Publication Date
Spring 2015
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Theatre Arts
Advisor
David Kahn
Keywords
Arts management, Bankruptcy, Business administration, Non-profit, Performing arts, Theater arts
Subject Areas
Theater; Arts management; Performing arts
Abstract
In 2008, American Musical Theatre (AMT) of San Jose filed for bankruptcy after more than 74 years in business. In this thesis, I identify the factors – both internal and external – that contributed to its demise. Interviews with former employees and board members were conducted, and newspaper articles, tax records, and internal documents were examined to explore factors such as management effectiveness, AMT’s relationship with its community, fundraising, the decline of the subscription model, unions, and venue problems. The conclusions of this case study have implications regarding the intersection that now exists between non-profit and for-profit performing arts in the United States, as well as significance concerning the future of the performing arts in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Recommended Citation
Cymanski, Mike Scott, "The Demise of American Musical Theatre of San Jose" (2015). Master's Theses. 4535.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.f8tm-3jas
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_theses/4535
