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Creator
Arena Theatre (Rochester, N.Y.)
Call number
MWEZ 30447
Preferred Citation
Arena Theatre programs, Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library
Repository
Billy Rose Theatre Division
Access to materials
Collection is open to the public. Library policy on photography and photocopying will apply. Advance notice may be required.

The Arena Theatre, a professional repertory theatrical company, established itself in Rochester, N.Y., in November 1950. Initially known as the Genesee Valley Players, the troupe officially renamed itself the Arena Theatre in June of 1951. The collection consists of programs detailing 84 productions by the Arena Theatre, 1950 to 1956. LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN was the troupe's debut production, which, according to the program, marked Rochester N.Y.'s introduction to "arena staging," i.e. theater in the round. The Arena Theater went on to stage such community theater staples as THE FOURPOSTER, CHARLEY'S AUNT, PYGMALION, and GIGI. The programs offer news about the Arena Theater and its future plans, biographical sketches of the cast and crew, and, in some cases, historical background concerning the current production.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Gift, Marr, N.M, 12/19/2000

Using the collection

Location

Billy Rose Theatre Division
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-7498
Third Floor

Access to materials

Collection is open to the public. Library policy on photography and photocopying will apply. Advance notice may be required.