Mirrorbox Theatre in Cedar Rapids to close indefinitely, citing ‘financial issues’

CEDAR RAPIDS — Due to ongoing “financial issues,” Mirrorbox Theatre will close its doors indefinitely by the end of the year.

The theater will take its final bow at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, with its monthly improvised soap opera comedy, “The Rapids,” at Giving Tree Theater, 752 10th St., Marion. The theater has canceled its production of “Die Hard … Is A Christmas Movie,” which was slated for December.

Chelsea White, president of the Mirrorbox Theatre Board of Directors, announced the closure in a Facebook post Monday afternoon.

“We are grateful to have been part of this community, and we want to offer our sincerest thanks to everyone who has demonstrated their support for us over the years,” the post says. “We know that many artists have found a community with us, and we are grateful to have been part of so many lives.”

In October 2024, the nonprofit theater made an emergency plea for $30,000 in donations from the community to cover four months of rent, utilities and 2024’s production of “Die Hard … Is A Christmas Movie.” The plea garnered $13,500, which was enough to pay November 2024 rent and create a payment plan for the back rent the theater owed at the time.

In the post Monday, White wrote, “Unfortunately, we’ve recently uncovered financial issues that make it no longer possible to sustain our work in the way our community deserves.”

Mirrorbox Theatre, located in northwest Cedar Rapids in the Time Check neighborhood, was founded in 2018 by Cavan Hallman, who left the organization earlier this year. He was replaced by White.

“We appreciate everyone who made us part of their holidays over the last few years, and we wish you all the best this season and encourage you to check out the offerings of our fellow community theatres,” White wrote. “We are blessed to know that even though our time is over, the performing arts are going to continue to thrive in our area.”