Guide to the Rhode Island Theatre Collection, 1855-2006

Providence Public Library, Rhode Island Collection
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Tel: 401-455-8021
Fax: 401-455-8065
email: ricoll@provlib.org

Published in 2014

Collection Overview

Title:	Rhode Island Theatre Collection
Date range:	1855-2006
Creator:	Providence Public Library (R.I.)
Extent:	5.8 linear feet
Abstract:	The Rhode Island Theatre Collection contains handbill, performance programs, newspapers clippings, and personal notes related to theatres and theatre companies in Rhode Island from 1855-2006.
Language of materials:	English
Repository:	Providence Public Library, Rhode Island Collection
Collection number:	MSS 017

Scope & content

The Rhode Island Theatre Collection contains handbill, performance programs, newspapers clippings, and personal notes related to theatres and theatre companies in Rhode Island from 1855-2006. It includes materials from theatres and performance venues from across Rhode Island, but predominantly in Providence. Many well known theatres such as the Providence Opera House, Metropolitan Theatre, Modern Theatre, Providence Performing Art Center and Trinity Repertory Company are represented.

The largest portion of the collection includes materials from Trinity Repertory Company in Providence and includes performance programs, materials associated with their Humanities programs, clippings and ephemera. The remainder of the collection holds programs and corresponding newspaper clippings, photographs and notes from theatres and musical performances throughout Rhode Island.

Access Points

Subject Topics

• Theaters -- Rhode Island
• Performing arts -- Rhode Island

Subject Topics

• Performing Arts

Document Types

• concert programs
• opera programs
• theater programs

Arrangement

The Rhode Island Theatre Collection is arranged into three Series.

• Series 1: Trinity Repertory Company materials and includes programs, ephemera and Humanities program materials. All material is arranged chronologically.
• Series 2: All other theatres and includes programs, clippings, handbills, photographs and notes. Materials are organized alphabetically by theatre/theatre company and then chronologically.
• Series 3: A collection of programs from RI musical performances. These are arranged alphabetically by organization or performance hall.

Historical note

The first dramatic performance in Rhode Island was performed in Newport in 1761 by a comedic troupe lead by David Douglass. However, after a single performance by the company in Providence in 1762, the colony passed legislation making the staging of plays illegal – a law which applied until the 1790s. The popular era of theatre began in the late 19th century, but it was not until the 1870s that Rhode Island, specifically Providence, experienced a truly robust theatre scene. The heyday of Providence theatre, from the 1870s to 1940s, mirrored the popularity of theatre nationally. Providence became the center for performances and was home to a large number of theatres, music halls and theatre companies showing plays, musicals, vaudeville, burlesque and music concerts. While a number of venues closed in the latter half of the 20th century or were repurposed as movie theaters, Rhode Island has maintained a thriving and popular theatre and performance community.

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	There are no restrictions on access. This collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Providence Public Library Special Collections department.
Use of the materials:	Researchers are requested to cite the collection name and the Providence Public Library in all bibliographic references.
Preferred citation:	[item number], [item title], Rhode Island Theatre Collection, MSS 017, Providence Public Library.
Contact information:	Providence Public Library, Rhode Island Collection 150 Empire Street Providence, RI 02903 Tel: 401-455-8021 Fax: 401-455-8065 email: ricoll@provlib.org

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
Acquisition:
Custodial history:	The custody of the majority of the collection is unknown. Collection of a portion of the Albee Theatre materials is attributed to G. Burns.
ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Finding aid prepared by Jessica Lemieux and Kate Wells, 2013.
Encoding:	Finding aid encoded by Stacie M. Parillo 2014 November 25
Descriptive rules:	Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Additional Information

Inventory

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