American Society for Theatre Research Archives

Subseries 1.1: President, 1979-2009 (6.00 linear feet)

This subseries consists of nine sub-subseries. Dates listed reflect leadership terms:

• 1.1.1 - Joseph W. Donohue (1979-1982, 1982-1985)
• 1.1.2 - Kalman A. Burnim (1985-1988, 1988-1991)
• 1.1.3 - Don B. Wilmeth (1991-1994)
• 1.1.4 - Thomas Potlewait (1994-1997)
• 1.1.5 - Margaret Knapp (1997-2000)
• 1.1.6 - Bruce McConaghie (2000-2003)
• 1.1.7 - Charlotte Canning (2003-2006)
• 1.1.8 - Tracy Davis (2006-2009)
• 1.1.9 - Rhonda Blair (2009-2012)

Subseries 1.2: Chairman, 1956-1979 (1.00)

This subseries consists of five sub-subseries. (Please note that the dates listed below reflect leadership terms.):

• 1.2.1 - Alan S. Downer (co-1956-1957)
• 1.2.2 - Alois M. Nagler (co-1956-1957, 1957-1960)
• 1.2.3 - Henry William Pedicord (1960-1970)
• 1.2.4 - Thomas F. Marshall III (1970-1973)
• 1.2.5 - Bernard Beckerman (1973-1979)

Subseries 1.3: Vice-President, 1985-2009 (0.75 linear feet)

This subseries consists of seven sub-subseries. (Please note that the dates listed below reflect leadership terms.):

• 1.3.1 - Margaret L. Ranald (1985-1988, 1988-1991)
• 1.3.2 - Simon Williams (1991-1994)
• 1.3.3 - Gresdna Doty (1994-1997)
• 1.3.4 - Virginia Scott (1997-2000)
• 1.3.5 - Harry J. Elam, Jr. (2000-2003)
• 1.3.6 - David Savran (2003-2006)
• 1.3.7 - Ric Knowles (2006-2009)

Subseries 1.4: Secretary, 1973-2011 (2.25 linear feet)

This subseries consists of eight sub-subseries. (Please note that the dates listed below reflect leadership terms.):

• 1.4.1 - Robert Dierlam (1973-1975)
• 1.4.2 - Margaret L. Ranald (1976-1979, 1979-1982)
• 1.4.3 - Cory Mazer (1982-1992)
• 1.4.4 - Gordon S. Armstrong (1992-1995)
• 1.4.5 - Don B. Wilmeth (1995-2002)
• 1.4.6 - Gay Gibson Cima (2002-2005)
• 1.4.7 - Kim Marra (2005-2008)
• 1.4.8 - Wendy Arons (2008-2011)

Subseries 1.5: Secretary-Treasurer, 1957-1973, 1975-1976 (2.00 linear feet)

This subseries consists of four sub-subseries. (Please note that the dates listed below reflect leadership terms.):

• 1.5.1 - Paul Kozelka (1957-1959)
• 1.5.2 - Henry W. Wells (1959-1966)
• 1.5.3 - William Green (1966-1973)
• 1.5.4 - Robert Dierlam (1975-1976)

Subseries 1.6: Treasurer, 1973-1975, 1977-2011 (1.00 linear foot)

This subseries consists of seven sub-subseries. (Please note that the dates listed below reflect leadership terms.):

• 1.6.1 - Selma Jeanne Cohen (1973-1975)
• 1.6.2 - David Keller (1977-1985)
• 1.6.3 - Albert Wertheim (1985-2000)
• 1.6.4 - Daniel J. Watermeier (2000-2001)
• 1.6.5 - Natalie Crohn Schmitt (2001-2002)
• 1.6.6 - William F. Condee (2002-2005)
• 1.6.7 - Tobin Nellhaus (2005-2011)

Subseries 1.7: Assistant Treasurer and Recordskeeper, 2000-2002 (0.25 linear ffet)

This position was held by Judy Wilmeth during the last two years of Don Wilmeth's tenure as secretary. Their documents often exist together in the same folders, which can be found in Series 1.4.5, Don Wilmeth's papers. Researchers should look in both series for materials by or relating to Judy Wilmeth.

This subseries consists of one sub-subseries. (Please note that the dates listed below reflect leadership terms.):

• 1.7.1 - Judy Wilmeth (2000-2002)

Subseries 2.1: Executive Committee, 1956-2004 (12.75 linear feet)

This subseries contains materials relating to the annual meetings, which includes both the committee meeting in the spring and the meeting at the Annual Conference in the Fall, as well as materials on the by-laws, job descriptions, financial reports, and committee correspondence. The bulk of materials from the meetings come from the officers and the contents of the folders are general, containing items such as minutes, agendas, and reports. Materials from the meetings that are personal to a specific officer can be found in Series 1 in the officer's papers, so researchers are advised to look there also. The series is organized chronologically by year. Some of the folders contain information on just one meeting. Others contain collected information on multiple meetings and have been arranged by the first year of the materials they contain (so 1971-1976 is filed with 1971). Minutes for the meetings can be found throughout 2.1.1, and also at the end of that sub-subseries the minutes are collected without any other papers accompanying them. There are electronic files from this series available on the SCPA server. (Portions of this subseries are closed at the present time.)

This subseries consists of five sub-subseries:

• 2.1.1 - Meeting
• 2.1.2 - By-law Subcommittees
• 2.1.3 - Job Descriptions/Applications
• 2.1.4 - Correspondence
• 2.1.5 - Financial Matters

Subseries 2.2: Nominating Committee, 1972-1996 (1.00 linear feet)

This subseries contains reports, correspondence, and ballots related to the task of the nominating committee to fill empty positions on the Executive Committee. There are electronic files from this series available on the SCPA server. (Portions of this subseries are closed at the present time.)

Subseries 2.3: Porgram Committee, 1976-1986 (0.5 linear feet)

This subseries contains correspondence and materials related to the creation of the program for the annual conference. There are electronic files from this series on the SCPA server.

Subseries 2.4: Research Committee, 1975-1989 (0.75 linear feet)

This subseries contains materials relating to the research committee's task of sponsoring and encouraging good research practices and continuing research activity. This sub-series also contains materials on the International Bibliography of Theatre (IBT) that pertain to the Research Committee. Other materials on IBT are also found in 2.5.2 under the Publications Committee. There is also room in this subseries for information on research initiatives and the Theatre Research Data Center when those materials become available.

This subseries consists of four sub-subseries; the third is broken into four sections:

• 2.4.1 - Committee Matters
• 2.4.2 - IBT
• 2.4.3 - Research Initiatives
• 2.4.3.1 - Proposals
• 2.4.3.2 - Grants
• 2.4.3.3 - Research Issues
• 2.4.3.4 - Proposed Projects
• 2.4.4 - Theatre Research Data Center

Subseries 2.5: Publications Committee, 1972-1995 (2/75 linear feet)

This subseries contains correspondence and reports on the initiatives of the committee and the logistics of creating ASTR's publications, including reports on finances and statistics, correspondence with publishers, information on IBT, and special publication projects. There are electronic files from this series available on the SCPA server. The actual publications can be found in Series 3.

This subseries consists of four sub-subseries:

• 2.5.1 - Committee Matters
• 2.5.2 - IBT
• 2.5.3 - Special Book Publications
• 2.5.4 - Correspondence

Subseries 2.6: Fellowship Committee, 1983-1991 (0.50 folders)

This subseries contains materials regarding the competition for and selection of fellowships given by ASTR, as well as creating awareness of fellowship opportunities with other organizations such as IFTR. Included in this subseries are applications, inquiries, and recommendation letters for candidates competing for the fellowships. (Portions of this subseries are closed at the present time.)

Subseries 2.7: Membership Committee, 1958-2005 (8.00 linear feet)

This subseries contains information relating to the membership of ASTR including Member Lists and Directories, nomination letters, membership drives, correspondence, surveys, applications, and dues. Notification of new members and changes of address are in the correspondence folders. Although this subseries contains membership lists, some lists of only the Executive Committee members are filed in the Executive Committee series.

This subseries consits of eight sub-subseries:

• 2.7.1 - Meeting Minutes
• 2.7.2 - Member Lists/Directory Information
• 2.7.3 - Nomination Letters
• 2.7.4 - Membership Drive
• 2.7.5 - Correspondence
• 2.7.6 - Surveys
• 2.7.7 - Applications
• 2.7.8 - Dues

Subseries 2.8: Special Committees, 1987-2001 (0.75 linear foot)

This subseries contains information on the Summer Institutes Committee and the Bernard Hewitt Award Committee. The Summer Institutes Committee contains materials on possible NEH-funded summer research opportunities for faculty and graduate students, including correspondence, planning materials for the institute, and the NEH grant. The Bernard Hewitt Award Committee (1987-2001) materials include correspondence referring to the nomination, discussion, and selection of the author whose book will receive this award.

This subseries consists of two sub-subseries:

• 2.8.1 - Summer Institutes Committee
• 2.8.2 - Bernard Hewitt Award Committee

Subseries 3.1: Theatre Survey, 1963-2001 (3.00 linear feet)

This subseries contains information directly relating to the contents, publication, and distribution of ASTR's journal Theatre Survey. These materials include reports, correspondence, papers from the editors, and information regarding the transfer of the position of editor. Microfilm and floppy disks containing copies of Theatre Survey from 1995-2000 can be found in the media box. (Portions of this subseries are closed at the present time.)

Subseries 3.2: Special Issues, 1975-1985 (0.50 linear feet)

This subseries contains information on the publication and sale of ASTR's Special Issues projects. These materials include correspondence, records of book sales, reports, and publisher information.

Subseries 3.3: Newsletter, 1957-2005 (2.00 linear feet)

This subseries contains copies of the Newsletter from 1957-2005 as well as financial information about its creation.

Subseries 3.4: Directory of Doctoral Programs in Theatre Studies, 1990-1996 (0.25 linear feet)

This subseries contains materials relating to the creation of this publication, including questionnaires, reports, and a copy of the publication from 1996.

Subseries 4.1: Conference Planning, 1989-2005 (1.75 linear feet)

This subseries contains materials related to the planning and logistics of the annual conference. Materials include correspondence with venues, budget estimates and expenditure reports, travel information, catering reports, book display materials, and information relating to events at specific conferences. There are electronic files from this series available on the SCPA server.

Subseries 4.2: Conference Programs, 1961-2005 (0.5 linear feet)

This subseries contains copies of the conference programs from the years 1961, 1974-76, 1979-86, 1988-96, 1998, 1999, 2001-2005.

Subseries 4.3: Prizes/Awards, 1984-1987 (0.25 linear feet)

This subseries contains information on the awards given annually at the conference. Materials on the Younger Scholar's Prize include nomination letters, acceptance letters, financial and travel plans, prize committee correspondence, and copies of some of the nominated articles. (Portions of this subseries are closed at the present time.)

This subseries consists of one sub-subseries:

• 4.3.1 - Younger Scholars Prize

Subseries 4.4: Copies of Conference Papers, 1982-2006 and undated (1.25 linear feet)

This subseries contains materials relating to panels and papers given at the annual conference, including copies of conference papers, both rejected and accepted abstracts, and panel proposals. There are electronic files from this series available on the SCPA server.

Subseries 4.5: State of Profession Panel, 1985-2003 (0.5 linear feet)

This subseries contains copies of the papers given at the State of Profession Panels held at the annual conference and correspondence regarding that panel. (Portions of this subseries are closed at the present time.)

Subseries 5.1: American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), 1966-2000 (2.25 linear feet)

This subseries contains materials relating to the association and shared initiatives of ASTR and ACLS. This includes correspondence between the two groups, especially by the ASTR delegate to ACLS, information on the annual ACLS conference, travel grant awards, membership information, materials from the Conference of Administrative Officers, and reports from the ASTR delegate. The subseries is arranged chronologically.

Subseries 5.2: International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX), 1985-1991 (0.5 linear feet)

This subseries contains information on the relationship and initiatives between ASTR and IREX, including the US-USSR Commission on Theatre and Dance Studies of the American Council of Learned Societies and the Theatre Union of the USSR. Materials include correspondence between ACLS, ASTR, and IREX, written agreements between the organizations, a guidebook for the commission, and the exchange of scholars and graduate students between the USA and the USSR. This subseries is arranged chronologically.

Subseries 5.3: International Federation of Theatre Research (IFTR), 1957-2003 (2.25 linear feet)

This subseries contains information on the relationship and common initiatives of ASTR and IFTR, including information on IFTR's annual conference. Materials include the publication of conference proceedings, conference schedules and programs, executive committee minutes, reports, correspondence, travel grants, membership information, and materials specific to certain conferences and locations. This subseries also contains materials on the Venice Scholarship, including information on the deciding committee and the recipients. The subseries is arranged chronologically, and most folders refer to a specific IFTR conference.

Subseries 5.4: Theatre Library Association (TLA), 1978-1999 (0.25 linear feet)

This subseries contains materials specifically on the relationship between ASTR and TLA including correspondence, information on joint membership with ASTR and TLA, the TLA conference, the committee on relations between ASTR and TLA, and the ASTR-TLA Lecture Series. Other joint ASTR-TLA initiatives can be found in Suberies 2.3 and Series 4 in materials related to the ASTR annual conference, in Suberies 6.1, CHAPE, and Suberies 6.2, Musical Theatre in America Conference.

Subseries 5.5: National Humanities Alliance (NHA), 1981-2001 (0.50 linear feet)

This subseries contains materials relating to ASTR's involvement in the NHA. These materials include NHA newsletters, correspondence, clippings, and reports on the actions of political entities like Congress and the NEH, and budget information. The subseries is arranged chronologically.

Subseries 5.6: Modern Language Association (MLA) Consortium, 1981-1987 (0.25 linear feet)

This subseries contains materials relating to the MLA Computer Consortium Agreement with ASTR, including a written document of that agreement, correspondence about services, membership information, and financial information.

Subseries 5.7: National Research Council (NRC), 1998-2002 (0.25 linear feet)

This subseries contains information on ASTR's involvement with the NRC, including correspondence and published materials about the NRC's evaluation of doctoral programs in the humanities.

Subseries 6.1: CHAPE, 1971-1981 (2.5 linear feet)

This subseries contains information on the annual Conference on the History of American Popular Entertainment, sponsored by ASTR and TLA. The subseries is divided up into conference materials, including correspondence, programs, minutes, planning materials, abstracts, fundraising efforts, and advertising; conference papers; published proceedings, which contains materials related to the publication of the conference papers; financial information; and photographs. The subseries is arranged chronologically where possible.

This subseries consists of five sub-subseries:

• 6.1.1 - Conference Materials
• 6.1.2 - Conference Papers
• 6.1.3 - Published Proceedings
• 6.1.4 - Financial Information
• 6.1.5 - Photographs

Subseries 6.2: Musical Theatre in America Conference, 1980-1984 (0.75 linear feet)

This subseries contains information relating to the annual conference sponsored by ASTR, the Music Library Association, the Sonneck Society, and the Theatre Library Association. Materials include correspondence about the conference, abstracts, acceptance and rejection notices, financial records, programs, and publishing information. The general materials on the conference are arranged chronologically and cover the years 1980-81. The financial information from 1980-84 appears at the end of the subseries.

Subseries 6.3: ISPE, 1987-1991 (0.25 linear feet)

This subseries contains materials including budget information, reflections on the conference, correspondence about publishing the proceedings, and financial information.

Subseries 7.1: History, 1971-2006 (0.25 linear feet)

This subseries contains materials relating to the history of the society, including By-laws, admission to ACLS, purpose statement, and correspondence about Gary William's article on the history of ASTR.

Subseries 7.2: Society Legal Papers, 1966-2003 (0.5 linear feet)

This subseries contains materials relating to the organization and establishment of ASTR as a society, including non-profit paperwork, incorporation papers, copyright papers, and tax exemption status.

Subseries 7.3: Archives, 1971-1999 (0.25 linear feet)

This subseries contains documentation and correspondence of the continued process of housing and archiving historical ASTR materials, including archivist's reports, correspondence about confidentiality, the organizing principles behind the archive, and correspondence about its location.

Subseries 7.4: Oral Histories, 1978 (0.25 linear feet)

This subseries contains a cassette tape of an oral history interview of Harry Pedicord: New Haven 10/21/78 (interview between Phyllis Dirks and Harry Pedicord 10/21/1978).

Subseries 7.5: Historical Financial Documents, 1966-2002 (2.00 linear feet)

This subseries contains account ledgers, petty cash receipts, and bank statements for ASTR, Musical Theatre in America Conference, and International Symposium on Popular Entertainment.