The National Theatre Archive
 The
National Theatre Archive was established by Mr. Richard "Rick"
Schneider, then General Manager of the theatre, in the mid 1970's,
when the formerly privately held theatre became a not-for-profit
organization.
Before Mr. Schneider began, not even a playbill file of any size
existed at the theatre. Miss Helen Teske, who was working in the
box office at the time, made major contributions of time and of
materials from her personal collection of theatre memorabilia. Richard
Kidwell, Robert Pitts, Edward Platt and many others also made valuable
contributions. Miss Teske, Mr. Schneider, and other volunteers sorted
through the materials and began a Timeline list of performers and
performances which would eventually stretch from the opening performance
in 1835 to the present.
Other theatre lovers came forward with programs, posters, photographs,
books, scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, handbills and other memorabilia,
most from the 20th century, but with a few valued treasures from
the 19th century.
Mr. Thomas Shorebird served as Archivist of the collection from
the mid 1980's to the mid-1990's, and made major contributions toward
the physical and digital organization of the collection.
Today the archive is under the care of a cadre of volunteer archivists,
who continue the work of receiving, sorting, processing and cataloguing
materials. See National Theatre
Staff.
The Archive is located backstage on the fourth floor of the dressing
room building. Due to limitations of space and personnel, as well
as considerations of security, the Archive is not open to the public
at the present time — except as a stop on the theatre tour.
However, every effort is made to answer the questions and requests
of professional researchers as well as the queries of amateur theatre
buffs.
Efforts are being made to put the Archive's very extensive History
Timeline on the Internet. This evolving document in-progress lists
complete casts, directors, designers and producers for many of the
attractions which have played the National, and more limited entries
for other productions.
"Seeing Stars," a catalogue of many of the celebrities
who have been connected with the theatre as performers, patrons,
lecturers and employees is also being developed for the Internet.
When operational, performers names will be linked to germane performances
on the Timeline.
Patrons who might have old scrapbooks, photographs or programs
from Washington theatres, particularly items which document activities
prior to 1950, are invited to add them to the collection. Such donations
to the National Theatre are tax-deductible.
To request more information about the National Theatre Archive,
email
Dr. Donn B. Murphy.
Thank you. |
