June 09, 2026
By: Greater Des Moines Partnership
Des Moines Community Playhouse Announces New Executive Director
The Des Moines Community Playhouse announced Chelsea Haaland has been named Executive Director. She joins Katy Merriman, artistic director, as part of the theatre’s leadership team.
Haaland will join The Playhouse staff on Monday, June 15, 2026 immediately assuming the role of Executive Director.
Serving the Arts Community in Greater Des Moines
Haaland most recently served as the related arts curriculum facilitator for the Waukee Community School District (CSD), Iowa’s third-largest district, where she promoted collaborative culture-building and organizational effectiveness in support of the district’s artistic programming. Under her guidance, Waukee CSD was the 11th district in the United States to be recognized as an Educational Theatre Association Premier Community for Theatre Education.
“The Playhouse is more than a physical space; it has built a legacy as a cornerstone of arts and culture in Iowa because of the many volunteers and staff members who devote countless hours to shared goals," Haaland said. "It will be my highest responsibility to partner with the volunteers, the patrons, the staff, and the board to refine and maintain the conditions that allow The Playhouse's people to continue doing their best. This is, in fact, what I am most excited about: collaborating with great people to promote art and stories, creating positive experiences, and championing The Playhouse as the community’s standard for artistic excellence, high-quality education and training, and inclusive practices.”
Find more information on the Des Moines Community Playhouse at dmplayhouse.com. Read the full press release announcing Chelsea Haaland as the next Executive Director here.
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