Vital Stories: Soulpepper Theatre Company (A)

Soulpepper Theatre Company (Soulpepper) underwent a significant transformation under the leadership of its new co-leaders. The co-leaders not only navigated the aftermath of a crisis in 2018 that saw the immediate resignation of a well-known artistic director accused of sexual harassment but also steered the company towards a bright future aligned with an ambitious five-year strategic plan. The plan, endorsed by the board of directors, was a crucial step towards recovering from the tarnished reputation and elevating Soulpepper to global recognition, rooted in the excellence of its productions and celebration of Canadian creativity. However, as the theatre was laying down the building blocks for renewal, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, causing significant disruptions in the Canadian theatre scene and necessitating a re-evaluation of the co-leaders’ strategic approach.

The key objective of this case study is to analyze the adaptation and strategic responses to back-to-back crises: one affecting the internal fabric of the company and the other significantly disrupting the sector. The case culminates in the co-leaders grappling with the complex decision-making landscape defined by the need for strategic adaptability, financial agility, and cultural renewal amid multiple crises. After working through the case and assignment questions, students will be able to do the following:<ul><li>Understand how organizations adapt their strategies in response to internal and external crises.</li><li>Analyze the impact of network relationships in ensuring an organization’s sustainability and resilience.</li><li>Examine the role of co-leadership in navigating crises and steering organizational recovery and growth.</li><li>Evaluate how organizations balance competing priorities, including artistic mission, financial stability, and stakeholder relationships.</li><li>Assess the dynamics between leadership and the board, understanding their roles, challenges, and collaboration in strategic decision-making and crisis management.</li></ul>

• Strategy
• Strategic Renewal
• Change Management
• Arts Management
• Radical Inclusion