Theatre for Community Impact
Theatre for a Cause brings powerful stories to the stage while supporting organizations and causes that make a difference. As we begin a new chapter in Western North Carolina, we're building a community where live theatre inspires conversation, creates connections, and turns storytelling into meaningful action.
Our Story
Mathew Edwardsen and Lara Hollaway, explaining the company's founding in 2013, its work in Texas, and its new chapter in Western North Carolina.
Our Mission
To use the power of live theatre to bring people together, inspire conversation, and support causes that make a difference.
Our Impact
Every production is an opportunity to make a difference. Through partnerships with local organizations, Theatre for a Cause uses the power of storytelling to raise awareness, encourage community involvement, and generate financial support for meaningful causes.
About Us
Matt Wiedle, Executive Director
While Matt grew up in Central Illinois, he has spent much of his life on the move, having lived in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Las Vegas, New York City, and Austin before landing in the Asheville area eight years ago. Known professionally as Matt or Mathew Edwardsen, he has made a significant impact in the world of live theatre as a professional opera singer in the U.S. and Europe for over a decade. After graduating from Millikin University with a BFA in Musical Theatre and studying Opera at Yale University, he transitioned into affiliate/online marketing, a role he has held for the past ten years. Matt is excited to bring his experience to support HART, a community theatre dedicated to Theatre for a Cause, aiming to grow its core audience and increase season subscribers.
Billy Dragoo, Artisitc Director
Billy has been a director and educator for over 30 years, making a significant live theatre impact through his work in community theatre. Dragoo earned a BFA from The University of Texas in 1987 and a Master of Arts from The University of London in 1990. In the summer of 2002, he was granted a scholarship to study at the Globe Theatre in London. As an award-winning educator from Texas, he has directed 140 shows in his career, including notable productions like Equus, The Secret Rapture, A Flea in Her Ear, Anna in the Tropics, and Juno & the Paycock. Recently, he directed Noises Off and Someone Who Will Watch Over Me at HART Theatre in Waynesville, showcasing the power of Theatre for a Cause.
Annie Dragoo, Managing Director
Annie Dragoo brings over 30 years of experience as a theatre educator, director, and arts leader to the world of community theatre. A Tony Award nominee and recipient of an Honorable Mention, she has devoted her career to creating meaningful theatrical experiences, mentoring artists, and advocating for the performing arts, highlighting the live theatre impact in her community. As Managing Director of Theatre for a Cause, Annie skillfully combines her artistic expertise with organizational leadership, community partnerships, and fundraising efforts to help bring powerful stories to the stage while supporting impactful causes throughout Western North Carolina.