About Us

THE FOUNDERS

Meg Merckens and Tom Johnson, co-founders of the company, are each veterans of many years of directing, acting, and promotion in the professional theatre. Meg and Tom currently are co-producers for ITAC and are involved in company management, new projects development, and producing the artistic product of the company.

WHAT DO WE DO?

We strive to produce the best in live theatre. We mount public performances of new plays and existing classical works as well as popular fare with close attention to the highest artistic standards. In short, we are in the business of producing good shows. While our purpose is always to provide an entertaining theatrical experience, we believe in incorporating new methods, new styles and new forms to positively develop our art form.

We serve a diverse audience. Our objective is to bring the live-theatre experience to those who might otherwise be deprived of the opportunity to experience it. We specifically target underserved audiences, including young people, the elderly, the geographically isolated, and those in financial need by sponsoring touring and regional theatrical residencies.

We serve the profession of live theatre and the community. ITAC takes a unique approach in pursuing its service to the profession and to the community. Our multifaceted approach includes: a) Providing professional directors, designers and other production personnel to other non-profit organizations with a like mission at reasonable rates. b) Aiding in the development of new theatre artists by providing education and practical hands-on experience for young professionals-in-training. c) Matching qualified theatre artists with organisations in search of their particular skill set. d) Serving as a foundation organization for fledgling production groups seeking to establish themselves as permanent professional theatre companies by providing facilities, equipment, and business structure.

WHERE ARE WE?

For nearly a decade, ITAC resided in the former Barn Restaurant in Amana. Now, seeking a little more freedom and flexibility, the company has taken its show on the road. See our full announcement about the sale of our building in December 2016 by clicking on this link.

THE ARTISTS

Although there is a dedicated group of volunteers who donate their time and energy to help achieve the mission and goals of ITAC, all of the theatre artists themselves are paid professionals. They include directors, designers, graphic artists, stage managers, union  & non-union actors, singers, and musicians. Special emphasis is placed on hiring professionals with Iowa or Midwestern roots.

THE VOLUNTEERS

ITAC has a small but active group of volunteers which participates in workranging from pre-production to ushering. Our volunteer program is a win-win situation for all involved. The theatre gets much needed help from interested and skilled people while the volunteers have an enjoyable opportunity to participate in a meaningful community service. In return, volunteers get free tickets, an occasional party, a sense of accomplishment, and a whole lot of fun.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ITAC is a not-for-profit, federally tax exempt corporation (501c3). It is administered by a professional staff and governed by a volunteer board of directors.

THE UNION

ITAC enjoys a close working relationship with the ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION, the union of professional actors and stage managers and is currently working under a SPT (small professional theatre) contract with the union. Both Merckens and Johnson are long-time members of Equity, and believe that the union has been beneficial for its members in terms of compensation and working conditions.