Katie Hallman steps down as Theatre Cedar Rapids' executive director

The longtime leader helped guide the 100-year-old theater through the pandemic and a major renovation.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Katie Hallman, who has served as the executive director of Theatre Cedar Rapids for the past eight years, has announced her departure from the role. Hallman's leadership helped the 100-year-old theater navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and launch a major renovation campaign. The theater's board of directors has appointed Angie Toomsen, the current artistic director, to assume executive leadership of the organization.

Why it matters

Hallman's departure marks a significant transition for Theatre Cedar Rapids, one of the longest-running community theaters in the state. Her tenure oversaw critical milestones for the institution, including guiding it through the pandemic and securing funding for a major renovation. The leadership change comes as the theater looks to build on its legacy and continue serving the Cedar Rapids community.

The details

Hallman announced her last day as executive director was January 13, 2026. During her eight-year tenure, she helped launch the 'Dream Here, Do Here' capital campaign to renovate the theater's 100-year-old Iowa Theatre Building. The renovation process began in 2025, on the theater's 100th anniversary. Hallman also hired Angie Toomsen as the theater's artistic director in 2017, and the board has now appointed Toomsen to assume 'executive leadership of the organization' as artistic and managing director.

  • Hallman announced her departure on February 4, 2026.
  • Hallman's last day as executive director was January 13, 2026.
  • Hallman was hired as executive director in March 2017.
  • The theater's 'Dream Here, Do Here' capital campaign and renovation process began in 2025, on the theater's 100th anniversary.

The players

Katie Hallman

The former executive director of Theatre Cedar Rapids, who led the organization for the past eight years.

Angie Toomsen

The current artistic director of Theatre Cedar Rapids, who has now been appointed to assume 'executive leadership of the organization' as artistic and managing director.

Theatre Cedar Rapids

A 100-year-old community theater in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

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What they’re saying

“Her leadership helped guide the organization through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, while clarifying values, optimizing culture, and laying critical groundwork for the future.”

— Theatre Cedar Rapids Board of Directors (thegazette.com)

“I can't believe that I spent nearly a decade, this last decade, with Theatre Cedar Rapids. It's been truly incredible. This community and this state is so fortunate to have an institution like this, and the work that's going on our stages and being enjoyed by thousands of people in the audience, that's what I'm most proud of.”

— Katie Hallman, Former Executive Director (thegazette.com)

What’s next

The Theatre Cedar Rapids board of directors has stated they will 'thoughtfully explore next steps in the evolution of leadership at the company, with a focus on long-term sustainability and artistic excellence.'

The takeaway

Hallman's departure marks a significant transition for Theatre Cedar Rapids, as the organization looks to build on her legacy of guiding the theater through the pandemic and launching a major renovation. The appointment of Angie Toomsen to assume executive leadership signals the theater's commitment to continuity and artistic excellence as it enters a new chapter.