Gilbert, John, 1810-1889
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 4406
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
A small collection of miscellany relating to American actor Johns Gibbs Gilbert, including ephemera and theatrical programs from productions of the Gilbert Dramatic Association at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and a prop plot for an 1889...
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A small collection of miscellany relating to American actor Johns Gibbs Gilbert, including ephemera and theatrical programs from productions of the Gilbert Dramatic Association at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and a prop plot for an 1889 production of The Professor
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Fawcett, George, 1860-1939
Billy Rose Theatre Division | *T-Mss 2012-055
6.27 linear feet (16 boxes, 1 volume)
The collection dates from 1857 to 1939 and contains photographs, scrapbooks, programs, articles, correspondence, writings, and other materials pertaining to American actors George Fawcett and Percy Haswell Fawcett.
Mountford, Harry
Billy Rose Theatre Division | *T-Mss 2012-037
4.23 linear feet (9 boxes)
The Harry Mountford and Lottie Briscoe papers (1871-1950) document the careers and personal lives of performer, writer, and labor rights advocate Harry Mountford and his wife Lottie Briscoe, an early film and stage actress. The bulk of the...
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The Harry Mountford and Lottie Briscoe papers (1871-1950) document the careers and personal lives of performer, writer, and labor rights advocate Harry Mountford and his wife Lottie Briscoe, an early film and stage actress. The bulk of the collection concerns Mountford’s union activity with the White Rats, Variety Artistes’ Federation, and Associated Actors and Artistes of America. The collection contains meeting minutes, union publications and handouts, press clippings, scripts, booking contracts, personal correspondence and keepsakes, theater ephemera, and photographic materials.
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Mansfield, Richard, 1857-1907
Billy Rose Theatre Division | *T-Mss 2000-016
.1 linear feet (1 portfolio)
Richard Mansfield, actor, was born in Berlin in 1854. He began his career on the London stage but by 1882 he had migrated to the United States and was appearing in the New York theater. Mansfield was instrumental in introducing the works of George...
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Richard Mansfield, actor, was born in Berlin in 1854. He began his career on the London stage but by 1882 he had migrated to the United States and was appearing in the New York theater. Mansfield was instrumental in introducing the works of George Bernard Shaw to the American stage. In his last theatrical performance he played the title role of PEER GYNT in the first English language production of that play. Three letters written by Richard Mansfield to a W. W. Blackmer of Boston. Also includes 8 images. All materials are glued onto pages that appear to have been removed from a scrapbook.
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Sothern, E. H. (Edward Hugh), 1859-1933
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 2820
10 linear feet (12 boxes, 9 v.)
Edward Hugh Sothern (1859-1933) was an American actor and author who appeared on the New York and London stages; Julia Marlowe (1865-1950) was a successful actress in New York. They became co-stars in 1904, were married in 1911, and toured, mainly...
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Edward Hugh Sothern (1859-1933) was an American actor and author who appeared on the New York and London stages; Julia Marlowe (1865-1950) was a successful actress in New York. They became co-stars in 1904, were married in 1911, and toured, mainly in Shakespeare plays, until her final retirement in 1924. Sothern devoted much of his later years to public readings, lectures and writing. Collection consists of correspondence, writings, theatre materials, financial and legal papers, and photographs. Correspondence, ca. 1860-1950, is between Sothern and Marlowe and with colleagues, family and friends; other correspondence concerns business and legal matters. Literary papers, ca. 1908-1929, contain notes, copy books, drafts, and typescripts of essays, poems, lectures, articles, and books by Sothern and Marlowe. Theatre-related materials, 1920s-1930s, include papers on Sothern's recitals, notes, prompt books, account books, box office statements, and 1926 Actors' Equity scrapbook. Financial and legal materials, 1908-1940s, pertain to theatrical finances and personal affairs. Also, photographs of Sothern and Marlowe, and their family and friends.
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Bayfield, St. Clair, 1875-1967
Billy Rose Theatre Division | *T-Mss 1989-004
2 linear feet (4 boxes, 6 scrapbooks)
St. Clair Bayfield (John St. Clair Roberts), a character actor known for his many Shakespearean roles, was born August 2, 1875 in Cheltenham, England. After Mr. Bayfield died on May 19, 1967, his widow, Kathleen Bayfield, helped to establish an...
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St. Clair Bayfield (John St. Clair Roberts), a character actor known for his many Shakespearean roles, was born August 2, 1875 in Cheltenham, England. After Mr. Bayfield died on May 19, 1967, his widow, Kathleen Bayfield, helped to establish an annual award in his name. The award, administered by Actors Equity Association, is given to an actor or actress in a non-featured role in a Shakespearean production. The St. Clair Bayfield collection contains clippings, correspondence, photographs, a poster, programs, scripts and other material that document Mr. Bayfield's acting career and the St. Clair Bayfield awards.
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Stage Women's War Relief
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 2856
.6 linear feet (2 boxes)
Stage Women's War Relief was organized in New York City at the beginning of World War I to coordinate the efforts of volunteers among women in the theatre. They provided hospital supplies and clothing for soldiers in Europe, conducted Liberty Loan...
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Stage Women's War Relief was organized in New York City at the beginning of World War I to coordinate the efforts of volunteers among women in the theatre. They provided hospital supplies and clothing for soldiers in Europe, conducted Liberty Loan drives, arranged entertainments and stage performances for troops, and opened a canteen in 1918 for soldiers and sailors in New York City. Collection consists of correspondence and other records of the Stage Women's War Relief as well as some papers of Daisy Humphreys, National Chairman of the Press Dept. Records include correspondence, 1918-1919; music and short plays performed at bond rallies and troop centers; and printed matter. Humphreys's papers contain correspondence, 1927-1938; and programs, 1890s, and magazines, 1914, concerning her acting career and interest in the French stage.
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Pearl, Jack
Billy Rose Theatre Division | *T-Mss 1985-001
1.67 linear feet (4 boxes)
The Jack Pearl Papers consist of correspondence, contracts, scripts, programs and photographs and are primarily of his professional life and career.
Barton, James, 1890-1962
Billy Rose Theatre Division | *T-Mss 1996-028
15.75 linear feet (47 boxes)
James Barton (1890-1962) was an American actor, singer, dancer and comedian in vaudeville, theatre, film and television. The James Barton papers document the career and personal life of James Barton through production files, scripts, sheet music,...
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James Barton (1890-1962) was an American actor, singer, dancer and comedian in vaudeville, theatre, film and television. The James Barton papers document the career and personal life of James Barton through production files, scripts, sheet music, photographs, scrapbooks, contracts, publicity materials, correspondence, and personal ephemera.
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Schindler, Ewald, 1891-1948
Billy Rose Theatre Division | 8MWEZ 28410
.5 linear feet, (1 box)
The Schindler papers consist of correspondence, photographs, newspaper clippings, pencil drawings, programmes, production schedules, and other material related to the career of Ewald Schindler. The collection includes extensive correspondence...
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The Schindler papers consist of correspondence, photographs, newspaper clippings, pencil drawings, programmes, production schedules, and other material related to the career of Ewald Schindler. The collection includes extensive correspondence between Schindler and Liljan Espenak as well as photographic material, covering both Schindler's life and many of his dramatic roles.
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Jones, George, d. 1878
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 1589
.3 linear feet (1 box)
George Jones (d. 1878), an American actor and lecturer, was known as "Count Joannes.". Collection consists of Jones's correspondence with family members and others. Topics include his career as lecturer and orator, business matters and lawsuits.
Wilson, Francis, 1854-1935
Billy Rose Theatre Division | *T-Mss 1998-016
.63 linear feet (2 boxes)
Francis Wilson (1854-1935), actor and author, was a member of the legitimate comedy group at the Chestnut Street Theatre, 1887-1888, in Philadelphia, and became involved in comic opera as the leading actor of McCaull Opera Company, 1885-1889. He...
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Francis Wilson (1854-1935), actor and author, was a member of the legitimate comedy group at the Chestnut Street Theatre, 1887-1888, in Philadelphia, and became involved in comic opera as the leading actor of McCaull Opera Company, 1885-1889. He subsequently organized his own company, was president of the Actor's Theatre, and wrote several biographies, e.g., John Wilkes Booth and Joseph Jefferson, and drama, e.g., "The Magic Ring.". The collection contains Wilson's letters, 1890-1911, to his friend DeWitt Miller, book collector. Miller is addressed by his nickname "Jahu". The letters are primarily concerned with personal matters, Francis Wilson career as an actor, and the family hobby of collecting books, autographs, book-plates and monograms. The letters were written in New Rochelle, New York, at Wilson's home, "The Orchard" and while Wilson was on road tours.
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Wilson, Francis, 1854-1935
Billy Rose Theatre Division | *T-Mss 1998-015
.21 linear feet (1 box)
Francis Wilson (1854-1935), actor and author, was a member of the legitimate comedy group at the Chestnut Street Theatre, 1887-1888, in Philadelphia, and became involved in comic opera as the leading actor of McCaull Opera Company, 1885-1889. He...
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Francis Wilson (1854-1935), actor and author, was a member of the legitimate comedy group at the Chestnut Street Theatre, 1887-1888, in Philadelphia, and became involved in comic opera as the leading actor of McCaull Opera Company, 1885-1889. He subsequently organized his own company, was president of the Actor's Theatre, and wrote several biographies, e.g., John Wilkes Booth and Joseph Jefferson, and drama, e.g., "The Magic Ring.". The collection contains Wilson's letters, 1889-1905, to his friend Otto Fleischner (1852-1939), assistant librarian of the Boston Public Library. The letters are primarily concerned with personal matters, Francis Wilson's career as an actor, Wilson's interest in Joseph Jefferson, and the family hobby of collecting book-plates and monograms. The letters were written in New Rochelle, New York, at Wilson's home, "The Orchard" and while Wilson was on road tours. Included as well, are thank you notes from Wilson's children to Otto Fleischner for gifts.
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Wilson, Francis, 1854-1935
Billy Rose Theatre Division | *T-Mss 1999-020
The collection contains correspondence, speeches, accounts, clippings, scripts and other papers reflecting the personal and professional life of Francis Wilson. Wilson carried on an active correspondence with many contemporaries prominent in the...
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The collection contains correspondence, speeches, accounts, clippings, scripts and other papers reflecting the personal and professional life of Francis Wilson. Wilson carried on an active correspondence with many contemporaries prominent in the theatrical or literary field. The large series of speeches illustrates his wide-ranging interests. There is material on the plays in which he appeared, especially ERMINIE, and information on his involvement with the Players Club, but very little documenting his role as first president of the Actors' Equity Association or on the pivotal strike he led in 1919. The main political battle documented in these papers is Wilson's efforts to keep child actors out from under the jurisdiction of state labor laws. There is also some information on Wilson's family and his personal financial transactions.
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Langtry, Lillie, 1853-1929
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 18078
.1 linear feet (1 folder)
Lillie Langtry (1853-1929), an English actress, organized her own company and toured in Europe and the U.S. Collection consists of letters from Lillie Langtry to Clement Scott, drama critic, from London, Paris, the provinces of France, and...
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Lillie Langtry (1853-1929), an English actress, organized her own company and toured in Europe and the U.S. Collection consists of letters from Lillie Langtry to Clement Scott, drama critic, from London, Paris, the provinces of France, and America, asking for advice on various theatrical ventures, discussing plays in which she appeared and intended to appear, and mentioning such actors and actresses as the Bancrofts, Sarah Bernhardt, Arthur Bouchier, and Ellen Terry.
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Malone, John, -1906
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 1852
1 linear foot (3 boxes)
John Malone (d. 1906) was an American actor. Collection consists of correspondence, writings and legal and family papers. Includes letters of theatrical people, mostly American, collected by Malone, together with some of Malone's personal...
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John Malone (d. 1906) was an American actor. Collection consists of correspondence, writings and legal and family papers. Includes letters of theatrical people, mostly American, collected by Malone, together with some of Malone's personal correspondence and that of his family; Marcus Moriarty's autobiography of his theatrical career, his correspondence and a few contracts; several letters of non-theatrical contemporaries; materials on spiritualism and temperance; correspondence, 1928, of the Union Square Book Shop; and a genealogy of the Shelley family.
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Howson, John J
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 1448
.21 linear feet (1 volume)
Two pocket diaries kept by John J. Howson, actor and musician, of New York. Diaries document his work in New York, and while on tour in San Francisco, Sacramento, Virginia City, Reno, and elsewhere. Diaries contain notes on rehearsals, plays,...
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Two pocket diaries kept by John J. Howson, actor and musician, of New York. Diaries document his work in New York, and while on tour in San Francisco, Sacramento, Virginia City, Reno, and elsewhere. Diaries contain notes on rehearsals, plays, performances, salary, professional expenditures, and family matters
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Kippen, Manart, 1892-1947
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 1653
1 box
Manart Kippen was an American actor. Collection consists of papers of Manart Kippen and, in part, letters and papers of author Minna C. Smith, including two letters from Edward Everett Hale. Kippen papers include correspondence, 1915-1947,...
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Manart Kippen was an American actor. Collection consists of papers of Manart Kippen and, in part, letters and papers of author Minna C. Smith, including two letters from Edward Everett Hale. Kippen papers include correspondence, 1915-1947, consisting of letters from actors and actresses, playwrights, theatrical producers and agents; and miscellaneous documents. Correspondents include Julia Marlowe, George Arliss, Alfred Lunt, and Davis Belasco, among others.
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Lytton, L. Rogers, 1867-1924
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 1823
.3 linear feet (1 box)
Legare Rogers Lytton (1867-1924) was an actor, director and architect of New York City. His real name was Oscar Legare Rogers. Collection consists of Lytton's diaries and notebooks containing architectural notes and drawings. Other topics include...
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Legare Rogers Lytton (1867-1924) was an actor, director and architect of New York City. His real name was Oscar Legare Rogers. Collection consists of Lytton's diaries and notebooks containing architectural notes and drawings. Other topics include his work as an actor on the stage and in motion pictures, and personal matters. Also, copies of plays, his notes on stagecraft and address book.
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Smyth, Clifford, 1866-
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 2798
.84 linear feet (2 boxes)
Clifford Smyth was a literary critic and editor of the New York Times Book Review. The nature of Smyth's relationship to American actress, dramatist, and poet Anna Cora Ogden Mowatt Ritchie is unknown. Smyth's papers consist of letters from...
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Clifford Smyth was a literary critic and editor of the New York Times Book Review. The nature of Smyth's relationship to American actress, dramatist, and poet Anna Cora Ogden Mowatt Ritchie is unknown. Smyth's papers consist of letters from William Dean Howells, Percy MacKaye, Richard Le Gallienne, and Upton Sinclair dating between 1914-1931. The papers also include a collection of commonplace books, prompt books, scripts, and other material belonging to Anna Cora Ogden Mowatt Ritchie dating from the 1820s through the 1860s.
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Greet, Ben, Sir, 1857-1936
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 1241
1.3 linear feet (3 boxes)
Philip Ben Greet (1857-1936) was an English actor and theater manager. Collection consists of papers reflecting Greet's career in the theater. Includes correspondence, 1881-1936, concerning his American productions of Shakespeare's plays; notes on...
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Philip Ben Greet (1857-1936) was an English actor and theater manager. Collection consists of papers reflecting Greet's career in the theater. Includes correspondence, 1881-1936, concerning his American productions of Shakespeare's plays; notes on Shakespeare and on Greet's lectures and stage productions; forewords by A.J. Lofvgren to various Shakespearean plays; a synopsis by Elma Dangerfield of a film version of Julius Caesar; records of the Shakespeare Film Society in London; accounts, tour lists and cue sheets; and other papers.
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Boniface family
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 332
Papers of the Boniface and Jones families. The collection, ca. 1828-1902, consists primarily of manuscripts of plays, most of which were written by Joseph Stevens Jones. Also includes prompt books, account books, diaries, and other family writings.
Boucicault family
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 346
.4 linear feet (1 box)
Dion Boucicault (1820-1890) was one of the most popular playwrights of his day. Although born in Ireland, he spent many years in the U.S. (from 1853 to 1869 and from 1870 to 1890). He also was a well-known actor and theatrical manager and a key...
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Dion Boucicault (1820-1890) was one of the most popular playwrights of his day. Although born in Ireland, he spent many years in the U.S. (from 1853 to 1869 and from 1870 to 1890). He also was a well-known actor and theatrical manager and a key figure in the fight for passage of a copyright law. Agnes Boucicault (1883-1916), his wife, was an actress who played in the U.S. and England. Their son Aubrey Boucicault (1869-1913) was an actor. Collection consists of correspondence of members of the Boucicault family, some family papers, manuscript copy of Dion Boucicault's play Led Astray, and notes and fragments of his writngs.
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Abel, Walter, 1898-1987
Billy Rose Theatre Division | *T-Mss 1993-050
The papers of Walter Abel consist primarily of correspondence, contracts, speeches, and clippings documenting his work as an actor. The professional correspondence is not extensive: the bulk is single letters received from a wide variety of...
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The papers of Walter Abel consist primarily of correspondence, contracts, speeches, and clippings documenting his work as an actor. The professional correspondence is not extensive: the bulk is single letters received from a wide variety of individuals, much of it letters of thanks. A few outgoing letters discuss proposed productions. Correspondents include John Golden, Robert Edmond Jones and Eugene Ormandy. The contracts file is incomplete. Speeches, for the most part lectures on Shakespeare, theater history, and the psychology of acting, reflect his tireless work promoting the theater to college students and others. Clippings consist of production reviews and interviews with Abel. Production materials are mostly miscellaneous single items such as call sheets and schedules from films in which Abel appeared. Organizational work consists of minutes and correspondence pertaining to his work with ANTA, the Hollywood Victory Committee and other war service organizations. The collection also contains personal material on his family, awards, and a few scrapbooks of photographs.
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Whiteside, Walker, 1869-1942
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 3315
1 box
Actor. Chiefly letters to Whiteside from other theatrical figures and admirers relating to his Shakespearian and other roles in New York and on tour. Also the original manuscript of his play, We Are King.
A'Becket family
Billy Rose Theatre Division | *T-Mss 1991-002
The A'Becket Family Diaries and Prompt Books include handwritten memoirs and daily notations regarding the life and career of Thomas A'Becket, Sr. from 1844 to 1890. The diaries show the extent of A'Becket's theatrical activities. The diaries of...
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The A'Becket Family Diaries and Prompt Books include handwritten memoirs and daily notations regarding the life and career of Thomas A'Becket, Sr. from 1844 to 1890. The diaries show the extent of A'Becket's theatrical activities. The diaries of his son, Thomas A'Becket, Jr. are primarily music related. These diaries span the years 1862 to 1880. The scripts and prompt books are sometimes annotated and sometimes unmarked and belonged to Thomas A'Becket, Sr. They span his career and some give information on the theater and year of the production. The collection appears to be a useful research source for detailing the life of a stock actor, writer and musician of the 19th century. A'Becket includes information on his work schedule and his travel schedule in the circuit theaters. Information as well, regarding his family, friends and acquaintances can be found in the diaries.
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Held, Anna, 1877?-1918
Billy Rose Theatre Division | *T-Mss 1990-010
The Anna Held Museum Papers consist of correspondence, photographs and manuscripts, which document the careers and personal lives of Anna Held, Florenz Ziegfeld, Billie Burke and Liane Carrera. Drafts of Anna Held's biography are among the papers.
Fischer, Alice, 1869-1947
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 1004
.4 linear feet (1 box)
Alice Fischer (1869-1947) was an American actress. Collection contains correspondence, telegrams, clippings, and other papers relating to Fischer's career and that of her husband, William Harcourt King. Also, letters, four pocket diaries and other...
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Alice Fischer (1869-1947) was an American actress. Collection contains correspondence, telegrams, clippings, and other papers relating to Fischer's career and that of her husband, William Harcourt King. Also, letters, four pocket diaries and other papers of comedian Frank Mayo.
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Mudd, Aloysius I. (Aloysius Ignatius), 1844-
Billy Rose Theatre Division | *T-Mss 1951-001
The Mudd Collection consists of correspondence, writings, reviews, clippings, programs, theatrical portraits and one scrapbook documenting all forms of performance and popular entertainment in Washington, D.C.
Burnside, R.H., 1870-1952
Manuscripts and Archives Division | MssCol 436
52 linear feet (120 boxes)
Collection contains correspondence, manuscripts, financial papers, production records, photographs, and printed matter. Correspondence consists of requests for work or placement in a particular show, either at the New York Hippodrome or another of...
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Collection contains correspondence, manuscripts, financial papers, production records, photographs, and printed matter. Correspondence consists of requests for work or placement in a particular show, either at the New York Hippodrome or another of the theaters with which Burnside was affiliated, as well as correspondence referring to the logistics of productions, publicity and financial arrangements, club memberships, and professional organizations such as ASCAP. Other correspondence refers to his endeavors in the film industry, as a director with Paramount in New York City, 1923-1925, and in Hollywood, 1935-1938. Correspondence also concerns the Philadelphia Sesquicentennial Celebration of 1926. Financial papers consist of theater accounts, box office and royalty statements, and securities and insurance records. Production notes include cast lists, property lists, program outlines, stage directions, reports, scripts, synopses, and light plots. Publicity photographs are accompanied by letters seeking auditions or parts in Burnside productions. Printed matter includes sheet music, promotional materials, newsclippings of reviews, and articles referring to Burnside, performers, shows, and productions he staged.
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