Records of the Practical Theatre Company

The collection is arranged in four series: Subject Files, Production Files, Photographs and Oversized Materials.

The Subject Files are arranged alphabetically by folder title and contain general information about theatre budgets, history, board meetings, actors, box office numbers, etc.  These files document the development of the company’s general vision, administrative processes, physical setting, cast auditions, and interaction with the Chicago theatre/improvisation world. Examples of material include consultant’s reports, staff contact sheets, grant applications, miscellaneous histories and notes, season schedules and proposed schedules, physical renovation materials, touring information, and improvisation workshop practices, among other topics.

The Production Files are arranged alphabetically by production title and contain scripts, notes, reviews, promotional materials, and more for each production. These files document the artistic and administrative history of the productions, including developing material for shows, rehearsal and performance notes, collateral material for promoting shows, and press coverage.

The Photographs are arranged alphabetically and contain pictures of individual actors (headshots and performance shots) and of the casts of various productions.  There are some actor photographs in audition files in the Subject Files series as well.

Finally, the Oversized Materials contain several large subject files, and some production posters.  These include material covering the shooting death of David Bell and material relating to the assassination of John Lennon, for whom the John Lennon Auditorium (JLA) was named.