Rhode Island Theater Collection

Collection

Identifier: 002-02-02

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Rhode Island Theater Collection contains handbills, performance programs, newspapers clippings, and personal notes related to theaters and theater companies in Rhode Island from 1855-2006. It includes materials from theaters and performance venues from across Rhode Island, but predominantly in Providence. Many well known theaters such as the Providence Opera House, Metropolitan Theatre, Modern Theatre, Providence Performing Art Center and Trinity Repertory Company are represented.

The largest portion of the collection includes materials from Trinity Repertory Company in Providence and includes performance programs, materials associated with their Humanities programs, clippings and ephemera. The remainder of the collection holds programs and corresponding newspaper clippings, photographs and notes from theatres and musical performances throughout Rhode Island.

Dates

1855-2006

Creator

Trinity Repertory Company (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Providence Public Library, Rhode Island Collection department.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright has not been assigned to Providence Public Library. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be obtained by the researcher from the copyright holder.

Biographical / Historical

The first dramatic performance in Rhode Island was performed in Newport in 1761 by a comedic troupe lead by David Douglass. However, after a single performance by the company in Providence in 1762, the colony passed legislation making the staging of plays illegal – a law which applied until the 1790s. The popular era of theater began in the late 19th century, but it was not until the 1870s that Rhode Island, specifically Providence, experienced a truly robust theater scene. The heyday of Providence theater, from the 1870s to 1940s, mirrored the popularity of theatre nationally. Providence became the center for performances and was home to a large number of theaters, music halls and theater companies showing plays, musicals, vaudeville, burlesque and music concerts. While a number of venues closed in the latter half of the 20th century or were repurposed as movie theaters, Rhode Island has maintained a thriving and popular theater and performance community.

Extent

5.8 Linear Feet (13 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

The Rhode Island Theater Collection is arranged into three Series. Series 1 is Trinity Repertory Company materials and includes programs, ephemera and Humanities program materials. All material is arranged chronologically. Series 2 includes all other theaters and includes programs, clippings, handbills, photographs and notes. Materials are organized alphabetically by theatre/theatre company and then chronologically. Series 3 is a collection of programs from RI musical performances. These are arranged alphabetically by organization or performance hall.

Custodial History

The custody of the majority of the collection is unknown. Collection of a portion of the Albee Theatre materials is attributed to G. Burns.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The acqusitions of materials found in the Rhode Island Collection as of 2013 is unknown. Since 2013, materials from Trinity Reperatory Theater are donated on an annual basis. Individual items related to other theaters may be acquired via donation or purchase.