Urban Theatre Project

The Urban Theatre Project was created by Leslie Charipar with plans to bring "visceral, messy, in-your-face theatre in non-theatrical settings all over the city." Since 2005, they have done just that performing shows in such varied locations as Brucemore, Theatre Cedar Rapids, Old Mays Drug Store and in the empty space above the Blend restaurant in downtown Cedar Rapids. Charipar became Artistic Director of Theatre Cedar Rapids in 2008, so Jason Alberty took over the helm of UTP.

What could be considered a mission statement from their website:

"With a group of incredibly gifted actors, our boundless imagination, and very little money, we are dedicated to bringing Cedar Rapids story-driven, actor-centered, accessible theater that makes you feel and think."

As of March 2011, Urban Theatre Project has not produced any shows since 2008.

List of Shows:

2005


 * Collected Stories by Donald Margulies, directed by Leslie Charipar, February


 * True West by Sam Shepard, directed by Leslie Charipar, October

2006


 * Mirrors by Leslie Charipar, directed by Leslie Charipar, October

2007


 * Reflections by Leslie Charipar, directed by Leslie Charipar, October

2008


 * Moving Home by Jason Alberty, directed by Leslie Charipar, July


 * The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh, directed by Jason Alberty, December