Street Theatre
Don’t miss these entertaining street theatre acts roaming the Des Moines Arts Festival site throughout the three-day weekend!
Bill Robison (30-minute performances on Friday at 4:30, 6:30, 8:30; Saturday at 11:30, 5:30, 8:30; Sunday at 10:30, 12:30, 2:30)
Animated, fast-paced and outrageously funny, Bill Robison's performances are a unique and masterful blend of physical comedy, mimicry and clowning. Audiences howl as he transforms his face, body and mannerisms to create living caricatures of unsuspecting passersby. He is extremely skilled in the art of improvisation props (such as wrestling with a gravity-defying suitcase).
Creations with a Twist (Performances on Saturday from 11-3; Sunday from 11-3)
An extraordinary balloon artist, Daniel Poe creates imaginative balloon sculptures that thrill people of all ages! The magic and delight of balloons crosses all generations. Everyone enjoys watching him twist colorful balloons into recognizable characters, incredible wearables and comical sculptures! He knows just what will make you smile!
Janet Rayor - Dancing Stilts! (One-hour performances on Friday at 3, 5, 7, 9; Saturday at 10, 1, 4, 7; and Sunday at 11:30, 1:30, 3:30)
Janet transports you with stunningly beautiful costumes and the amazing ability to engage, stay in character, and dance with grace - as though she isn't really on the tiny tips of two 2” x 2” poles! A trained dancer, singer, and physical actor, Janet has been testing grace and whimsy on stilts since 1991.
Mundus (Performance on Saturday at 3)
World traveler Rusty Eklund brings forth traditional and original arrangements inspired by music from Africa, Arabia, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
Project Dynamite (One-hour performances on Friday at 5, 7, 9; Saturday at 10:30, 1:30, 4:30, 7:30; Sunday at 11:30, 1:30, 3:30)
Project Dynamite is a high-energy performance that will blow you away, literally. This action-packed show features astonishing stunts and memorable moments wrapped up into one hilarious presentation. Their grand finale brings danger to an all new level. This signature trick, matched by their non-stop humor, will have you holding your breath one second and laughing hysterically the next.
Reggie Greenlaw (One-hour performances on Saturday at 10, Noon, 2, 4, 6)
Reggie plays the hammered dulcimer and guitar.
Roberto the Magnificent (30-minute performances on Friday at 4, 6, 8; Saturday at Noon, 3, 6; Sunday at 11, 1, 3)
Roberto has provided entertainment for fairs, schools, colleges, corporate functions and sporting events for 25 years. His show is full of snappy patter, amazing stunts, and audience participation. He rides a six-foot unicycle, bounces a coconut off his forehead, and juggles dangerous objects such as knives, torches and rubber chickens.
Shakespeare Center (30-minute performances on Saturday at 11, 12:30 and 2:30)
Join actor director Lorenzo Sandoval's award-winning acting troupe as they spout immortal scenes from Shakespeare, featuring the famous interchanges of Taming of the Shrew. Through traditional and contemporary interpretations, follow some of the most humorous misunderstandings that ever beset the course of true love! Engage with actors in frolicking banter from another era! Get knighted and learn about upcoming nights: of Shakespeare, that is! Expect love gone awry, love on the sly. In the end, it's the beloved Bard who gets it right.
Swing Crew (One-hour performance on Friday at 6:30)
The Swing Crew plays a variety of country, swing, island beat, rockabilly, rock-and-roll and a humorous collection of novelty tunes. The pied piper of the group, Dennis Reifsteck, sings, plays the string bass, the violin and the saw. Additional vocalists and acoustic guitar and drums join him. Known for its audience participation, the band members enjoy performing and are keen on selecting impromptu entertainers from the crowd.
