We are a small community non-profit theatre located in Rowan, IA. We are excited to announce that we are celebrating our 26th year in the community! We preform in an beautifully designed auditorium that was once attached the first and only consolidated public school in Rowan. It was renovated with love and care so the thespians of the community could come together and create magic.

We host three to four productions a year offering a wide variety of opportunities for all ages, abilities and varying talents in, on and behind the scenes. We thrive on community involvement and interest. Our passion is to entertain the masses and with your help we can continue for another 26 years!

Iowa River Players Theater relies on its many volunteers. If you would like to inquire about volunteering please do not hesitate to reach out to us using our socials or contacting Luanne! We would love to give you a tour and see where your talents fit in our community theatre!

If you don't have the time to volunteer please consider a donation of monetary value: https://www.onthestage.tickets/irp/donate

Thank you to all who have given their time and expertise to keep us up and running!

If you are interested in volunteering or showing off your acting skills, contact Luanne Krabbe.

(319) 231-7828

Check out our socials!

Facebook: Iowa River Players Community Theatre

Instagram: iowariverplayerstheatre

  — Iowa River Players Community Theatre Board Members —

Luanne Krabbe has always enjoyed being a woman on a mission. For 25 years her focus has been this community theater's mission of bringing people together to have the satisfaction of creating quality productions and offering those gems to audiences.

 In the years previous, she graduated from the University of Iowa, majoring in theater, was a pink Cadillac Mary Kay Director, reared two sons with her husband, Cal, and with his help and reliable encouragement, hosted 8 foreign exchange students form Germany, Russia, and Ukraine.

She marvels at the great opportunities she has enjoyed and says, " I never dreamed that I would be able to be a part of so many wonderful plays. I'm fortunate beyond belief."

“Participating with Iowa River Players has added new dimensions to my life.  I was able to be on stage for a few shows and enjoy meeting people and kids as we work together to fundraise, put on shows and be a presence in the community.  

My husband, Jon, is a family practice doctor in Clarion since 1985. I work part time at the Public Library. We worship at First Lutheran Church.  We have 3 children and 7 grand children.  We have grown in hosting exchange students from Kenya, Palestine, Slovakia, Germany, Brasil, Sweden and Belgium." 
 

”I'm Tish Arnold  from Klemme. My husband Lance and I have our 3 adult kids and now are enjoying our grandkids all whom live in the area. Lance and I have been active in Iowa River Players Community Theatre for a number of years now and thoroughly enjoy it. Making new friends and having a theater family has been very rewarding.” 

Nancy Huisinga has been involved with IRP for most of its history.  She was privy to some of the dreams and  planning conversations of her sisters prior to it being founded.  Her first actual involvement was as stage manager for Guys and Dolls. She loved it! It was most exciting to see everything come together and work for every performance! She actually found herself in multiple shows, two of them going to the state contest. At age 50 Nancy performed solos in "Superman the Musical". 

Through her involvement in  shows,  seeing her children and exchange students take parts in shows, and seeing the talents, personal growth and fostering of community between people near and far, she has found it to be a valuable and enriching part of her life.

As an RN, mother, political activist, she would never have thought to be involved in theatre on so many levels. Currently Nancy holds a position on the Board of Directors of the IRP.

Ali Holmes first experience with IRP was when her family took her to help pass out programs at the opening of Superman! "I recall sitting on the stairs watching the show and being captivated when Superman lifted a car!" Ali then decided to join on stage back in 2014 as Mrs.Darling in Peter Pan and then after in Get Smart in various roles. She then left and pursued becoming a registered nurse, and she currently works as a pediatric ICU travel nurse

Ali became involved again in IRP when her younger brother Joshua asked her if she would help backstage with the last production of Wyrd Sisters, and then she soon took on a role in a matter of weeks before the performances. "It was a thrill and awoke my desire for theatre arts in being able to assist behind the scenes and even in a role to help the performance. Since working with kids in nursing, I have found myself using theatrical skills to provide a safe and fun environment for the kids when in the hospital." 

Ali looks forward to staying involved with IRP even though she is away while work takes her across the US. She is behind the scenes on IRP social media and when she can at future productions. "When working in high-stress environments, it's easy to be beaten down over time, but theatre is a way for me to turn that stress into production and aid in helping others find their confidence and even my own by creating a work of art on stage and involving the community." 

“Theatre acting has helped build my confidence and meet new friends along the way! Frankly, it's a lot of fun when you just let go and play out as someone else. It's healing, too, and takes my mind off daily struggles. Although I don't claim to be a professional actor, our director gives inspiring feedback to make me a better performer, and it's fun. It gives me a chance to play with voice changing with my characters. Act in ways I usually don't and just be someone else for a change.” 

I’m a Chicago Native living in Meservey with my husband of 18 years and our two Yorkies. I work as a freelance home blueprint designer, drawing up homes and additions for clients. My love of theater started when I saw the production “Cats” in Chicago at the age of four. I enjoyed being a cast member in Iowa River Players' “Pride and Prejudice” production in the spring of 2024. I have been an active board member ever since that time. IRP brings wonderful artistic events to rural Iowa, and I’m so happy to be a part of it!

After being away for a decade, Dan has returned home to help out where needed, particularly at the Rowan Theater, where Dan has recently directed a haunted house and had major roles in the plays of late.