The longtime leader of the respected theatre was found in a cottage next to the popular barn-like venue, officials said. Flat Rock Playhouse, which operates a nine-month season, is the official state theatre of North Carolina.

"We are at a loss at the passing of Robin Farquhar, who took his own life this afternoon. We will miss him deeply," John Sheiry, president of the theatre's board of trustees, stated.

Flat Rock Playhouse was founded by Mr. Farquhar's parents, Robroy and Leona Farquhar, in the 1950s out of a group called Vagabond Players, which had presented in the area since the late 1930s. In 1952, the troupers, and a newly formed board of directors, bought an eight-acre lot in the Village of Flat Rock and pitched a big top, giving birth to Flat Rock Playhouse.

In 1980, Mr. Farquhar became managing director, assisting his ailing father. He was named artistic and executive director in 1983, after the death of his father.

In addition to its reputation for popular productions, the theatre is respected for its theatre education program, named for Mr. Farquhar. Before taking over the theatre, Mr. Farquhar was reportedly a singer in the rock band, RPM.

The Flat Rock website lists Scott Treadway and Paige Posey as the theatre's associate artistic directors.

Mr. Farquhar is survived by his sister, Keets Taylor, her husband, Richard H., their son, Bryan, and daughter, Holly McDonald, with her husband, David.

Mr. Farquhar's life will be celebrated 2:15 PM on Nov. 14 at the Flat Rock Playhouse. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Robin R. Farquhar Education Center, P. O. Box 310, Flat Rock, N.C. 28731, Attention: Dale Bartlet, Development Director.

An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.