- Creator
- Ellis, Michael, 1917-2008
- Call number
- *T-Mss 2013-125
- Physical description
- .21 linear feet (1 box)
- Preferred Citation
Michael Ellis letters, *T-Mss 2013-125. Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library.
- Repository
- Billy Rose Theatre Division
- Access to materials
- Request an in-person research appointment.
Michael Ellis (1917-2008) was a theatre producer, stage manager, and actor. Ellis was the managing director and owner of the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania from 1954 to 1964, where he became known for his support of up-and-coming playwrights. The Michael Ellis letters date from 1950 to 1970 and contain letters received by Ellis from new playwrights seeking his assistance or advice in having their work staged. The content of the letters reveal the struggles experienced by unknown playwrights attempting to gain recognition in the theatre. Many letters date from Ellis's tenure at Bucks County Playhouse. Enclosures such as synopses, publicity sheets, and plot summaries are included, and the collection holds letters from multiple playwrights who maintained contact with Ellis following their initial query.
Administrative information
Source of acquisition
Gift of Michael Ellis, 2007.
Processing information
Compiled by Weatherly Stephan, 2014
Using the collection
Location
Billy Rose Theatre DivisionNew 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
Request an in-person research appointment.Conditions Governing Use
The author/creator retains copyright of materials. For information on obtaining permission to publish, contact the Theatre Division at theatrediv@nypl.org.