Scope and arrangement
The Richard Kornberg and Associates records date from 1990 to 2011, and consist of files utilized by the firm to manage marketing and public relations campaigns for performing arts organizations, theatre productions, and performers. The bulk of the collection is comprised of files for individual clients, however there is a small collection of administrative files that consist of general correspondence, files of theatre information, media and contact lists, unlabeled photographs, and short biographies of Richard Kornberg.
Most of the client files contain background information, internal memoranda, photographs, and press releases, conveying RKA's plans to market and promote each client. Some files also include more detailed marketing strategies, correspondence with the client, press clippings, press kits, promotional posters, and video footage. These materials provide a glimpse into the manner in which theatre productions, organizations, and performers are promoted, and the array of strategies and techniques employed to do so.
The most predominantly represented productions are Hairspray, Jekyll and Hyde, and Rent. These files hold a significant amount of photographs, which includes headshots and images from live performances, not all of which were ultimately utilized in the marketing and promotional campaigns. Also included are marketing strategies, and in the case of Hairspray, a marketing plan specifically targeting a "tween" audience.
The Papermill Playhouse is the most prominently represented organization. RKA kept individual files of the theatre's productions, which includes Death of a Salesman, Evita, Gigi, and Gypsy. There are also correspondence, mailings, memoranda, programs, and photographs held in the theatre's files.
RKA collected actor biographies, press clippings, and programs of their clients' previous work to create the background information files. The memoranda and correspondence files provide insight into RKA's planning and strategies, which include both internal communications and conversations with the client regarding RKA's plans and objectives. The press releases and clippings illustrate the coverage clients received after contracting with RKA. Photographs and videos contained in these client files are notable since not all these materials were utilized for promotional purposes, and therefore may not have been made available previously.
Arrangement
Files are arranged alphabetically by production, performer, and organization name.