Sioux Falls, SD (11/13/2025) — The Washington Pavilion of Arts & Science will unveil Space Explorers: Mission Infinity, a fully reimagined, state-of-the-art space and technology floor, on Saturday, November 15. This newly renovated space is one of the most significant upgrades to the science museum experience in recent years, and the single largest investment in the Kirby Science Discovery Center since its opening in 1999.

Spanning the entire second floor in the Kirby Science Discovery Center, this new exhibit invites children, families and curious minds of all ages to take on STEM-based “missions” that stretch from Earth’s orbit to the far edges of the universe. Visitors will build rockets, step onto Mars, scan deep space and explore what it takes to live in environments beyond our planet.

“This transformation reflects our mission to provide world-class experiences that inspire future innovators and leaders,” says Darrin Smith, President and CEO for Washington Pavilion Management Inc. “We are so proud to offer this one-of-a-kind immersive experience for our community and region.”

The new experience was designed in partnership with Formula D, an internationally acclaimed experience design firm with studios in Cape Town and the United States. Known for blending smart technology, behavioral science and immersive storytelling, Formula D creates exhibits that inspire meaningful learning around the world.

“Designing Mission Infinity with the Washington Pavilion team was about igniting curiosity through immersive play,” says Michael Wolf, Founder and Co-CEO of Formula D. “Our mission as experience designers—whether we’re working from Cape Town or our U.S. studio—is to make science tangible, emotional and memorable. This project shows how storytelling and hands-on exploration can turn abstract ideas about the universe into lasting inspiration.”

Support from the local community helped bring this vision to life. The project was made possible thanks to lead sponsors Dakota State University and MarketBeat, with additional support from the City of Sioux Falls, Cytion, Interstate Office Products, JDS Industries, MidAmerican Energy Foundation, Sheldon F. Reese Foundation and South Dakota Space Grant Consortium.

“This floor represents the future of education. It is hands-on, collaborative and deeply engaging,” says Madelyn Grogan, Director of Museums and Education at the Washington Pavilion. “It is the kind of learning that sticks with you long after you leave the building.”

Guests visiting Space Explorers: Mission Infinity will journey through five distinct zones:

• Into the Unknown – Step into the exhibit through a dynamic “spacewalk” entry and begin your interstellar adventure.

• We Have Lift Off – Launch rockets and explore the science behind space travel and engineering.
• Mission to Planet Earth – See Earth from above and study our home planet’s fragile beauty from space.
• Living on the Red Planet – Step inside a Mars habitat and discover how future astronauts might survive and thrive.
• Where No One Has Gone Before – Use high-powered telescopes to scan deep space, explore black holes and imagine life on alien worlds.
  
  

“We’re not just opening a new floor. We’re opening a new chapter,” Smith says. “This space will serve generations of learners, dreamers and future leaders. We can’t wait to welcome our community aboard.”

To coincide with the opening, the Pavilion will also launch holiday membership promotions, giving families a chance to gift a year of discovery at a special discount starting November 15.

For more information, visit WashingtonPavilion.org/Space.

About Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. (WPMI)

Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest arts organization in the state. The management company oversees and programs two historic City of Sioux Falls facilities: the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and the Orpheum Theater Center. The company also provides professional management services, including administration; arts, science and educational programming; ticketing; event management; marketing; and more to other arts and nonprofit organizations. For information, please visit WashingtonPavilion.org.

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Sioux Falls, SD (11/04/2025) — Spotlight Theatre Company at the Washington Pavilion is thrilled to present ANNIE JR., a heartwarming youth musical adaptation based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical of everyone’s favorite little redhead. Featuring 68 student actors and technicians in grades 3–12 from 30 schools, this show celebrates a diverse showcase of young talent. ANNIE JR. will premiere at the Orpheum Theater Center with five performances from November 13-16.

Inspired by the timeless “rags to riches” story, this performance of ANNIE JR. brings two worlds to life through its style, movement and tone. From the dusty, tattered “rags” of Miss Hannigan’s orphanage to the 1930s-cartoon-inspired mansion full of Warbucks’ “riches,” Annie’s journey is dazzling and frayed. Just as Annie searches for belonging, many of the young artists in this cast and crew have found their own sense of home in Spotlight. This show provides a sense of family, friendship and classic musical numbers in this sparkling rendition of ANNIE JR.

“What this cast and crew has created goes far beyond what you’d expect from a youth production — this is top-notch theatre,” says Bob Wendland, Director of Performances for the Washington Pavilion. “From the technical precision behind the scenes to the energy and talent on stage, it showcases the passion and professionalism of these young performers. Come support Sioux Falls’ rising stars!”

Spotlight Theatre Company provides students aged 6–18 with opportunities to showcase their talents in professional-level theatre performances throughout the community. Generous support from sponsors Avera, The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, Empowered Girls Coach and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has made ANNIE JR. performances possible.

Don’t miss this heartwarming story of hope, family and finding where you belong — live at the Orpheum Theater Center! To purchase tickets, go to SiouxFallsOrpheum.com or visit the Washington Pavilion Box Office at 301 S. Main Ave.

About the Orpheum Theater Center

The Orpheum Theater Center in downtown Sioux Falls features two distinct spaces: the 686-seat Historic Orpheum Theater, built in 1913, and the Anne Zabel Studio Theater with room for up to 250 people. The center hosts plays, concerts, dance and other forms of entertainment throughout the year. It is also a venue for weddings, meetings, banquets, conferences and trade shows and offers office space for several organizations as well. The Orpheum Theater was listed on the national register of historic places in 1983. On July 1, 2019, Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. began overseeing its operations, both in managing the facility and ticketing events.

About Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. (WPMI)

Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the largest arts organization in the state. The management company oversees and programs two historic City of Sioux Falls facilities: the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and the Orpheum Theater Center. The company also provides professional management services, including administration; arts, science and educational programming; ticketing; event management; marketing; and more to other arts and nonprofit organizations. For information, please or visit WashingtonPavilion.org.

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