{"value"=>"<p>The Administrative Office (bulk 1953-1992) files are from the office of the producer, Joseph Papp. They contain correspondence, memoranda, meeting minutes, reports, subject files and clippings that document virtually every aspect of the New York Shakespeare Festival's operations, procedures, and programs. Certain functions within the NYSF's operations, such as fundraising (Development Office), eventually became their own departments, maintaining separate files. However, researchers will find certain types of documents in this series that are also found in other series, such as Stage Manager's Reports (General Manager).</p> <p>The files contain voluminous correspondence between Papp and various city agencies, including the Department of Parks, the Mayor's Office, the Board of Education, and the Board of Estimate. The files also contain correspondence and information files concerning playwrights, directors, theater groups, lawyers, and unions. The records of the Administrative Office contain personnel files of administrative and production staff and communications between the producer and departmental staff within the NYSF. Virtually every issue affecting the NYSF can be found in this series, as most correspondence went first across Papp's desk.</p> <p>The Administrative Office files document the earliest activities of Joseph Papp including the formation of the New York Shakespeare Festival. The records document Papp's conflict with Robert Moses over the concept of free Shakespeare in the Park, the acquisition and restoration of the Astor Library and its renovation as the Public Theater, the fiscal crisis of the 1970's and the NYSF's four seasons at Lincoln Center. The records reveal Papp's ideas for productions and seasonal planning, special programs such as the Mobile Theater and the School Tour, and his plans for the future of the Festival. The records indicate Papp's personal interests, trips taken abroad, engagements accepted and declined, and his involvement in and endorsement of various causes affecting theater, such the NEA controversy, and other social causes.</p> <p>The more recent files are related to Papp's ideas about his successor, Joanne Akalaitis.</p>"}