Education

Summer Camps-Registration Opens January 2026!

Passport Cinema: Stories Around the World

Grades 4–5: July 27–31 (half days)

The screen becomes a portal as campers jet set around the globe, exploring stories from cultures near and far. Throughout the week, campers will collect passport stamps and create unique souvenirs from each destination. Anywhere is possible at the Varsity!

Regular Tuition: $175

Early Bird Tuition (Register before March 1, 2026): $150

Varsity Member Tuition (any tier!): $140

Stop Motion Animation Fundamentals

Grades 6–8: July 6–10 (half days)

Grades 9–12: July 20–24 (half days)

Campers will experiment with different stop motion materials and techniques, letting their imaginations run wild! Over the course of the week, they will work in pairs to develop and animate their very own original short films.

Regular Tuition: $200

Early Bird Tuition (Register before March 1, 2026): $175

Varsity Member Tuition (any tier!): $160

High School Summer Seminars-Registration Opens January 2026!

Main Character Energy: Examining the Hero’s Journey

Grades 9–12: June 30–July 2 (half days)

Young cinema lovers will explore the concept of the hero’s journey through film! Each day, seminar students will watch an iconic film and engage in critical discussions with their peers about this classic story arc, re-interpretations and reinventions, and applications to their own life.

Regular Tuition: $100

Early Bird Tuition (Register before March 1, 2026): $85

Varsity Member Tuition (any tier!): $75

HerStory: The Female Perspective on Film

Grades 9–12: July 14–16 (half days)

HerStory is a seminar designed for high school girls of all identities, including gender non-conforming youth. Students will watch female-driven films and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers about gender representation in film.

Regular Tuition: $100

Early Bird Tuition (Register before March 1, 2026): $85

Varsity Member Tuition (any tier!): $75

School Screenings

Have your next field trip at the Varsity! For student groups large or small and across a wide array of learning areas, the Varsity offers an educational experience that integrates the art of cinema, media literacy, and the important subject matter on screen. Learn more about our school screening program and contact our Education Coordinator, Jessie Hewins, at jhewins@desmoinesfilm.org to book your group’s visit today!

High School Film Club

Our Film Club is for cinephiles who love the art of film and want to talk about it! Incorporated into our regular programming, the Varsity will announce a Saturday matinee as a Film Club offering. High school students will get free admission and discounted concessions with a valid school ID. After the film, we will gather in the Varsity classroom to share impressions and dive deeper into filmmaking at work on screen.