Theatre Cedar Rapids (TCR) invites directors to submit applications for our 2026–2027 Grandon Studio season. Located in our intimate black box performance space, the Grandon Studio season is dedicated to bold storytelling, inventive theatricality, actor-centered collaboration, and emotionally engaging audience experiences.

For the 2026–2027 season, TCR seeks directors with imaginative storytelling approaches, collaborative leadership skills, and passion for creating compelling work in an intimate environment. We are most interested in directors who have a demonstrated commitment to the craft of directing and who will create a positive and educational experience for our volunteer performers. Director stipend amounts will be be included in offers.

The Grandon Studio Directing Opportunities (with performance dates):

• The Exorcist by John Pielmeier — October 9 to 31, 2026
• A Christmas Carol adapted by Jacqueline Goldfinger from the novella by Charles Dickens — November 27 to December 20, 2026
• Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet — March 5 to 28, 2027
• Sense & Sensibility by Kate Hamill, based on the novel by Jane Austen — June 25 to July 18, 2027

Note: Top Dog/Under Dog has a director in place and is not an open opportunity. We are not seeking submissions for our auditorium productions.

Director Submission and Selection Timeline

• Director Submissions due: June 15th
• Director Interviews/Follow Up with Applicants: by July 1st
• Directors/Audition Dates Announced: by July 15th

The Grandon Studio provides unique opportunities for immersive storytelling, inventive staging, and close audience connection. Directors should be prepared to work creatively within the flexibility and limitations of a black box environment while fostering inclusive, respectful, and artistically adventurous rehearsal spaces.

Applications Should Demonstrate:

• An engaging conceptual approach
• Understanding of intimate-space storytelling
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Awareness of production feasibility and technical demands
• Commitment to inclusive and actor-centered processes
• Alignment with TCR’s mission and values

Production Information

Applicants should consider these parameters when communicating artistic perspectives and production vision:

• TCR tends to use a 4-6 week rehearsal period for plays. Rehearsals happen 4-5 times per week, during the weekday evenings and on some weekend days. TCR does not have a standing weekly “dark day.” The schedule and days off are built around cast and team availability. 
• The Grandon Studio series is curated by TCR’s Executive & Artistic Director and designated artistic associates from TCR’s staff, board, contractors and volunteers. The production is executed by TCR’s in-house production staff with contract production talent. Directors will work collaboratively within the artistic and logistical framework of the Grandon Studio series. 
• Each production will be provided with a staff or contracted costume designer, lighting designer, sound designer, stage management team, limited carpentry overhire, and a production manager dedicated to the Grandon Studio Series. 
• TCR’s production team will schedule production meetings and will establish the tech schedule in collaboration with the show team.
• Though each production has a scenic and costume budget, the TCR team will work with directors to design an approach that effectively and efficiently utilizes existing TCR resources and, at the same time, adheres to TCR production standards and practices.
• All Grandon Studio productions will utilize an alley-style configuration of the Grandon space (seating on both sides). This configuration aligns with sales, house management, and resource plans and is, thus, non-negotiable.
• During the 2026–2027 season, TCR will continue ongoing facility renovations. Rehearsals will primarily take place within the Grandon Studio space; however, rehearsals may temporarily move to an alternate location in the building or offsite during scenic installation periods or when construction activity prevents safe or productive use of the theatre space.
• Perusal Scripts can be found here.

Key Production Dates

All dates except Opening Night are subject to change.

Auditions

Auditions will happen in the late summer/early fall, pending director and team availability. Once the selection of directors is finalized, TCR will make the determination if auditions will be held as a single season-wide event or scheduled individually for each production. 

The Exorcist

• Estimated Production Meetings Start: Week of August 3rd
• Estimated Rehearsal Start: Week of August 24th
• Tech Weekend: October 3rd & 4th
• Opening Night: October 9th

A Christmas Carol

• Estimated Production Meetings Start: Week of September 21st
• Estimated Rehearsal Start: Week of October 12th
• Tech Weekend: November 21st & 22nd
• Opening Night: November 27th

Glengarry Glen Ross

• Estimated Production Meetings Start: Week of December 14th
• TCR Holiday Break: December 21st - January 3rd (no rehearsals)
• Estimated Rehearsal Start: Week of January 18th
• Tech Weekend: February 27th & 28th
• Opening Night: March 5th

Sense & Sensibility 

• Estimated Production Meetings Start: Week of April 19th
• Estimated Rehearsal Start: Week of May 10th
• Tech Weekend: June 19th & 20th
• Opening Night: June 25th

Questions about the opportunity or submission process may be forwarded to madi.knaack@theatrecr.org.