- unitdate
-
{"value"=>"1947-1999", "type"=>"inclusive", "normal"=>"1947/1999"}
- date_inclusive_start
-
1947
- date_inclusive_end
-
1999
- unittitle
-
{"value"=>"Series III: White Barn Theatre"}
- physdesc
-
{"value"=>"6.8 lf. (16 boxes, 23 folders)", "format"=>"simple"}
- bioghist
-
{"value"=>"<p>The genesis of the White Barn Theatre was in the summer of 1947. What began as a reading for possible backers in the barn on the grounds of her home, went on to become a showcase for new plays, undiscovered talent, avant-garde and theater experimentation, and continues up to the present. Many of the plays held at the White Barn later became productions in New York. The White Barn not only allowed actors to work in a non-commercial environment, but it also provided a haven for minorities, blacklisted writers and actors in the 1950s. In 1949 a permanent stage was installed in the upper story of the barn. Miss Lortel's weekend club theater was patterned after similar theaters she had visited around London. In the early years Sunday nights were reserved for club members who paid an annual membership fee, while Saturday night audiences--by invitation only--were reserved for producers, directors, critics and talent scouts. Membership was established only for patrons who exhibited an interest in theater. In 1951, the White Barn Theatre became a non-profit foundation chartered by the State of Connecticut, and in 1954 it underwent an extensive renovation under the direction of Ralph Alswang, the noted scenic designer. Also in that year the Derwent House opened as the actors' residence, a haven for the black actors who were unable to find accommodations in Westport.</p>"}
- scopecontent
-
{"value"=>"<p>This series is devoted to the White Barn Theatre, situated on Miss Lortel's estate in Westport, Connecticut. Included in this series are three sub-series: General, Production and the White Barn Theatre Museum. These papers provide a valuable window into the beginning of a theatrical experiment showcasing new plays and undiscovered talent. Included are programs, correspondence, clippings, contracts, production materials, scripts, financial information, publicity materials and architectural plans.</p>"}
- arrangement
-
{"value"=>"<p> <ul> <li>Sub-series 1 - General</li> <li>Sub-series 2 - Productions</li> <li>Sub-series 3 - White Barn Theatre Museum</li></ul></p>"}
- unitid
-
{"type"=>"local_mss", "value"=>"584360"}
- date_start
-
1947
- date_end
-
1999
- keydate
-
1947