Department of Theater Arts

Collection — other: 2 record center (RC) boxes

Identifier: 02-MWalB00351A

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection has materials that date from 1955 through 2007. The collection includes correspondence, memoranda, meeting minutes, photographs, contact sheets, reports, catalogs, newspaper and journal articles and brochures. The materials cover a wide variety of topics related to curriculum and program development, department administration and funding, theatrical productions, professional associations, community relations and awards.

Dates

Creation: 1955-2007, undated

Creator

Brandeis University. Department of Theater Arts (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Access to the collection is in accordance with the policies of the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University. Some material is restricted. Please contact the department for more information.

Conditions Governing Use

Requests to reproduce or publish material from the collection should be directed to the Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department, Brandeis University.

Biographical or Historical Information

The theater program at Brandeis was founded in 1951 by visiting professor of dramatic art Louis Kronenberger and was part of the School of Creative Arts. In 1956, Assistant Professor John F. Matthews was named the first chairperson of the Theater Arts Department. Since then, seven other faculty members have chaired the department: John F. Matthews (1956-1958), Edwin B. Pettet (1958-1966), Howard Bay (1966-68), James H. Clay (1969-71, 1985), Martin Halpern (1972-75, 1982-84), Charles W. Moore (1976-1978), Theodore L. Kazanoff (1979-1981), and Michael Murray (1986-2003). An Artists-In-Residence program was started in 1965-66, and the Master of Fine Arts Program was established in 1966. Mention of the M.F.A. program first appears in the 1967-1968 Brandeis University Bulletin. Concentrations within the M.F.A. program have included acting, directing, design, cinematography, and dramatic writing. In 2002-03, the department began offering a B.A. in Liberal Arts with a major or minor in Theater Arts, and a M.F.A. with concentrations in acting or design. The department also oversees the Nate and Frances Spingold Theater complex, which was completed in 1965.

Extent

2.00 Linear Feet (2 record center boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

Arranged in three series: 1. Correspondence and Memoranda, 1955-2007, undated; 2. Curriculum, 1966?-2005, undated; 3. Photographs/Contact Sheets 1958-1972, undated. Materials are organized alphabetically. For more information about each series, please consult the series descriptions in the box and folder listing.