Theatre Cedar Rapids

==Theatre Cedar Rapids (TCR)== '''Theatre Cedar Rapids''' ('''TCR''') is a prominent non-profit producing theater located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Established in 1925, TCR has evolved from its modest origins in the studio of famed artist Grant Wood to become the largest non-profit theater in Iowa. The organization is housed in the historic Iowa Theatre Building in the heart of downtown Cedar Rapids, a venue that has become a beacon of entertainment and culture in the city. ===History=== The roots of Theatre Cedar Rapids can be traced back to the Little Theatre Movement in Cedar Rapids, initiated by Grant Wood, Marvin Cone, and other local theatre enthusiasts. Their first production, "Cardboard Moon," was staged in 1925 at Wood's Studio at 5 Turner Alley. Over the next few years, the Community Players, as they were known, entertained audiences with a season of 3-4 shows, often featuring set paintings by Grant Wood and Marvin Cone. Theatre activities were put on hold during World War II but resumed in 1948 with the group rebranding as The Footlighters. By 1954, the patronage had swelled to nearly 2,500 per show. In 1955, the Cedar Rapids Community Theatre (CRCT) was established, performing out of the Strand Theatre in the NewBo District for two decades. In 1983, a significant transition occurred when the company moved to the Iowa Theatre Building, donated by the Linge Family, and rebranded as Theatre Cedar Rapids. This period marked the beginning of decades of growth for the organization. Disaster struck in 2008 when the Iowa Theatre Building was inundated with 54 feet of water, but TCR continued to produce shows while the facility underwent extensive restoration. By 2010, TCR made a triumphant return to downtown Cedar Rapids with a production of "The Producers." The theatre adapted to the challenges of the global pandemic in 2020 by producing an all-virtual season and offering innovative digital programs, including online summer camps. In 2021, TCR launched outdoor performances at Brucemore, expanding its reach and delighting audiences with theatre for young audiences and signature musical theatre productions. The following year, TCR celebrated a record-breaking production of "Mamma Mia" and transitioned all education programs to a pay-what-you-can model. ===Facilities=== TCR's mainstage Auditorium boasts 550 seats, while the Grandon Studio offers an intimate 85-seat experience. Additionally, outdoor performances at Brucemore accommodate an audience of 250. The organization occupies the five-story, 50,000 square foot Iowa Theatre Building, which it has exclusively used since 2008. This historic venue not only serves as a performance space but also as a center for arts education. ===Mission and Vision=== Theatre Cedar Rapids is driven by its mission to captivate and inspire through the theatrical and performing arts. Its vision is to serve as a cultural point of pride, fostering connection, inclusion, and learning, and promoting growth in the community. TCR upholds values that emphasize the life-changing power of theatre, the pursuit of excellence, the importance of equity, inclusion, safety, and access, the transformative role of arts education, and the stewardship of TCR's legacy. As a proud member of the Theatre Communications Group, TCR continues to prepare for its second century with a bold vision for the Iowa Theatre Building and a commitment to expanding its theatrical impact. ==External Links== * [http://www.theatrecr.org Official website of Theatre Cedar Rapids] * [https://www.facebook.com/TheatreCR Theatre Cedar Rapids on Facebook] * [https://twitter.com/Theatre_CR Theatre Cedar Rapids on Twitter] * [https://www.instagram.com/theatrecr/ Theatre Cedar Rapids on Instagram] [[Category:Theatres in Iowa]] [[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Iowa]] [[Category:Cedar Rapids, Iowa]] [[Category:1925 establishments in Iowa]]