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!
Meet our Executive Director!
Matt Ford
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 30 years down to 10 years, and most recently he became a grandpa for the first time!
Board of Directors
Zhen E Rammelsberg
Zhen E Rammelsberg
Zhen E Rammelsberg
President
Nicole Stoddard
Zhen E Rammelsberg
Zhen E Rammelsberg
Vice President
Lisa Streif
Zhen E Rammelsberg
Tiffani Conrey
Secretary
Tiffani Conrey
Tiffani Conrey
Tiffani Conrey
Treasurer
Scott Davidson
Tiffani Conrey
Scott Davidson
Board Member
Kathleen Weiss
Tiffani Conrey
Scott Davidson
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!
Contact Matt@rhcrtheatre.com for more information!