Theatre Cedar Rapids casts The Exorcist this fall, with intimacy coordination for the volunteer company

Theatre Cedar Rapids is staging a stage version of The Exorcist this October, and the company is building a creative team that includes an intimacy director and mental health coordinator — a sign of how the production plans to handle the story’s most harrowing moments with a volunteer cast.

Matthew Weedman will direct the John Pielmeier adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s novel. He’ll work alongside stage manager Kelly Shriver, assistant stage manager J Tucker, and Carrie Pozdol, who holds the dual role of intimacy director and mental health coordinator. The production marks a notable horror entry for TCR, which is rehearsing in a temporary downtown space while its home at 102 3rd Street SE undergoes capital-campaign renovations.

Auditions are open to anyone 18 or older. Registration runs July 29 through August 7 at 5 p.m. via an online form. In-person sessions are set for August 10 and 11, 6–9 p.m. each night, at TCR’s rehearsal space in the U.S. Bank Building at 222 2nd Avenue SE. Callbacks, by invitation only, follow on August 12.

First rehearsal is August 31. The show runs October 9 through November 1, 2026. All roles are volunteer.

"Theatre Cedar Rapids is excited to announce auditions for our upcoming production of The Exorcist," the company said in its casting notice. "We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment and encourage performers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities and expressions, body types, abilities, and backgrounds to audition."

A perusal script is available online for anyone preparing to audition. The registration link and script access are posted on TCR’s website.