Creative leader and frequent collaborator joins the TCR production team to help shape the organization's second century.

July 2, 2026 - CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Theatre Cedar Rapids (TCR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Curtis as its inaugural Director of Production, a new leadership position that represents the latest step in the organization's strategic evolution following the appointment of Angie Toomsen as Executive & Artistic Director earlier this year.

Curtis brings more than a decade of experience at the intersection of theatrical production, creative leadership, and organizational strategy. His work has spanned leading national organizations such as Disney Theatrical Group and the Educational Theatre Association, as well as professional and community theatres across the country, where he has built a reputation for strengthening creative teams through thoughtful systems, collaboration, and artistic excellence.

As Director of Production, Curtis will lead the execution of Theatre Cedar Rapids' productions, working across artistic, technical, and administrative departments to strengthen production processes, support volunteer artists and technicians, and ensure every production reflects the organization's commitment to excellence. His leadership will help create productions that are increasingly polished, innovative, and seamlessly executed while fostering an even stronger experience for the volunteers, artists, students, and audiences who make Theatre Cedar Rapids such a special place.

Curtis is already a familiar face to Theatre Cedar Rapids audiences and volunteers. Over the past several seasons, he has directed audience favorites including Jersey Boys, Hairspray, Something Rotten!, Guys and Dolls, and most recently Noises Off.

As Executive & Artistic Director, Toomsen will continue leading Theatre Cedar Rapids' artistic vision, season programming, and organizational strategy, while Curtis will lead the production systems, cross-department collaboration, and operational excellence that bring that vision to life.

"Matt has earned the trust of this community through his work here over the past several years and he has a deep understanding of who we are and what makes Theatre Cedar Rapids special,” said Executive & Artistic Director Angie Toomsen. 

Toomsen continued, "Matt brings a unique ability to build the processes, collaboration, and production quality needed to realize our artistic vision. I'm excited to see the many ways he'll strengthen our production protocols, support our volunteers and artists, and continue elevating our production product."

Curtis most recently served as Senior Creative Director for the Educational Theatre Association, where he led creative strategy, storytelling, and audience-facing content for the national organization that serves more than 85,000 students and 6,000 educators. He also helped shape the creative direction for the International Thespian Festival, one of the world’s largest theatre education events. 

Prior to that, he spent six years with Disney Theatrical Group managing the development of  Broadway licensing and educational resources supporting more than 40 Broadway and educational theatre titles. His work also included partnering with schools and theatres across the country to pilot productions prior to their public release, helping shape resources for titles  including Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Peter and the Starcatcher, Frozen JR., and Aladdin JR.

Curtis has also been an active creative partner in Theatre Cedar Rapids' ongoing planning efforts, making this appointment a natural extension of a relationship that has continued to deepen over the past several years.

"It's difficult to put into words what this opportunity means to me," said Curtis. "Theatre Cedar Rapids has been part of my life since I first stepped onto this stage as an eleven-year-old in 1993. The people who built this organization—and the volunteers and staff who continue to sustain it today—instilled in me a lifelong belief in what community theatre can accomplish. To now join the staff and help steward TCR into its second century is an incredible honor. I'm excited to support the remarkable work already happening here, strengthen the systems that allow artists and volunteers to thrive, and help ensure that live theatre created by this community continues to be a defining part of Cedar Rapids for generations to come."

The appointment reflects Theatre Cedar Rapids' continued commitment to building an organization that is as strong behind the scenes as it is onstage. As the organization completes its historic $9.5 million renovation, TCR's leadership and Board of Directors continue to invest in specialized leadership, modern production practices, and collaborative systems—positioning Theatre Cedar Rapids to expand its impact through artistic excellence, education, and community engagement for generations to come.

About Theatre Cedar Rapids

Theatre Cedar Rapids is one of the largest producing community theatres in the Midwest, engaging thousands of volunteers, students, and patrons each year through high-quality theatrical productions, educational programming, and community events. Now in its second century, TCR continues to invest in artistic excellence, accessibility, and community connection while preserving the historic Iowa Theatre Building as a vibrant cultural destination.