Dallas Center-Grimes theater department will participate in the 2026 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase, presented by EMC Insurance Companies, in honor of the school’s achievements for its November production of The Wizard of Oz.
Produced by Des Moines Performing Arts as the culmination of a year-long education initiative, the Showcase will be held at the Des Moines Civic Center on Thursday, May 28, at 7:00 p.m. and will recognize a total of 110 adjudicated schools from across the entire state.
Select students will represent Dallas Center-Grimes by performing in a collaborative Finale medley led by a guest Broadway music director and choreographer.
Production Awards
Distinguished Scene – “The Merry Old Land Of Oz”
Special Recognition for Student Orchestra
Student Awards
Outstanding Achievement in a Behind-the-Scenes Role – Hayden Wagner – House Manager
Special Recognition in a Principal Role – Hunter Quandt as “Scarecrow”
Special Recognition in a Principal Role – Blaire Ehlert as “Dorothy”
Special Recognition in a Principal Role – Gavin Eickelberg as “Tinman”
Special Recognition in a Behind-the-Scenes Role – Addison Ramirez and Zoe Frazier – Set Designer
Tickets to the Showcase, which start at $15, will go on sale on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 10 AM at DMPA.org, the Des Moines Civic Center Ticket Office, and by phone at 515-246-2300.
The Awards Showcase will be live-streamed at IowaPBS.org as part of a collaboration with Iowa PBS. Iowa PBS will also broadcast a highlights special of the event later this summer on dates to be announced.