Records of the Arts Alliance

The records of the Arts Alliance fill two boxes and include materials documenting five of its component organizations: Garden Party Productions, Orgy of the Arts, the Dolphin Show, the Gilbert and Sullivan Guild, and the Northwestern Dance Company. The records span the years from 1967 to 1983, with the bulk clustered between 1976 and 1979. Additions to this collection are described in the container list below.

The records are arranged first according to constituent organization within the Arts Alliance and then foldered according to topical headings. Many Orgy of the Arts and Garden Party productions were produced jointly: records relating to these productions may be found under the major heading “Arts Alliance.” Arts Alliance general and administrative records are arranged within folders chronologically. Records relating to specific productions are arranged in folders alphabetically by show title. Dates on these folders reflect the dates of particular shows and not necessarily the span dates of pertinent records. Production files generally include programs, posters, publicity materials, Lists of cast members and other related items.

The Dolphin Show records contain administrative files, financial records for the period 1969-1978, some posters and publicity materials, and scattered programs.

Materials relating specifically to Garden Party Productions consist of newspaper clippings, posters, and news releases for the year 1975.

The Gilbert and Sullivan Guild is documented through income and expenditure logs, clippings, programs, and correspondence with critics and benefactors. The Guild's constitution is also included.

The Orgy of the Arts records document fairly well the Mee-Ow Show from its inception in 1974 up to 1977, although later material is also included. Scripts and newspaper clippings are especially informative. Also found here are audition forms and the administrative notebook used during 1979. The notebook also contains many newspaper clippings.*

Records pertaining to the Northwestern Dance Company are especially thin, although several programs and some general clippings exist. Arts Alliance General Accounts are not documented in this series.