2015 Theses Master's

An Investigation of Core Values in American Not-For-Profit Theatre

Kelly, Megan Patricia

This paper will argue that using clearly articulated core values to underpin mission, vision, and all decision-making within a not-for-profit professional theatre will contribute to stability and unity of purpose within the organization. Attention to core values allows the theatre to nimbly react to the needs of the world around it without losing sight of its reason for being. This paper will present the characteristics of clear, compelling core values, discuss when and how values should be identified, and articulate how those values can be utilized in support of programming, funding, hiring, company culture, and marketing. Finally, it will consider how core values can be useful in evaluating success. In concert with a mission and vision, core values provide the organization a clear understanding of its own purpose, and keep the whole company moving in the same direction for the same reason.