Scope and arrangement
The Joel Grey Papers consist mainly of production materials on plays, musicals, films and television programs Grey appeared in. These files include scripts, correspondence, awards, background research files, set design drawings and blueprints, sheet music and production information such as contact sheets, agreements, casting notes, call sheets and rehearsal schedules. Correspondence usually is made up of opening night telegrams and cards and occasionally fan mail. Scripts are often annotated with notes about technical and creative aspects of production. Photographs in this collection are both posed and live production shots, backstage and rehearsal candids and in one case, a series of photographs documenting Grey's hair and make-up routine. There are also publicity materials such as clippings, press releases, interviews, reviews, flyers, souvenir books and programs and copies of Al Hirschfeld drawings. The Special Appearances Files cover not production-specific performances, such as nightclub acts, solo shows, benefits, concerts and recordings and Grey's career in general. The materials on these appearances include scrapbooks, publicity files, negotiations and correspondence.
The Joel Grey papers have a substantial audio/visual component. There are over 70 items in a variety of formats such as VHS videocassettes. audiocassettes, reel to reels and long-playing records. These are recordings of live performances, television appearances, commercial recordings, award shows and press reel footage. Audio/visual materials may be subject to preservation evaluation and migration prior to access. Inquiries regarding audio materials in the collection may be directed to the Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound at rha@nypl.org.
Arrangement
The Production files in the Joel Grey Papers are arranged in alphabetical order by show title. Some of the files on special appearances are arranged chronologically, to maintain original order.