Cavan Hallman

Media Storyteller | Informatics
Founding Artistic Director | Mirrorbox Theatre
AGE: 39

What was your biggest break?

At 20, I had just come off an acting tour. I told the producer the script was awful and that I could write better. He hired me on the spot, and I wrote and directed plays for the next 19 years that would be seen by over 5 million students.

What would most people be surprised to learn about you?

I have a love/hate relationship with dating shows. I was definitely too excited to find out that “Millionaire Matchmaker” is on Hulu.

What’s something people should know about your generation in the workplace?

As part of the micro-generation known as “xennials,” on the cusp of both Generation X and millennials, people should know that we are not easily categorized. Our ideals and styles are cobbled together from more codified groups.

What is the biggest issue facing the Corridor?

Self-deprecation. As someone who is new to the region, I hear a lot of, “And can you believe that’s in Iowa?” Yes. We should believe it. This is as great a place as any. We can and do have impressive qualities and should have the confidence to embrace them and continue to push forward.

What do you want to accomplish by the time you are 50?

To present a world premiere play in Cedar Rapids that is subsequently produced Off-Broadway.