James Kirkland: 1978-1979
Like the confusion regarding the dates when Wayside Theatre actually began, there is also confusion for the years that James Kirkland served as the Theatre’s Artistic Director. In most lists by the Theatre, Kirkland is usually listed as serving as the Artistic Director only for 1978. In reality, Kirkland was the Artistic Director for both the 1978 and 1979 seasons. During the 1979 season, Ed Steel served as the Managing Director replacing Barbara Swink, who had held that position since 1972. During the 1979 season, Steele’s influence on the Theatre appears to have been quite strong. Steele was named the Artistic Director in 1980.
In this document, the following chronology will be used:
James Kirkland, 1978 - 1979
Ed Steele, 1980 – 1986