Ten Influential Figures

The title of this chapter changed numerous times during the planning of this book; at first, it was conceived as a list of “overlooked” figures, but that moniker suggests that these people have not attained a level of success or have been forgotten in their institution’s history (or have been treated unfairly by history). The label of “behind-the-scenes” proved inaccurate as several people were well-known in their respective communities, and the absence of a national profile does not equate to a lack of accomplishment. Furthermore, among the theatre professionals contacted and interviewed for this book, these individuals are all respected by their peers and by no means “hidden.”