we’re on a mission

Theater … for a CHANGE {CHANGE} is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with the mission to empower all Iowans, artists & audiences, with greater opportunities to interact by:

• Expanding public awareness of theatre throughout Iowa, focusing on economically diverse communities & neighborhoods
• Creating a wide variety of affordable professional productions that enrich & entertain
• Providing educational workshops to inspire & nurture Iowa youth & adults

seasons of CHANGE

• 2009 Season
• 2008 Fall & Winter Shows
• 2007-2008 Season
• 2006-2007 Season
• 2005-2006 Season
• 2004-2005 Season

what’s in a name?

We all know what “Theater” is but many ask what’s “… for a CHANGE?” It’s quite simple. It means:

• By presenting quality live productions, we strive to give you a reason to get out of the house and go to a theater
  … for a CHANGE.
• Keeping ticket prices low, we hope to give more people the ability to afford live theatre
  … for a CHANGE.
• With a ticket price similar to a movie, instead of putting money in Hollywood’s pockets we seek to support local artists
  … for a CHANGE.
• Select productions are mounted for the benefit non-profit organizations who are working to make the world better
  … for a CHANGE.
• Though we mainly produce comedies, one production each season is presented with the intention to not only entertain, but to enable conversations. We hope the audience leaves
  … CHANGED … with a broadened perception of the world.

how we evolved

Formed in July of 2004, Theater…for a CHANGE {CHANGE} mounted its inaugural production with the one-man show Clarence Darrow, starring veteran stage and screen actor Michael Cornelison. It was performed at the Iowa Public Theatre in the Iowa State Historical Building.

season the first {september 2004—july 2005}

In the first season CHANGE produced four shows either solo or in conjunction with Frank Burnette Productions at the Vaudeville Mews. Artistic Director Thatcher Williams assisted in organizing StageWest’s first Iowa Fringe Festival as well as producing a “Top 5” show in the Fringe. During this season CHANGE also formed a sister company, Reruns—LIVE, which is dedicated to bringing old television comedies to the stage—LIVE. With offerings of stage tributes of classic television, from The Honeymooners to I Love Lucy, Reruns—LIVE brings black and white to life.

season the second {december 2005—july 2006}

CHANGE’s second season started with a major move by becoming the theater company in residence at Grand View University Viking Theatre. This change proved to be a wise decision as CHANGE saw an increase in audiences and an increase in production quality that comes with a “permanent” stage that doesn’t need to be cleared off every night to make room for a band! CHANGE performed again in StageWest’s second Iowa Fringe Festival where The Bible earned “Top 4” honors.

season the third {september 2006—july 2007}

2006-2007 with CHANGE becoming a not-for-profit and earning 501(c)(3) status. Rave reviews of the 2004 Tony Award winning play I Am My Own Wife followed. Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Corleone and our Shakespeare productions all broke records for attendance. CHANGE third season audiences almost equaled both the first and second season, combined! The season ends with original material in the form of a King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table parody at the 2007 iowa Fringe Festival (btw, don’t miss SPAMALOT at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines in July 2007). Our spunky little swimmers are searching for the Holy Egg in SPERMALOT: The Musical. Don’t worry, we’ve avoided any lawsuits!

Board of Directors

John Cisar
Susan Gulbranson
DJ Horrigan
Ann Wilkinson
Thatcher Williams