The theatre of Western Springs, Illinois : a successful community theatre

Includes bibliographical references.The purpose of this historical study is to examine the Theatre of Western Springs as an example of a successful community theatre. The methods used in the research for the study are outlined in Chapter One. They include the examination of available Theatre of Western Springs records and playbills and personal interviews with key theatre personnel. Chapter Two of the study concentrates on the early period of the Theatre's history from the time of its founding in 1929 through the year 1959, when a major building program was began. The founding of the Theatre by Mrs. May Cattell is discussed in detail along with other major events which occurred during the first thirty years of the Theatre's history. Among these events are the establishment of a Play Selection— -Casting Committee and the Children's Theatre of Western Springs. An examination of the Theatre's history continues in Chapter Three and focuses on the years 1960 through 1979. During this time, the Theatre of Western Springs completed the construction of a nationally acclaimed theatre facility and the Theatre's founder, Mrs. Cattell, retired after over forty years of service to the Theatre. The study concludes in Chapter Pour with general observations as to why this community theatre has had such success in achieving its goals, and recommendations for the Theatre toward continuing in its successful pattern.M.A. (Master of Arts