Purdue University Theatre records

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: UA 102

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Purdue University Theatre records contains playbills, posters, and photos from the Purdue Theatre and other student theatre productions. The collection also contains programs from Convocations.

Dates

Creation: 1895 - 2013

Languages of Materials

Collection material is in English.

Access Information

This collection is open for research.

Copyright and Use Information

Copyright restrictions may apply. Consult with Purdue University Archives and Special Collections prior to reproduction of materials.

Historical Information

Theatre at Purdue began very early in the school's history with the Harlequin Club, the Little Theatre Players, and the English Department Players. It wasn't until 1929, with the inception of the Purdue Playshop, that theatre became an official extracurricular activity at Purdue. In 1956, theatre was recognized as a curricular activity under the Speech Department and, a few years later, was renamed Purdue University Theatre. Experimental Theatre began in 1939 to preview prospective Playshop performances to a select audience. Purdue Summer Theatre began in 1960 and was later renamed the Purdue Professional Theatre Company. An MFA in Theatre was developed in 1976.

Extent

2.20 Cubic Feet (One cubic foot box and one flat box)

Additional Description

Technical Access Information

Films must be migrated to digital format before use. Contact Purdue University Archives and Special Collections if interested in using this material.

Acquisition Information

Media items and some playbills were donated by Lori Sparger at an unknown date. Some playbills from the 1960s were donated by Pamela White (representing the estate of Patricia Murphy) in 2016. Convocation and Purdue Playshop playbills were anonymously donated in 1999. Some materials related to Purdue Theatre were removed from the College of Liberal Arts records and consolidated with Purdue University Theatre programs to form the Purdue University Theatre records.