Source Theatre: The impact of an artistic director's vision and management on a regional theatre

Source Theatre provides a study of a theatre in crisis and of how people who cared about its existence made difficult decisions to keep it from perishing. As with most arts organizations, Source began with the dream of one talented visionary. Bart Whiteman began Source in 1977 and produced nine adventurous seasons before resigning in 1986. A transition of leadership, especially when the departing leader is the founder, raises the question as to whether or not the theatre can survive without the original impulse provided by the founder. The board of directors of Source Theatre decided that the theatre could survive under the leadership of Pat Sheehy, who, having worked alongside Whiteman, understood his vision, had the capability of incorporating her own creativity, and could manage the business affairs of the theatre effectively. This thesis chronicles the history of Source Theatre and provides a study of artistic leadership.