He was on many boards of arts organisations in various roles including chair, he continued acting and directing on occasions and he was part of many significant initiatives in theatre as the professional scene emerged in the 1960s in New Zealand.

Sheat also specialised in entertainment law including intellectual property and was part of setting up many charitable trusts for arts organisations.

At the drama club he acted in plays including as 'chief rustic' of Much Ado About Nothing by Shakespeare produced by Maria Dronke in 1955 and wrote sketches and directed shows such as Guided Mistletoe (Christmas revue, 1962).

Plays he directed include The Seven Year Itch, by George Axelrod at the Grand Opera House, Wellington in 1959,[9] and She'll be Right, at the Concert Chamber in the Town Hall in 1960.

[10] In 1963, Sheat was appointed to the drama panel of the newly formed Queen Elizabeth ll Arts Council, later he became the Chair and remained until 1972.

[11] During the inception of Downstage Theatre, Sheat was invited to be part of the early conversations with Tim Eliott, Martyn Sanderson, Peter Bland and Harry Seresin because of his practical nature.

The discussion group also included academics John Roberts, Don McKenzie, James Ritchie and playwright Bruce Mason.

[15] Toi Whakaari: The New Zealand Drama School started in 1970 with Nola Millar the first director, Sheat was the inaugural Chair of the Board.

Three Wellington performing arts venues that owe a lot to Sheat are the Hannah Playhouse, the Opera House and the Embassy Theatre.