Collection: Belknap Theater Records | U of L Archives Catalog

This collection contains materials from the Theatre Arts and Speech Department chronicling the activities of the Belknap Theater. The collection dates from 1916 to 1975 and includes programs/playbills, newspaper clippings, scene photos, and photos of people (headshots). Office records from the Belknap Theater Playhouse office dating from the 1950s to the 1970s are also included in two boxes.

Dates

circa 1920-circa 1972

Creator

Belknap Theater (Creator, Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Open to researchers

Conditions Governing Use

The copyright interests are owned by the University of Louisville. Materials are restricted in accordance with federal and state statutes governing university records.

Extent

9.5 linear feet

Additional Description

Brief History

Over the years, the theater company has had a variety of names including: the Dramatic Club (1910-1911), the University of Louisville Players (1914-1941), the University Players (1955- 1960), and Belknap Theatre (1960- present). Closely connected with these groups have been the community-oriented Alumni Players (1927-1932) and the Little Theater Company (1932-1960).

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into four series: Series I (Boxes 1-10) consists of Photographs and programs/playbills from 1919 to 1972. Most productions from 1924 - 1959 seem to be represented, with less coverage before 1924 and after 1959. Some folders also contain newsclippings; later files may also contain correspondence. Boxes 1-8 are arranged by chronologically, by season and then by show; boxes 9 and 10 are arranged alphabetically by show title. The University of Louisville Players materials are found primarily in Box 1; the Alumni Players, in Box 2; the Little Theatre Company, in Boxes 3-8. Boxes 9 and 10 contain materials from the Belknap Theater, the University Players, and the Little Theatre.

Series II (Boxes 11-20) contains scene photographs originally housed in bound volumes. These are arranged by season and cover the years 1916-1948.

Series III (Boxes 21-22) consists of records of the Belknap Theater Playhouse Office, including meeting minutes; financial records; records of items donated, lent, and stolen; and information on a few productions from the 1960s. This series covers the years 1957-1975, with the bulk of the materials dating from 1960-1973.

Series IV (Box 23), Photos of People, is a single small box of headshots.