Department of Theatre records

Collection

Identifier: A117

Overview

The Department of Theatre is part of the College of Arts, Media, and Design and was formerly part of the Division of Performing and Visual Arts. In the mid-1980s, the director of the Department steered it toward productions that would add to Boston's performance culture rather than duplicate what was already being performed. As a result, the department collaborated with a number of innovative local companies, including the Boston Theater of the Deaf, and Northeastern's Silver Masque, a student-run organization dedicated to supporting theatrical endeavors outside of the classroom.

Dates

Creation: 1952-1980

Creator

Northeastern University (Boston, Mass.). Department of Theatre (Organization)

Language of Materials

Materials entirely in English.

Conditions Governing Access:

The collection is unrestricted.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use:

Historical Note

The Department of Theatre is part of the College of Arts, Media, and Design and was formerly part of the Division of Performing and Visual Arts. In 1984, the Department of Drama was renamed the Department of Theater and Dance, and the Alumni Auditorium was renovated to create a state-of-the-art performance facility. Completed in 1987, it was dedicated the Eugene Blackman Auditorium, in honor of Professor Blackman who was a professor, performance director, and chair of the Department of Drama from 1947-1988. The Blackman Theatre Scholarship is also named in his honor. In the mid-1980s, the director of the Division of Performing and Visual Arts steered the department toward productions that would add to Boston's performance culture rather than duplicate what was already being performed. As a result, the department collaborated with a number of innovative local companies, including the Boston Theater of the Deaf. In 1991, the department became known as the Department of Theatre. The Silver Masque is a student-run organization dedicated to supporting theatrical endeavors outside of the classroom, sponsors student-based performance projects and collaborates with the Theatre Department.

Chronology

1984
: Department of Drama renamed Department of Theater and Dance. Renovations on Alumni Auditorium begin.
1987
: Alumni Auditorium renovations are completed; renamed Blackman Auditorium in honor of Professor Eugene Blackman.
1991
: Department of Theater and Dance renamed Department of Theatre.

Extent

0.95 cubic feet (3 containers)

Additional Description

System of Arrangement:

Materials are arranged alphabetically.

Physical Location

31/2-4

Related Materials

College of Arts and Sciences records (A023)
Northeastern University Photograph collection (A103)
Student Activities Office records (A045)

Bibliography

Marston, Everett C. Origin and Development of Northeastern University 1898-1960. Boston, MA: Northeastern University, 1961.
Feldscher, Karen. Northeastern University 1989-1996: The Curry Years: Smaller but Better. Boston, MA: Northeastern University, 2000.
Frederick, Antoinette. Northeastern University: An Emerging Giant, 1959-1975. Boston: Northeastern University Custom Book Program, 1982.
Frederick, Antoinette. Northeastern University Coming of Age: The Ryder Years, 1975-1989. Boston: Northeastern University, 1995.
Rhoads, Linda Smith, ed. Tradition and Innovation: Reflections on Northeastern University's First Century. Boston, MA: Northeastern University Publications, 1998.