Summary
Overview
Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library.
General Princeton Theater Collection
10.27 Linear feet, 7 boxes, 1 large framed item, and 1 oversize
folder
Abstract
There are several well-known Princeton theatrical groups, but
students and faculty have also organized many smaller groups over the decades, both
short-term and long-lived. The collection consists of posters, programs, photographs,
news clippings, and a very small amount of design and planning materials gathered about
campus theatrical groups that are not already represented in dedicated archival
collections.
Description
Description
The collection consists of materials gathered about campus theatrical groups that are
not already represented in dedicated archival collections. The materials include
posters, programs, photographs, news clippings, a single VHS videocassette, and a
very small amount of design and planning materials. The collection also contains
clippings about performances of the Princeton University Program in Theater and
Dance, and a small amount of information about student-founded production groups.
Collection Creator
History
From its founding in 1746 through most of the 19th century, students at Princeton had
very few opportunities to engage in theatrical activity. When students spoke onstage, it
was most often for oratorical contests or performances, or in parodies of the same.
Musical performance appears to have gained popularity and acceptance among Princeton
students and faculty before theatrical performance, but by the turn of the 20th century,
both were popular campus pastimes. The Triangle Club and Theatre Intime are the most
well-known Princeton groups to arise from this tradition, but students and faculty have
also organized many smaller groups and productions over the decades, both short-term and
long-lived. These have included the Savoyards, the Princeton Players, Princeton
Repertory Company, residential college groups, and many others.
Collection History
Custodial History
The collection was formed from materials collected by the former Theater Collection
Curator in Firestone Library.
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Christie Peterson with
assistance from Eleanor Wright '14 in March 2011. Finding aid written by Christie Peterson in April 2011.
Access and Use
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
Use Restrictions
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish materials
from the collection must be requested from the University Archivist. Researchers are
responsible for determining any other copyright questions.
Preferred Citation
General Princeton Theater Collection; 1883-1998, Princeton University Archives, Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, Princeton University Library.