sioux-center-arts-153930

James & The Giant Peach Opens Next Week!

Mon, 25 May 2026 17:27:43 GMT

A musical adventure for all ages

We are so excited to be opening our production of Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach at Te Paske Theatre next week, June 3-6th! Audiences of all ages will be swept away by the journey of James and his larger-than-life insect friends as they sail across the ocean inside a giant peach.

Our production features a talented cast of local performers, working alongside a dedicated team of volunteers, designers, musicians, and technicians to transform the stage into a whimsical world full of surprises. From vibrant costumes and creative staging to energetic musical numbers, every element of the production is designed to capture the heart and humor that has made this Roald Dahl classic a favorite.

Tickets can be purchased at https://our.show/scapeach or you can stop by the Sioux Center Municipal Utilities Office to reserve tickets in person. Ticket prices vary by seat location.

We are incredibly grateful for the enthusiastic support from the community and proud of the hard work and dedication shown by everyone involved. Sioux Center Arts continues to provide opportunities for performers, artists, musicians, and volunteers of all ages to come together and create something special each year, and this production of James and the Giant Peach is no exception. Don't miss it!

Sioux Center Youth Theatre Presents "As You Like It"

Tue, 12 May 2026 15:56:29 GMT

Twenty local students take on Shakespeare

This past weekend, Sioux Center Youth Theatre presented a lively one-hour adaptation of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It at the Te Paske Theatre. Twenty students from several local schools came together to bring the classic comedy to life, delighting audiences with their energy, humor, and impressive performances.

This year’s production was directed by Marissa Leraas, whose work helped guide students through the challenge and excitement of performing Shakespeare. One especially memorable part of the production was the beautiful collection of costumes, all hand-made by local volunteer seamstress and college student Lucy Driewer. The costumes added so much charm and helped make the experience feel truly special for the young actors.

We were thrilled to see such a wonderful turnout from the community in support of these students and the arts. Sioux Center Youth Theatre offers both fall and spring seasons each year, with Shakespeare productions always taking center stage in the spring. Time and again, these young actors amaze us with their ability to memorize and perform the timeless words of the Bard.

Opera Iowa! Comes to Town

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 02:31:06 GMT

Over 400 students experience opera for the first time

It was an exciting day for the arts as Opera Iowa brought the magic of opera to our community! More than 400 students from local schools experienced opera for the very first time during a lively daytime performance of Billy Goats Gruff at BJ Haan Auditorium on the campus of Dordt University.

The colorful performance had students laughing and fully engaged, as the three goats made their memorable journey across the bridge. (Judging by the smiles and energy on stage, it was just as much fun for the performers as it was for the audience!)

In the evening, many students returned with their families to enjoy a beautiful performance of Cinderella, making it a full day of music, storytelling, and shared experiences. The turnout was wonderful, and one of the highlights of the night was seeing so many children stay afterward to take photos and meet the cast.

We are incredibly thankful to Dordt University for their willingness to collaborate with Sioux Center Arts by hosting these performances in the BJ Haan Auditorium. Partnerships like these make it possible to bring high-quality arts experiences to our community and introduce young audiences to the joy of opera.

A Beautiful, Memorable Night

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:42:27 GMT

Romance on the Strings, a magical candlelit evening

Romance on the Strings: A Magical Candlelit Evening

On February 28, Sioux Center Arts welcomed the community to Romance on the Strings, a beautiful candlelit concert held in the stunning setting of St. Mary’s Church. With hundreds of candles illuminating the sanctuary, the evening felt truly magical from the first note to the final bow.

Musicians Jennifer Frens, Lisa Miedema, Shari Boone, and Benjamin Ploegstra delivered an unforgettable performance, filling the space with warmth, elegance, and expressive music that captivated the audience.

We were thrilled by the wonderful turnout and the enthusiastic response from the community. It was a joy to see the church filled with listeners sharing in such a memorable experience.

Sioux Center Arts is deeply grateful to St. Mary’s Church for being the most gracious hosts and for providing such a gorgeous venue for this special evening.

Inspired by the success of this concert, Sioux Center Arts is excited to begin planning another Candlelit Concert for the fall—we can’t wait to gather again for another evening of music and light.

Sioux County Oratorio to Perform Handel's Messiah

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 22:54:57 GMT

HANDEL'S MESSIAH IS TWO WEEKS AWAY AND WE CAN'T WAIT...

Sioux Center Arts is proud to sponsor the Sioux County Oratorio Chorus, and this April we are especially excited to cheer them on as they present one of the most beloved choral masterworks of all time: Handel’s Messiah.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 7:30 PM at Christ Chapel on the campus of Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. The Sioux County Oratorio Chorus will be joined by the Northwestern College A Cappella Choir and a live chamber orchestra for what promises to be an unforgettable evening.
Conductor Dr. Thomas Holm will lead a talented lineup of soloists — Suna Gunther (Soprano), Michelle Monroe (Alto), Mackenzie Whitney (Tenor), and Mitchell Widmer (Bass) — bringing Handel’s timeless score to life right here in northwest Iowa.
Advance tickets are just $15 for adults and $5 for students, available at the Northwestern College Music Dept., Dordt University Music Dept., Windmill Park Jewelers in Orange City, or from any SCOC member. Tickets at the door are $20 for adults and $5 for students.
This is a concert worth gathering your family, friends, and neighbors for. We hope to see you there!

700 Candles to Lite String Quartet Concert

duda@neonone.com — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:42:20 GMT

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of music and atmosphere at Romance on the Strings, a one-of-a-kind candlelit concert set within the stunning historic walls of St. Mary’s Church in Alton. The performance will feature a string quartet presenting romantic classical selections alongside music from the cinema, illuminated exclusively by 700 flickering candles, creating an ambiance unlike any traditional concert experience.

The evening’s musicians are distinguished members of the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra:

Lisa Miedema, violin
Jennifer Frens, violin
Shari Boone, viola
Ben Ploegstra, cello

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students/children (18 & under) + convenience fee. Tickets may be purchased online through Ticketleap at ticketleap.events/events/siouxcenterarts, or by phone at 712.722.2782 (Sioux Center Arts) or 712.722.0761 (City Office). Printed tickets—perfect for gifting—are available at the City Office. Seating is general admission.

ANNOUNCING “JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH" - Our 2026 Summer Show!

duda@neonone.com — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:36:18 GMT

We're casting students Age 10-Adults!

James and the Giant Peach is a musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book. It tells the story of James, a lonely orphan who is sent to live with his cruel aunts, Spiker and Sponge. When a mysterious old man gives him a magic potion, James accidentally spills it on a barren peach tree — causing one giant peach to grow. Inside the peach, James meets a group of oversized, talking insects — including Ladybug, Grasshopper, Earthworm, Centipede, and Spider — who become his friends and chosen family. Together, they embark on a fantastical journey across the ocean, facing dangers, adventures, and ultimately discovering the meaning of friendship and belonging.

Click on this link for - JAMES AUDITION PACKET - All the important information you need to know for how we're running our auditions!

Click this link for an AUDITION FORM - feel free to print this out and bring it to your audition to save time!

AUDITION DATES AND TIMES: January 29, 6-9pm; January 31, 9am-3pm (Performance Dates June 3-6)

LOCATION: Open Space Shelter House: 1270 7th St NE, Sioux Center

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS - So Many Parts for All Ages!!

Ladahlord (Man or Woman; Age: 18+) ○ mysterious, magical trickster who guides the story’s events.
James (Boy, age: 10-13 OR girl, age: 10-15) ○ a gentle, imaginative boy who starts out lonely and uncertain but grows brave and resourceful as his journey unfolds
Spiker (Man or Woman; Age: 20+) ○ James’s cruel, selfish aunts—spiteful, greedy, and lazy
Sponge (Man or Woman; Age: 20+) ○ James’s cruel, selfish aunts—spiteful, greedy, and lazy
Earthworm (Man or Boy) ○ a nervous, pessimistic creature who often doubts himself, but he’s loyal and kind-hearted, providing humor and unexpected bravery
Spider (Anyone) ○ graceful, clever, and caring—protective of James and confident in her abilities
Centipede (Anyone) ○ bold, loud, and mischievous—full of swagger and a little angst
Grasshopper (Man or Boy) ○ wise, dignified, and musical—often calm and encouraging—using his violin-like legs and steady optimism to guide and uplift the group.
Ladybug (Woman or Girl) ○ warm, gentle, and nurturing—often acting like a motherly figure—bringing kindness, patience, and steady support to James and the whole group
Matron Nurse (Woman; Age: 30+)
Mr. Trotter (Man; Age: 20+)
Mrs. Trotter (Woman; Age: 20+)
Garden Ensemble
Insect Ensemble
Reporters
Willy Wonka/Oompa Loompas
Porter/Cruise Staff
Buzz/Hollywood Agent Ensemble
Seagull Ensemble
New Yorker Ensemble