A group of theater enthusiasts gathered together in the fall of 1978 to talk about starting a community theater. What would come of those meetings is the Whitefish Theatre Co. known today for its season of theater, music and dance.

That group began putting on plays in whatever space they could find, growing to eventually call the O’Shaughnessy Center as home.

Even from those early meetings, Carolyn Pitman was involved. She would go on to serve as executive director for the performing arts organization for 35 years until retiring earlier this year.

Pitman said she’s always been a lover of the theater. During her summers in college she taught drama to children at camps, but says she’s not really an actor and has never been in any of the WTC plays.

“I enjoy theater academically rather than participatory,” she said. “When we organized, most people wanted to be on stage, but I’m a practical person who can take care of the books and make sure the bills get paid.”

Pitman was recently honored by the American Association of Community Theatre with its distinguished merit award, which is presented to individuals in recognition of contributions made to promote and develop the highest standards for community theater.

WTC’s first play “Don’t Drink the Water” was directed by Nancy Nei and was produced on a shoestring budget.

In those early days, it wasn’t unusual for WTC to put on plays at Central School, downtown bars or even at the Mountain Mall. Sets had to be kept simple and sometimes bleachers were brought in for the audience.

“People thought we were irreverent,” Pitman recalled. “The theater we have today is beyond our wildest dreams.”

Moving into the O’Shaughnessy in 1998 opened up opportunities for WTC. They began bringing in outside groups like the Missoula Children’s Theatre and Montana Repertory Theatre, and adding dance and music performances.

“We had our own space and could decide what we wanted to do,” Pitman said.

However, for Pitman the building also meant increased stress. She remembers many sleepless nights worrying about how to keep the theater going. Although WTC “always stayed in the black,” Pitman found it stressful to always be raising money.

The building more than doubled the amount of funds WTC needed. In the beginning, volunteers mowed the lawn and cleaned the building just to make sure the budget was met.

Despite her worries, Pitman knew she had to stay on with WTC.

“I felt so responsible to make it work,” she said. “It was my fourth child. I couldn’t let it fail.”

Not all worries were financial. Sometimes challenges came artistically. WTC chose plays that caused a stir around town. Like when they staged “Agnes of God.”

Although the play was considered mainstream elsewhere, its story line about a pregnant nun was controversial locally, particularly because the play was being staged at Central School.

“I’m not a boat rocker — I don’t try to be shocking,” Pitman said. “But theater is often a reflection of what’s going on in society.”

Looking back, Pitman realizes that those years of running WTC taught her how to run a business and be a manager.

“It’s nice to run a business that has something to give, and gives a place for the artistic,” she said. “It’s unique to a small town to have such an opportunity.”

When she chose to retire earlier this year, Pitman knew it was time to move on. All her children were grown and she knew she was leaving WTC in a good position with a great staff.

“I wanted to do other things and see my grandchildren,” she said. “I don’t miss the responsibility.”

What she does miss is the good feeling that comes from putting on a successful show and working with all the people involved.

“The people were the most interesting group you’ll ever meet,” she said. “They’re from every walk of life and socioeconomic group. I love all the people — the personalities of the volunteers, actors and staff.”