"Two years later, they were $90,000 in debt, existing on the kindness of contractors and suppliers. They decided to become a nonprofit agency," according to a 1982 Sun article. "He was a moving spirit in the creation of a regional theater at a time when regional theater was new in America, and the rules and guidelines hadn't yet been developed."
The theater company outgrew its initial home and moved to a former Oriole Cafeteria on North Avenue in the 1970s. That building burned in 1974 during a run of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Mr. Rothman watched the blaze and was determined to rebuild. He later appealed to the Rev. Anthony Zeits, treasurer of the Jesuit Maryland Province, for the order's nearly vacant Loyola High School and College buildings at Calvert and Monument streets.
"He argued that we try to affect audiences in the same way you try to affect your congregations, for the betterment of humankind," said Peter Culman, Center Stage's longtime executive director, who accompanied him that day. "He said, 'Father Zeits, consider giving us the building free.' "
The deal went through - and the religious order agreed to relinquish the property for a $10 annual ground rent.
"He was so busy as a lawyer I had to speak to him between 11 p.m. and midnight," Mr. Culman said. "He was articulate and could see the humor and irony in things. He was also a natural performer. The words flowed from his mouth."
Friends said that Mr. Rothman enjoyed a challenge and was at his best getting a project launched. He went on to embrace the Baltimore School for the Arts on Cathedral Street as board chairman. About 10 years ago, he became an adviser to Everyman Theatre on Charles Street.
"He was a titan of regional theater in Baltimore," said Vincent M. Lancisi, Everyman's artistic director. "He had a depth of knowledge of arts organizations and their needs, but he also loved watching actors and becoming jazzed up at their performances. To see the glimmer in his eyes after he'd witnessed a great performance was remarkable."
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Broadmead's auditorium, 13801 York Road, Cockeysville.
In addition to his son, who lives in Los Angeles, survivors include his wife of 63 years, the former Bette Davidson; another son, John Rothman, an actor based in New York City; two daughters, Ellen Rothman, historian of Watertown, Mass., and Julie Rothman, a Sun food and recipe columnist, of Baltimore; and six grandchildren.
