource.
Today, the Blank Performing Arts Center has reached the end of its expected and functional lifespan without major renovation. Deferred maintenance, outdated systems, and structural decay now present pressing risks to performers, students, staff, and audiences.
Safety risks, accessibility issues and operational limitations cause frequent production delays, interrupted performances, and escalating costs. Staff often describe the act of mounting each opera season as a “miracle.” Many hours in paid wages are devoted to set construction and shifting that standardized, modern points of entry and dimensions would eliminate. Outdated facilities have caused longer work hours leading to safety concerns. These challenges jeopardize DMMO’s ability to sustain its world-class artistic standard and threaten its longevity. And, without acceptable working conditions, DMMO risks losing talented personnel. While improvements continue to be made, comprehensive solutions will rely on a renovated, modern facility.
THE COMPANY,S 467-SEAT THEATER WRAPS THE STAGE AROUND THE PIT AND JUTS DEEP INTO THE AUDIENCE, DRAWING EVEN THE LAST ROW INTO THE ACTION... TRY THAT AT THE MET.,, – NEW YORK TIMES (2025) ,,
DMMO and Simpson College are testing a comprehensive effort to bring the Blank Performing Arts Center to modern professional standards. Led by theater planners Schuler Shook and OPN Architects, with consulting engineers and acousticians, the project will ensure the building’s longevity and relevance. Priorities include:
• Raise the stage house to allow proper scenery fly space.
• Expand backstage with a new scene shop, storage, and loading dock.
• Modernize and add dressing rooms, rehearsal halls, costume, wig, and makeup facilities.
• Update classrooms and rehearsal spaces for DMMO, Simpson and community use.
• Install elevators and ADA-compliant circulation paths.
• Upgrade all technical systems: fly, rigging, stage floor, lighting, mechanical, and electrical.
• Reimagine the south entrance and lobby with expanded restrooms and gathering spaces.
• Enhance acoustics while preserving the Pote Theater’s renowned intimacy.
• Integrate sustainable, energy-efficient systems to reduce long-term operating costs.
ESTIMATED PROJECT COST: $36–40 MILLION
ANTICIPATED 24-MONTH CONSTRUCTION PERIOD WITH POTENTIAL FOR PHASING.
A COMPREHENSIVE BPAC RENOVATION IS CRITICAL TO THE CULTURAL, ECONOMIC, AND EDUCATIONAL VIBRANCY OF GREATER DES MOINES. AN UPDATED FACILITY WILL:
ENSURE CONTINUITY OF DMMO’S WORLD-CLASS PRODUCTIONS IN INDIANOLA.
ATTRACT TOP-TIER ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS WITH FACILITIES THAT MEET PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND SUPPORT THE CALIBER OF PERFORMANCES PRODUCED.
ATTRACT STUDENTS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND CREATE TECHNICAL THEATRE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES THAT DON’T CURRENTLY EXIST.
CREATE A FACILITY THAT ALLOWS ARTISTS TO DO THEIR BEST WORK SAFELY, EFFICIENTLY, AND ACCESSIBLY.
MODERNIZE PATRON AMENITIES AND CREATE A MORE ACCESSIBLE, WELCOMING, AND WORLD-CLASS ENVIRONMENT FOR PRE- AND POST-PERFORMANCE ACTIVITIES.
IMPROVE ACOUSTICS TO PROTECT HEARING OF MUSICIANS AND TO MAKE PERFORMANCES MORE BALANCED AND EQUALLY DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE HALL.
CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPATION BY REMOVING BARRIERS FOR THOSE WHO ARE MOBILITY, SIGHT OR HEARING IMPAIRED.
PRESERVE AND ENHANCE THE POTE THEATER’S UNIQUE INTIMACY THAT HAS EARNED THE FACILITY ITS NATIONAL REPUTATION.
ACTIVATE BPAC AS A COMMUNITY RESOURCE HOSTING YEAR-ROUND COMMUNITY AND SIMPSON EVENTS, LECTURES, FORUMS, CONCERTS, SPEAKER SERIES, DANCE PRODUCTIONS AND MORE.
DRIVE CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT IN THE REGION FOR DECADES TO COME WITH ADDED TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
The renovation represents a reinvestment in arts tourism in the region, reenvisioning the Blank Performing Arts Center as a cultural hub for the entire community.
Blank Performing Arts Center
BUILT IN 1970
467 SEATS
Des Moines Metro Opera
FOUNDED IN 1973
MISSION: TO CREATE DISTINCTIVE THEATRICAL EXPERIENCES AND INSPIRATIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS AND AUDIENCES OF THE 21ST CENTURY.
VISITORS AND PATRONS FROM 5 COUNTRIES AND 41 STATES DURING THE 2025 SEASON
ATTRACTS 30% OF AUDIENCE FROM OUT OF STATE (RANKED #2 IN NATION FOR OUT-OF-STATE DRAW)
$12 MILLION IN LOCAL SALES OR OUTPUT WITHIN POLK, WARREN AND DALLAS COUNTIES
Simpson College
FOUNDED IN 1860
MISSION: THROUGH INNOVATIVE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES, INDIVIDUAL STUDENT ATTENTION, AND AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAL ACCESS, SIMPSON COLLEGE CULTIVATES A DIVERSE COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS TO LEAD LIVES OF MEANING AND PURPOSE.
1201 FULL-TIME UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS REPRESENTING 42 STATES
80 AREAS OF STUDY
Des Moines Metro Opera Board of Directors 2025
Darren R. Jirsa
President
John Wild
President Elect
Eric Nemmers
Treasurer
Ann Michelson
Secretary
Proctor Lureman
Vice President of Development
At Large Officers:
Nancy Main
Adrienne McFarland
Paxton Williams
Amy M. Anderson
Anthony Braida
Carrie Clogg
Cheryl Critelli
Virginia Croskery Lauridsen
Suzanna de Baca
Betsy Freese
Julie Ghrist
Naura Godar
Julia Hagen
Bryan Hall
Mark Holub
Bruce Hughes
Susie Kimelman
Tim Krumm
Marla Lacey
Joel Otto
Emily Pontius
Craig Porter
Susan Rathjen
Marina Sandquist
Dawn Taylor
Sheila Tipton
Chris Urwin
Chris Vernon
Simpson College Board of Trustees 2025
Nick Anderson ’99
Kennetha Bingham-Tsai
Jessica Boltinghouse ’10
Nicole L. Crain ’05
Ann Dieleman ’92
D. Robert Downing ’63
Paige Fiedler ’87
Steven C. Fiterman ’68
Ben F. Gamer ’75
Denise M. Griffey ’79
Kevin Haltherman
Terry W. Handley ’09
Kamie Downing Haynes ’92
Laura Howe ’06
Steven G. Johnson ’81
Thomas J. Keating ’77
Ronald L. Keller
Sean M. Kennedy ’92
Jimmy Kent
Izaah JB Knox
Virginia Lauridsen
John T. Lawlor ’73
Terrance J. Lillis ’77
Jay T. Marshall
Trent Murphy ’90
Elizabeth Raymond Nigut ’81
Hank Norem ’02
Garrett Piklapp ’04
Nile D. Ramsbottom ’66
Robert G. Riley
Lori Schaefer-Weaton
Joe Sorenson ’12
James C. Spooner ’82
Deanna Strable-Soethout
Kirk J. Tyler
Susan E. Voss ’75
Julie M. Willeman ’96
Maribeth Wright ’87
Des Moines Metro Opera Leadership Staff 2025
Michael Egel General and Artistic Director
Scott Arens Director of Advancement
Elaine Raliegh Director of Business and Finance
Allen Perriello Director of Artistic Administration
Clayton Rodney Director of Production
Kim Dragelevich Creative Director
Sam Carroll Director of Education and Engagement
Simpson College Leadership Staff 2025
Sue Stuebner Interim President
Mara Bailey Chaplain
Marty Bell Director of Athletic
Roger Deggerman Vice President for Marketing and Strategic Communication
Chris Goodale Interim Vice President for College Advancement
Matt Hansen Vice President or Student Development and Dean of Students
CoryAnne Harrigan Interim Academic Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Bret Mills Vice President for Business and Finance
Leigh Mlodzik Vice President for Enrollment