Studio Theatre Archives, The
Abstract
Founded in 1978 through collaboration between artistic director Joy Zinoman, designer Russell Metheny, and arts advocate Virginia Crawford, The Studio Theatre has grown into a premiere cultural organization of Washington D.C. With four performance spaces, a partnership with the Acting Conservatory, and numerous community outreach programs, Studio Theatre is able to deliver a diverse array of special events, performances, and professional and educational training. This collection contains the professional materials of The Studio Theatre such as financial documents, production materials, renovation and expansion documents, board minutes and information, awards, press materials, and photographs as well as pre-Studio and personal materials of the founding members.
Important Information for Users of the Collection
There are no restricted files in this collection.
Studio Theatre Archives, The, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries.
Materials from this collection must be used in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library's Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Special Collections Room, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Please make an appointment with the curator: Vincent J. Novara Tel: 301.405.9220, Email: vnovara@umd.edu
This collection is PROCESSED.
Historical Note
The Studio Theatre began in 1978 as a collaboration between Artistic Director Joy Zinoman and Designer Russell Metheny with support of arts advocate Virginia Crawford. Prior to the beginning of TST, Metheny and Zinoman had worked together on successful productions for Washingtons West End Theatre. The Studio Theatre strives to produce plays that focus on interaction between actor and audience and thus has used intimate performance spaces since its founding. In the late 1980s two more production divisions were introduced: The Studio 2ndStage and Special Events. As additions to The Studio Theatres subscription season, Special Events showcases works by performing artists without other performance opportunities in D.C. while The Studio 2ndStage produces plays which often push the boundaries of more conservative theater. In 1992, the Studio launched its Campaign to Secure the Future, an ambitious 3.5 million dollar undertaking to expand the physical space of the theatre and contribute to the revitalization of the 14th Street corridor. This successful project added two stages, numerous classrooms, and confirmed the ongoing expansion of the Studio Theatres impact. Further renovations were completed between 2002 and 2006 to update the building and improve accessibility and technological aspects of the building. Today, the Studio Theatre maintains an active relationship with the 14th street community and offers many free and affordable options for low income residents as well as partnerships with various community and youth organizations.
Scope and Contents of the Collection
This collection contains materials ranging in date from 1975-2010. Materials include production files, financial documents, legal documents, correspondence, datebooks, programs, public relations and press materials, CDs and photographs, set and light design plots, and renovation information including floor, tile, carpet, and paint samples.
Custodial History and Acquisition Information
Materials were received in three deliveries from The Studio Theatre marked 11-15-TST, 11-59-TST, and 11-104-TST. Additional accruals are anticipated.
Processing Information
Lisa Rodio, Amanda Weeks, July 2011 and ongoing
EAD markup created using EAD database in Microsoft Access. Markup completed by Nicole Horstman, February 2013.
Arrangement of Collection
This collection is organized into five record groups.
Detailed Description of the Collection
Series 1: Founders, 1966-2010 and undated (14 linear feet)
This group contains the materials of founders Joy Zinoman, Russell Metheny, and Virginia Crawford. Materials include Studio and non-Studio materials belonging to the founders.
Subseries 1.1: Joy Zinoman, 1975-2010 and undated (13 linear feet)
This subseries contains Studio Theatre and pre-Studio materials such as correspondence, production programs, research material, datebooks, Studio publicity, award nominations and programs, and administrative and retreat files belonging to Joy Zinoman. Founder Joy Zinoman served as artistic director of the Studio Theatre from its beginning until her retirement in 2010. Materials are arranged into six subgroups in the following order: pre-Studio materials, programs, correspondence, datebooks, awards, and administrative files. Materials are organized chronologically within subgroup. A PDF of the subseries inventory is available here.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Subseries 1.2: Russell Metheny, 1966-1988 and undated (1 linear foot)
This subseries contains many drafts, models, costume designs, and non-Studio Theatre programs donated by founding designer Russell Metheny. More design sketches and promotional drawings by Metheny can be found in the individual production files in Series 5, in the public relations files found in Subseries 3.1, and in renovation drafts in Subseries 3.3: Facilities/IT. Materials in this collection are organized into four subgroups: programs, Studio Theatre production rolls, non-Studio Theatre production rolls, and large posters and drawings. The production rolls and large posters and drawings are currently stored along the wall in the SCPA collection room. An inventory for these large objects can be found in the Studio Theatre file in SCPA Share under the title Russell Metheny Inventory. One box of uninventoried drafts remains with Studio and non-Studio drafts to be divided. A PDF of the subseries inventory is available here.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Subseries 1.3: Virginia Crawford, undated (0 linear feet)
This subseries is currently empty but has been created in anticipation of future donations of materials from arts advocated and founder Virginia Crawford.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Series 2: Board of Trustees, 1978-2010 and undated (6 linear feet)
This series contains materials pertaining to the Board of Trustees such as board meetings, member resumes and biographies, and board handbooks. Materials donated by Jaylee Mead and Harriet Blum, Chair Emeriti of the Board, and have been stored in unique subseries. Materials are arranged chronologically. Additional Board of Trustees information can be found in Subseries 3.7: Keith Alan Baker.
Subseries 2.1: General Material, 1980-2010 (3.5 linear feet)
This subseries contains general Board of Trustees materials including meeting agendas and minutes and Board handbooks and member biographies. Materials are arranged chronologically. A PDF of the subseries inventory is available here.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Subseries 2.2: Jaylee Mead Material, 1978-2010 and undated (1.5 linear feet)
This subseries contains materials donated by Jaylee Mead, Chair Emeritus of the Board of Trustees. Materials include files pertaining to Board committees, annual retreats, schedules, fundraising and financials, by-laws, publications, Studio renovations, and board agendas and meeting materials. Materials are arranged in original order as received from Mrs. Mead. A PDF of the subseries inventory is available here.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Subseries 2.3: Harriet Blum Material, 1981-2007 and undated (1 linear foot)
This subseries contains materials donated by Harriet Blum, Chair Emeritus of the Board of Trustees. Materials include publicity materials, five-year plans, board resumes and biographies, committee information, other business materials, and a t-shirt and sweatshirt. Materials are arranged chronologically. A PDF of the subseries inventory is available here.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Series 3: Studio Theatre Administration, 1978-2010 and undated (64.5 linear feet)
This series contains materials pertaining to the business and development of Studio Theatre. Materials have been divided into eight subseries: Communications, Business Department, Facilities/IT, Institutional Development, Box Office & House Management, Annual Retreats, Theatre Communications Group, and Keith Alan Baker. Within each subseries, materials are arranged chronologically within subject.
Subseries 3.1: Communications, 1979-2011 and undated (33.5 linear feet)
This subseries contains all publicity, promotional materials, and published performance materials. Materials include press releases, press clippings, promotional mailings, brochures, reviews, flyers, photographs, annual reports, programs, awards, study and performance guides, promotional VHS tapes, and review packets. Materials are arranged chronologically within subject subgroups: Public Relations files, Awards, Performance and Study Guides, and Programs. A PDF of the subseries inventory is available here.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Subseries 3.2: Business Department, 1978-2009 and undated (2 linear feet)
This subseries contains financial documents such as audits and tax records, Studio manuals and handbooks, information concerning lawsuits, insurance policies and claims, and personnel records and guidelines. Materials are arranged chronologically within subject. Subjects are as follows: Corporate Records, Audits, Financial Documents, and Legal materials. A PDF of the subseries inventory is available here.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Subseries 3.3: Facilities/IT, 1985-2005 and undated (8 linear feet)
This subseries contains all materials related to the physical facilities of the Studio Theatre. Materials include architectural plans, building systems information, technology upgrades, material samples, lease and purchase agreements, environmental and structural inspections, and all materials related to renovations of the building. Materials are arranged chronologically within ten subject subgroups: Lease/Building Purchases, Specific Group Information (such as NEA, HPRB, OBED, and Board of Zoning), Structural/Environmental Reports, Bid/Contract Information, Materials Suppliers, Construction Research, Renovation Plans/Schedules/Estimates, Construction Sketches/Plans/Samples, Construction Correspondence, and Construction Publicity. More information regarding plans for renovations may be found in subseries 3.4 with the Campaign to Secure the Future materials while more publicity information may be found in subseries 3.1 Communications. A PDF of the subseries inventory is available here.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Subseries 3.4: Institutional Development, 1992-1997 (0.5 linear feet)
This subseries contains materials pertaining to the development and major initiatives of the Studio Theatre. Notable among these initiatives is the Campaign to Secure the Future to raise 3.5 million dollars to expand and renovate the existing building and add additional stages and classrooms to the Studio. Materials include five-year plans, grant information, and materials regarding the Campaign to Secure the Future. Materials are arranged chronologically within subject subgroups. More information regarding the Campaign to Secure the Future can be found in Subseries 3.7 in Keith Alan Bakers professional papers. A PDF of the subseries inventory is available here.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Subseries 3.5: Box Office & House Management, undated (0 linear feet)
This subseries was created to house materials relating to box office sales and house management. This subseries does not currently contain any materials.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Subseries 3.6: Annual Retreats, 1988-2010 (1.5 linear feet)
This subseries contains notes, speeches, agendas, schedules, lists of topics, and supporting materials for the annual Board of Trustees retreats. Materials are arranged chronologically. Additional Retreat information may be found in individuals files such as Subseries 1.1: Joy Zinoman Material, 2.1 Jaylee Mead Material, 2.2 Harriet Blum Material, and 3.7 Keith Alan Baker Material. A PDF of the subseries inventory is available here.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Subseries 3.7: Theatre Communications Group, 1987-1995, 2003 (0.5 linear feet)
This subseries contains materials pertaining to the Theatre Communications Group of which the Studio Theatre is a part. Materials include conference materials, mailings, and agendas from the group. A PDF of the subseries inventory is available here.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Subseries 3.8: Keith Alan Baker, 1980-2010 and undated (9 linear feet)
This subseries contains materials donated by Keith Alan Baker, Managing Director and Artistic Director of the Studio 2ndStage. Materials include correspondence, publicity, awards information, publications, development materials such as grant information, 5-year plans, and information regarding the Campaign to Secure the Future, financial documents, facilities and renovation materials, individual production files, board of trustees and retreat files, and photographs. Materials are arranged chronologically within subject. A PDF of the subseries inventory is available here.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Series 4: Acting Conservatory, 1977-2010 and undated (2.5 linear feet)
This series contains general information regarding the Acting Conservatory as well as materials from individual teachers at the Conservatory. The series is currently organized into two subseries: Acting Conservatory Records and Maynard Marshall Material with the possibility of adding more subseries as more conservatory teachers are contacted. Materials include scripts, publicity, schedules, production research, and class descriptions and information.
Subseries 4.1: Acting Conservatory Records, 1977-2010 and undated (2 linear feet)
This subseries contains materials donated by Keith Alan Baker, Managing Director and Artistic Director of the Studio 2ndStage. Materials include correspondence, publicity, awards information, publications, development materials such as grant information, 5-year plans, and information regarding the Campaign to Secure the Future, financial documents, facilities and renovation materials, individual production files, board of trustees and retreat files, and photographs. Materials are arranged chronologically within subject. A PDF of the subseries inventory is available here.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Subseries 4.2: Maynard Marshall Material, 1978-2008 and undated (0.5 linear feet)
This subseries contains materials of Maynard Marshall. Marshall served as an acting instructor, dramaturge, and directory at the Conservatory and Studio Theatre until his death in 1995. Materials include syllabi, notes, and information on individual classes taught at the Acting Conservatory, production materials, reviews, and notes. Materials are arranged chronologically. A PDF of the subseries inventory is available here.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Series 5: Production Records, 1979-2010 and undated (18 linear feet)
This series contains materials regarding individual productions of the Studio Theatre, Special Events, and Studio 2ndStage. Materials include set, light, and sound drafts and models, costume designs, rehearsal schedules, contact information, prompt books, and research. Materials are arranged chronologically. Programs, performance and study guides, reviews, and promotional materials for productions can be found in Subseries 3.1: Communications. Large set drafts and light and sound plots are stored in the map drawers located in the Special Collections workroom.
Subseries 5.1: Dramaturgical Records, 1999-2000 (1 linear foot)
This subseries houses research and dramaturgical files for some productions. A PDF of the subseries inventory is available here.
The box inventory for this subseries is not currently available online. Please refer to the subseries description above for a broad description of the materials or contact the department for more information.
Subseries 5.2: Production Records, 1979-2010 and undated (17 linear feet)
This subseries houses prompt books, light and set plots, costume renderings, and set models for many productions. A PDF of the subseries inventory is available here. The items listed below are set models along with access to high-resolution photographs of those set models.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Wake of Jamey Foster, 1984 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 1 | |
| La Ronde, 1985 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 2 | |
| The Entertainer, 1987 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 3 | |
| The Mystery of Irma Vep, 1988 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 4 | |
| The Gifts of the Magi, 1988 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 5 | |
| Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, 1989 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 6 | |
| When I was a Girl I Used to Scream and Shout, 1991 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 7 | |
| Falsettoland, 1992 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 8 | |
| Spunk, 1993 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 9 | |
| The Wash, 1994 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 10 | |
| The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, 1994 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 11 | |
| Talking Heads, 1996 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 12 | |
| Suburbia, 1996 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 13 | |
| Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wild, 1998 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 14 | |
| The Beauty Queen of Leenane, 1999 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 15 | |
| Last Night of Ballyhoo, 1999 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 16 | |
| Indian Ink, 1999 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 17 | |
| The Desk Set, 1999 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 18 | |
| Betty's Summer Vacation, 2000 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 19 | |
| Jitney, 2001 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 20 | |
| Privates on Parade, 2002 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 21 | |
| Hambone, 2002 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 22 | |
| Topdog/Underdog, 2003 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 23 | |
| Runaway Home, 2003 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 24 | |
| A Class Act, 2003 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 25 | |
| Ivanov, 2004 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 26 | |
| The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow, 2005 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 27 | |
| Afterplay, 2005 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 28 | |
| Guantanamo: Honor Bound to Defend Freedom, 2005 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 29 | |
| TempOdyssey, 2006 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 30 | |
| Souvenir, 2007 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 31 | |
| The Pillowman, 2007 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 32 | |
| Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, 2007 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 33 | |
| Shining City, 2007 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 34 | |
| The Rimers of Eldrich 30th Anniversary Reading, 2007 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 35 | |
| Blackbird, 2008 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 36 | |
| Road to Mecca, 2008 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 37 | |
| The Seafarer, 2009 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 38 | |
| Radio Golf, 2009 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 39 | |
| Moonlight, 2009 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 40 | |
| Solid Gold Cadillac, 2009 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 41 | |
| The Year of Magical Thinking, 2009 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 42 | |
| In the Red and Brown Water, 2010 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 43 | |
| Legends, 2010 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 44 | |
| American Buffalo, 2010 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 45 | |
| Circle Mirror Transformation, 2010 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 46 | |
| Songs of the Dragons Flying to Heaven, 2010 (Online) | series 5.2 | box 35 | folder 47 | |
Related Material
Subject Guide to holdings related to Theatre
For other related archival and manuscript collections, please see the following subject guides.