Founder Transition and Sucession Planning: A Study of the Pearl Theatre Company and the Jean Cocteau Repertory

This paper examines how small Off-Off and Off Broadway founder-driven theatres are challenged to grow past their founders.  Qualitative field studies were conducted focusing on two theatres, The Pearl Theatre Company and The Jean Cocteau Repertory Theatre, whose life cycles have been long enough to analyze different growth phases.  Additionally, major management issues dealing with succession planning, founder transition, and changes in arts leadership are addressed.  The paper concludes by discussing steps that organizations can take in succession planning and founder transition.