Our Mission
Rich Heritage of Cedar Rapids Theatre Company is a 501(c)3 (non-profit) theatre organization based out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa with a mission to create value and make a difference in our local community by enriching the lives of participants and audience members with quality theatre productions, inspiring children to get involved in all aspects of theatre, and creating awareness and support for community causes.
Our History
Rich Heritage of Cedar Rapids Theatre Company (RHCR Theatre)
Performing arts have a long history Cedar Rapids, IA. From the Cherry Sisters, to the many movie houses that once dotted the downtown landscape, to the current productions at the local community theater (which at times, rival the quality, execution, & talent of their Broadway originals). Singing, dancing, art, photography, almost ANY incarnation of artistic expression has been prevalent in the city since it was founded in 1849.
One thing that has been lacking in Cedar Rapids that can be found in other artistic cities such as Austin, TX and Minneapolis, MN, is an abundance of PAID opportunities for these wonderful artists. Time and time again, talented individuals donate hours and hours of their time and talents, with nothing monetary in return. Their art or their performance may be critically acclaimed or widely attended but accolades such as those, while great, do not support the day to day life of an artist.
To that end, RHCR Theatre strives to compensate participants in its endeavors. No one will be able to retire on their earnings from one of our productions but it at least will be some small stipend to help thank them for their participation in artistic expression in Cedar Rapids.
We also feel deeply about issues that our community faces involving basic needs and the health and well being of our population. We have been partnering with local non-profits who serve and address these needs and work to create greater awareness and understanding of these issues as well as the non-profit organizations who serve to help those in need.
RHCR Theatre thanks you in advance for your support of our mission!
Production Team
Matt Ford
Deidra Benser
Deidra Benser
Executive Director/Founder
Matt has been in love with theater from a young age. He first got involved in theater in college at the University of Northern Iowa, where he majored in Communication, and graduated in the Spring of 1999. That same year he and his wife (Jennifer) moved to Cedar Rapids, where they became involved in various local
Executive Director/Founder
Matt has been in love with theater from a young age. He first got involved in theater in college at the University of Northern Iowa, where he majored in Communication, and graduated in the Spring of 1999. That same year he and his wife (Jennifer) moved to Cedar Rapids, where they became involved in various local theater groups. Matt sensed a need for more theater opportunities in the area, so he collaborated with Deidra to create RHCR Theatre. When not fundraising, promoting or working behind the scenes with RHCR, Matt is a fulltime REALTOR, husband to Jennifer and father to five children ranging in ages 27 years down to 8 years.
Deidra Benser
Deidra Benser
Deidra Benser
Production Manager
Deidra Benser started RHCR Theatre with Matt Ford, and does various jobs from assistant director, to technical director, and so much more. Deidra has been active in theatre since high school at Kennedy High School. She volunteered at Theatre Cedar Rapids (TCR), winning TCR’s Ovation Award for Tech of the Year following t
Production Manager
Deidra Benser started RHCR Theatre with Matt Ford, and does various jobs from assistant director, to technical director, and so much more. Deidra has been active in theatre since high school at Kennedy High School. She volunteered at Theatre Cedar Rapids (TCR), winning TCR’s Ovation Award for Tech of the Year following the Flood of 2008, and working backstage for all but two shows that season. Deidra graduated from Ashford University in October 2014 with her BA in Early Childhood Education, and she teaches preschool in Iowa City. She loves working with kids, and is excited to bring more theater to Cedar Rapids.
Board of Directors
Gregory Stoll
Nicole Stoddard
Nicole Stoddard
President
Nicole Stoddard
Nicole Stoddard
Nicole Stoddard
Vice President
Amy Johnson
Nicole Stoddard
Tammy Stinson
Secretary
Tammy Stinson
Zhen E Rammelsberg
Tammy Stinson
Treasurer
Zhen E Rammelsberg
Zhen E Rammelsberg
Zhen E Rammelsberg
Board Member
Covid Compliance Officer
Barbara Arceneaux
Zhen E Rammelsberg
Zhen E Rammelsberg
Board Member
Matt Barnhart
Scott Davidson
Matt Barnhart
Board Member
Sandi Conklin
Scott Davidson
Matt Barnhart
Board Member
Scott Davidson
Scott Davidson
Scott Davidson
Board Member
Melody Lockard
Victoria Torres
Scott Davidson
Board Member
Victoria Torres
Victoria Torres
Victoria Torres
Board Member
Lisa Streif
Victoria Torres
Victoria Torres
Board Member
Kathleen Weiss
Board Member
Volunteer
Do You Like Working Behind the Scenes?
Have you always wanted to learn about set making, prop making, and all the fast-paced inner workings of a successful stage management and set construction crew?
Whatever your time and commitment level is, we will work with you to find the right volunteer opportunities for your needs!
Please contact Deidra Benser at Deidra@RHCRtheatre.com for the latest opportunities available!
Tickets are now on sale for GOD HELP US!
RHCR Proudly presents "GOD HELP US!" a hilarious and insightful play...A political comedy for our times!