BPAC Casebook Feasibiity

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.

Productions at Blank Performing Arts Center 3

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 Deferred maintenance, outdated systems, and structural decay now present pressing risks to performers, students, staff, and audiences.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 Outdated facilities have caused longer work hours leading to safety concerns.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.

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, 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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Blank Performing Arts Center BUILT IN 1970 467 SEATS

Des Moines Metro Opera

Simpson College

FOUNDED IN 1973

FOUNDED IN 1860

MISSION: TO CREATE DISTINCTIVE

MISSION: THROUGH INNOVATIVE LEARNING

THEATRICAL EXPERIENCES AND

OPPORTUNITIES, INDIVIDUAL STUDENT

INSPIRATIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

ATTENTION, AND AN UNWAVERING

FOR ARTISTS AND AUDIENCES OF THE

COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAL

21ST CENTURY.

ACCESS, SIMPSON COLLEGE CULTIVATES A DIVERSE COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS TO

VISITORS AND PATRONS FROM

LEAD LIVES OF MEANING AND PURPOSE.

5 COUNTRIES AND 41 STATES DURING THE 2025 SEASON

1201 FULL-TIME UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS REPRESENTING 42 STATES

ATTRACTS 30% OF AUDIENCE FROM OUT OF STATE (RANKED #2 IN NATION

80 AREAS OF STUDY

FOR OUT-OF-STATE DRAW) $12 MILLION IN LOCAL SALES OR OUTPUT WITHIN POLK, WARREN AND DALLAS COUNTIES

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Des Moines Metro Opera

Simpson College

Des Moines Metro Opera

Simpson College

Board of Directors 2025

Board of Trustees 2025

Leadership Staff 2025

Leadership Staff 2025

Darren R. Jirsa

Nick Anderson ’99

Michael Egel

Sue Stuebner

President John Wild President Elect Eric Nemmers Treasurer Ann Michelson Secretary Proctor Lureman Vice President of Development

Kennetha Bingham-Tsai Jessica Boltinghouse ’10 Nicole L. Crain ’05 Ann Dieleman ’92

General and Artistic Director Scott Arens Director of Advancement Elaine Raliegh

D. Robert Downing ’63

Director of Business and

Paige Fiedler ’87

Finance

Steven C. Fiterman ’68

Allen Perriello

Ben F. Gamer ’75

Director of Artistic

Denise M. Griffey ’79

Administration

Kevin Haltherman

At Large Officers:

Terry W. Handley ’09

Nancy Main

Kamie Downing Haynes ’92

Adrienne McFarland

Laura Howe ’06

Paxton Williams

Steven G. Johnson ’81 Thomas J. Keating ’77

Clayton Rodney Director of Production Kim Dragelevich Creative Director Sam Carroll Director of Education and

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

Amy M. Anderson

Ronald L. Keller

Anthony Braida

Sean M. Kennedy ’92

Carrie Clogg

Jimmy Kent

Vice President for Academic

Cheryl Critelli

Izaah JB Knox

Affairs

Virginia Croskery Lauridsen

Virginia Lauridsen

Suzanna de Baca

John T. Lawlor ’73

Betsy Freese

Terrance J. Lillis ’77

Julie Ghrist

Jay T. Marshall

Naura Godar

Trent Murphy ’90

Julia Hagen

Elizabeth Raymond Nigut ’81

Bryan Hall

Hank Norem ’02

Mark Holub

Garrett Piklapp ’04

Bruce Hughes

Nile D. Ramsbottom ’66

Susie Kimelman

Robert G. Riley

Tim Krumm

Lori Schaefer-Weaton

Marla Lacey

Joe Sorenson ’12

Joel Otto

James C. Spooner ’82

Emily Pontius

Deanna Strable-Soethout

Craig Porter

Kirk J. Tyler

Susan Rathjen

Susan E. Voss ’75

Marina Sandquist

Julie M. Willeman ’96

Dawn Taylor

Maribeth Wright ’87

Sheila Tipton Chris Urwin Chris Vernon

Engagement

CoryAnne Harrigan Interim Academic Dean and

Bret Mills Vice President for Business and Finance Leigh Mlodzik Vice President for Enrollment