University Theatre Production Photographs

Description of the Series, Boxes 1-6 (1939-1970): This series is comprised of photographic negatives taken of University Theatre productions from the period 1939-1970. The negatives are mainly of standard 4x5 inch dimensions and are almost entirely black and white. Negatives from specific productions are filed together in envelopes. Envelopes are arranged sequentially by University Theatre production number. The series spans productions 139 through 451. The negatives usually depict each major scene of a given production and provide views of the entire stage rather than isolated views of the actors, sets, or props.

The negatives should be used in conjunction with other materials held by the University Archives in order to identify production dates, specific scenes, or actors.

Addition, Boxes 7-12 This addition to the University Theatre Production Photographs is comprised of photographic prints taken of University Theatre productions from the period 1929-1978. The prints are mainly of standard 8x10 inch dimensions, though some folders contain prints of varying sizes. Also in this addition are oversized photos of various productions spanning 1929-1958, with several unidentified productions. Photos from specific shows are filed together in folders, arranged chronologically by University Theatre production number, otherwise they are filed alphabetically by title. Studio, Lab and Children's Theatre productions are filed by date, if available. The series includes production numbers 11 through 498, and includes various unidentified productions, backstage, general and groups photos. The prints depict various scenes of the productions, and individual actors as well. This series

The prints should be used in conjunction with other materials held by the University Archives in order to identify production dates, specific scenes, or actors.

Addition, Boxes 13-15 This addition to the University Theatre Production Photographs is comprised of mounted oversized photographic prints taken of University Theatre productions from the period 1948-1968. Photos from specific shows are filed together chronologically by University Theatre production number. The series includes production numbers 238 through 427, including several unidentified productions. The prints depict various scenes of the productions, and individual actors as well.

The prints should be used in conjunction with other materials held by the University Archives in order to identify production dates, specific scenes, or actors.

Addition, Boxes 16-21 The addition to the University Theatre Production Photographs consists of slides dating from 1953 to 1991, with the bulk of the slides dating from 1971 to 1991. Slides are grouped by production title and arranged chronologically by production date. The distinction has been maintained between slides received directly from Michael Ryzcek and from Jean Deven, so there are two chronological runs of slides.

Some of the slide sets were marked with a short title or nickname for the production (e.g., “Salesman” for “Death of A Salesman,” “Streetcar” for “A Streetcar Named Desire,” etc.). In some cases where just initials were noted (e.g., “C.C.”), a title was not identified. Slides in boxes 19-21 were placed in small boxes within the larger boxes. The locations of these are shown on the container list by a box number followed by a slide box number.

Addition, Box 22 This addition to the University Theatre Production Photographs consists of slides dating from 1971 to 1980. Slides are grouped by production title and arranged chronologically by production date.  Slides in Box 22 were placed in smaller slide boxes, numbered 1-5. The locations of these are shown on the container list by a box number followed by a slide box number.  These slides were separated from the James F. Coakley Papers, and are presumably productions directed by him.