OU.ACADEMICUNIT.ADA

Summary Information

Repository
Oakland University Archives and Special Collections
Title
Records of the Academy of Dramatic Art
ID
OU.ACADEMICUNIT.ADA
Date
1966-1977
Extent
22.0 Linear feet
Language
English

Preferred Citation

Item, folder title, box no., Records of the Academy of Dramatic Art, Oakland University Archives

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History

The Academy of Dramatic Art (ADA) was a 2-year professional acting program offered by Oakland University from 1967 to 1977. It selected high school graduates through auditions and offered voice, movement and acting classes taught by theatre professionals, many of whom were employed at OU’s resident company in the Meadow Brook Theatre, directed by John Fernald. Fernald, who had been recruited from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, also served as the ADA’s director. The Studio Theatre gave second-year students of the Academy the opportunity to perform in a semi-professional setting under the guidance of Fernald and other instructors. Fernald left in 1970 and was replaced by Terence Kilburn as artistic director of the Academy and of Meadow Brook Theatre. Jerry L. Dahlmann was Administrative Director and in 1972 acquired the title of Associate Dean of the School of Performing Arts. Original plans were to develop other academic programs in performing arts, but high costs and declining interest led the university to discontinue the school in 1977. Performing arts were then returned to the College of Arts and Sciences’ department of music, theatre and dance. Nevertheless in the 10 years of its existence the ADA graduated successful actors like Dirk Benedict, Robert Englund and Jayne Houdyshell.

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Scope and Contents note

The Records of the Academy of Dramatic Art cover the entire span of the Academy's life, 1967-1977. The administrative files of the Academy include planning materials, annual reports and minutes, as well as personnel, financial and facilities materials. The files of John Fernald, the first Artistic Director, cover the genesis of the Academy and its early development. The files of Jerry Dahlmann, the Academy's long time executive director cover the day-to-day management of the academy as well as interactions with other administrators at Oakland University, with the academy faculty, with students and their parents, with theatre professionals and with the broader public. The collection includes a comprehensive set of student files, most of which are restricted. There are also large amoungs of materials on the curriculum, programs, class schedules of the academy. Press files and newspaper clippings demonstrate the reach of the academy in Michigan and across the United States. Of particular interest are the Studio Company files that document the productions offered by the academy and the students' performances. The photographs and scrapbooks provide further illustration of the productions and student life at the academy.

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Administrative Information

Publication Information

Oakland University Archives and Special Collections

Kresge Library
100 Library Drive
Rochester, MI, 48309

Access and Use

The Records of the Academy of Dramatic Art are open for research except for certain records restricted by statute or university policy. Selected folders in the Jerry Dahlmann Files and the Student Files contain confidential information are are closed for 75 years from date of creation or until death of subjects.

Copyright

Copyright held by Oakland University. The collection includes occasional materials produced by outside parties. Copyright to these items may be held by the original creators.

Processing

Processed by Dominique Daniel, May 2017.

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Collection Inventory

General Administrative files 

Planning files 
Box

ADA creation 1966 

 1

ADA closing 1976-1977 

 1

Letters to graduates 1977 

 1

Board of Trustees review April 28, 1976 

 1

Report to Board of Trustees 1976 

 1

BOT report documents 1976 

 1

Annual reports 
Box

Annual report 1971-1972  

 1

Annual report 1972-1973 

 1

Annual report 1973-1974 

 1

Annual report 1974-1975 

 1

Annual report 1975-1976 

 1

Annual report 1976-1977 

 1

ADA Financial quarterly 1969:July-Oct. 

 1

SC expenditures & receipts 1969-1970 

 1

SC expenditures & receipts 1970-1971   4 folders

 1

SC expenditures & receipts 1971-1972   2 folders

 1

SC expenditures & receipts 1972-1973   4 folders

 1

SC expenditures & reports 1973-1974   2 folders

 1

SC expenditures & reports 1974-1975 

 1

SC expenditures & reports 1975-1976 

 1

SC expenditures & reports 1976-1977 

 1

Meeting minutes 
Box

Faculty 1968-1971 

 1

Faculty 1972 

 1

Faculty 1974 

 1

Faculty 1975   2 folders

 1

Faculty 1975-1976   2 folders

 2

Personnel files 
Box

Organization chart 1969-1972 

 1

Faculty survey Fall 1972 

 1

Performance audit 1970 

 1

Staff analysis 1973-1974 

 1

Teaching load analysis 1970-1976   6 folders

 1

University benefits & insurance 

 1

University travel regulations 

 1

Travel requests 1971-1972 

 1

Employment relations memos 1969-1977 

 1

Tenure & reappointments 1976 

 1

Collective bargaining - AAUP 1974 

 1

Financial files 1967-1977 
Box

Budget - Misc. events 

 2

Budget - ADA 1967-1976   8 folders

 2

Budget - Studio Company 1968-1977   11 folders

 2

University General Budget Reports 1970-1974   4 folders

 2

Budgets - Revolving Accounts 1971-1974   3 folders

 2

Adventures in Creativity - Fund Ledgers 1971 

 2

Budget materials - School of Performing Arts 1973-1974 

 2

Budget Crisis 1973-1975   2 folders

 2

Budget requests - Studio Company 1973-1975   2 folders

 2

Budget requests - ADA   2 folders

 2

Salary distribution sheets 1970-1974 
Box

Meadow Brook Theatre - memos 1971-1972 

 2

Meadow Brook Theate - subsidy 1968-1970 

 2

Tickets - correspondence, samples, lists 1969-1974   4 folders

 2

Facilities 
Box

Equipment 

 2

Display - Art 

 2

IM Building use 

 2

John Bearman's Paintings & Drawings - Insurance 

 2

Repairs - liability 

 2

Vans 1969-1970 

 2

Varner Hall 1970-1972   2 folders

 2

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John Fernald files 
Box

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art 1964-1965 

 2

ADA - memos & correspondence 19766-1969   5 folders

 2

Studio Company - memos & correspondence 1967-1969 

 2

Correspondence - jobs 1966-1969   4 folders

 2

Correspondence - Kilburn, T. 1969 

 2

Correspondence - student inquiries 1966-1967 

 2

Auditions 1967-1968 

 2

Season preparations 1968-1969 

 2

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Wilbur Kent files 
Box

Hiring & travel 1967-1969 

 3

Memos & correspondence 1967-1973   2 folders

 3

Memos - Dean Kent 1971 

 3

Studio Co. - Organization 1967-1968 

 3

Report 1968 

 3

Incoming & Outgoing - miscellaneous materials 1969-972 

 3

Alumni relations 1972 

 3

Report 1969 

 3

Faculty strikes 1970-1971 

 3

ADA/SC reform background info. 1970   2 folders

 3

Reform proposal - final 1970   2 folders

 3

Student petition June 22, 1970 

 3

Memos re: Increase student admits Fall 1970 

 3

Petition - First year students 1975 

 3

Accreditation 1971 

 3

Authorization request - personnel replacement 1971 

 3

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Lee Olsen files 
Box

Correspondence 1969 

 3
Bin

Correspondence - outgoing 1972-1973 

 3
Box

Correspondence - incoming 1973 

 3

Correspondenc - outgoing 1973-1974 

 3

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Jerry Dahlmann files 
Box

Administrative outline - policies, procedures 

 3

Applications & inquiries Fall 1968 

 3

New student profiles Winter 1970 

 3

Miscellaneous 1971-1972   2 folders

 3

MBOs 1973-1976   2 folders

 3

Fernald correspondence 1969-1971 

 3

Meadow Brook club - corresp. 1976-1977 

 3

Requests from colleges 1969-1976   2 folders

 3

Position offers - corresp. 

 3

George Mallonee - corresp. 1975-1976 

 3

General corresp. February 1976 - March 1977 

 3

Student affairs - corresp. 1970-1973 

 3

"You Can't Take it With You" 1975 

Scope and Contents note

Includes correspondence regarding black audience response to play.

 3

Academic Policy Committee - memos 1974-1975   2 folders

 3

Memos - received 1974-1976 

 3

Memos - sent 1969-1976 

 3

Student Committee - evaluation cards 1969 

 3

Graduation - memos 1970-1975 

 3

Departmental info. - memos received 1968-1976 

 3

University info. - memos received 1974-1977   2 folders.

 3

Administration policies - memos 1966-1971 

 4

Admissions - memos 1970-1971 

 4

Admissions & Financial Aids Committee 

 4

Staff corresp./memos 1970-1972   2 folders.

 4

Faculty Advisory Committee 1971 

 4

Advisory Committee 1971-1972   2 folders

 4

Paul Lee - Academy materials 1972 

 4

Faculty - memos 1974-1977 

 4

General memos 1974-1977 

 4

Library council - memos 1974 

 4

Provost - memos 1971-1977   2 folders

 4

Provost Group meetings 1974-1975 

 4

Prausnitz report 1971 

 4

ADA organization proposal 1970 

 4

Recommendation VI Committee - memos 1974 

 4

Recommendation VI - report 1974 

 4

Registrar - memos 1970 

 4

A. Ruscio - memos 1975-1976   2 folders.

 4

ADA students - memos 1976-1977 

 4

University Senate - memos 1974-1975 

 4

Upward Bound - memos 1974-1975 

 4

OU Audiovisual committee 1971 

 4

Kresge Library   2 folders.

 4

University Committee - Meadow Brook Theatre 1969-1971 

 4

ADA/MBT 1970-1972 

 4

AETA Convention 1971 

 4

University Research Committee 1971-1972 

 4

Cultural Affairs Task Force - OU & Community Colleges 1973 

 4

Jerry Dahlmann - RESTRICTED 

Restricted Access

These folders contain confidential information. Closed for 75 years from date of creation or until death of subjects.

 Box
5

ADA - SC Salary Info general 1969-1970 
Box

ADA - memos, appts. & personnel 1968-1972   2 folders

 5

Faculty - Travel expense memos 1968-1969 

 5

Faculty - reappointments 1971 

 5

Faculty - prospects 1975 

 5

Job inquiries - corresp. 1970-1972   2 folders

 5

Job inquiries - corresp. 1972-1973 

 5

Job inquiries - corresp. 1973-1977   2 folders.

 5

Guest directors 

 5

Guest directors - applicants - A-L 

 5

Guest directors - applicants - M-Z 

 5

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Student and Alumni files 

Student inquiries 
Box

Form letter - sample 

 6

Inquiries - 1967   2 folders

 6

Inquiries - 1968   2 folders.

 6

Inquiries - 1969:Jan.-June 

 6

Inquiries - 1969-1970   2 folders.

 6

Inquiries - Winter semester 1970 

 6

Inquiries - Fall semester 1970 

 6

Inquiries - A-L Fall semester 1971 

 6

Inquiries - M-Z Fall Semester 1971 

 6

Inquiries - A-L Fall semester 1972 

 6

Inquiries - M-Z Fall semester 1972 

 6

Inquiries - A-L Fall semester 1973 

 6

Inquiries - M-Z Fall semester 1973 

 6

Inquiries - A-L Fall semester 1974 

 6

Inquiries - M-Z Fall semester 1974 

 6

Inquiries - A-L Fall semester 1975 

 6

Inquiries - M-Z Fall semester 1975 

 6

Inquiries - A-L Fall semester 1976 

 6

Inquiries - M-Z Fall semester 1976 

 6

Financial aid ... Graduation 
Box

Financial aid - draft 1967 

 7

Financial aid misc. 1967-1972 

 7

Grade report sample form 1969 

 7

Grade transmittal sample forms Fall 1974 

 7

Graduation - diploma, misc. corresp. 1969-1972 

 7

Graduate lists 1969-1977 

 7

Graduation parties - invitations 1976-1977 

 7

Achievement scholarship awards 1971 

 7

Registration - Enrollment - Status reports 
Box

Fees & calendar 1967-1971 

 7

Admission analysis & strategies 1967-1970 

 7

Enrollment reports 1970-1973 

 7

Admission status reports 1967-1971 

 7

Enrollment fyes - 1972 

 7

Standing report - Fall 1972 

 7

Status reports 1973-1974 

 7

Student files - RESTRICTED 1969-1977 

Restricted Access

Folders containing confidential information. Closed for 75 years from date of creation or until death of subjects.
Box

Faculty evaluations 1974-1977   2 folders.

 8

Attendance reports 1974-1977   6 folders.

 8

Financial aid 1967-1976   2 folders.

 8

Admission corresp. 1967-1968   2 folders.

 8

Auditions 1972-1973 

 8

Class lists 1969-1970, 1975-1976   2 folders.

 8

Senior colloquium - lists & evaluations 1971,1974   2 folders.

 8

Intro to Theatre class 1971-1972 

 8

Locker assignments 

 8

Incomplete grades 1969-1970 

 8

Attendance reports 1971 

 8

Withdrawals & Exit interviews 1968-1972 

 8

Dismissals - corresp. 1971-1972 

 8

Faculty meetings - student evaluations 1976 

 8

Term by proficiency - corresp. 1969 

 8

TCG auditions 1976-1977   2 folders

 8

Student contact info. - addresses 1969-1974 

 8

Test scenes - student evaluations Fall 1975  

 8

Performing Arts Library - student fines 1969 

 8

Miscellaneous 1967-1976 

 8

Enrollment - Colloquium 1972-1974   3 folders.

 9

Enrollment - Fundamentals of acting 1974   2 folders.

 9

Enrollment - Intro to theatre 1971-1977   13 folders.
Box

ADA enrollment 1970-1977   14 folders.

 9

Auditions 1967-1975   12 folders.

 9

Registration 1967-1976   18 folders.

 9

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Curricular & Program Information 
Box

Class schedules & lists 1967-1977   30 folders.

 7

ADA handbook 1971 

 7

Curricular sequence 1967-1969 

 7

Curriculum - 1971-1972 

 7

Curriculum notes - 1972-1976 

 7

Theatre Arts Committees 1973 

 7

Theatre Arts Committee - SCN 1975-1976 

 7

Program proposals 
Box

Art of Drama course 1968-1970 

 7

Into to Theatre 1970-1971 

 7

History of the Theatre 

 7

Senior colloquium 1972 

 7

Para-professional internship 1972 

 7

Play production for teachers 1971-1972 

 7

Play production - secondary school teachers 1971-1972 

 7

Film course 1972 

 7

Film course - SPA sponsored 1972 

 7

Speech and Communications 1971-1973   2 folders.

 7

Classroom Teaching as a Performing Art - Dale Evans 1975 

 7

Engineering 1971 

 7

Evening College - Programs in Humanities 1973 

 7

Course syllabi & other course materials 
Box

Course syllabus 

 8

Film course syllabus 

 8

Tutorials - Fall 1975 

 8

Introduction to Theatre - syllabus & course materials 

 8

Schedule of classes 1968-1972 

 8

Special programs 
Box

Adventures in Creativity 1971-1972   3 folders.

 8

Mackinac Island Summer Theatre 1974   8 folders.

 8

Summer School Dance workshop July 1972 

 8

Video tape project 1971 

 8

State Prisons tour - proposal material 1969 

 8

Performating Arts programs for Black Americans 1971 

 8

Research & Development new SPA programs 

 8

Potential programming - ADA events series 

 8

Junior Colleges - program contacts 1974-1975 

 8

Grant proposal to Exxon Corp. - Classroom teaching as a performing art 1974 

 8

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Publications & Press files 

Prospectus 1967-1972   6 folders.

Scope and Contents note

Includes printed publication, notes and other correspondance.

 Box
10

Flyers, brochures, handbooks & programs 
Box

Advertisements in publications   5 folders.

 10

ADA Announcement brochure 1969 

 10

ADA brochure 1972 - misc. material 1972 

 10

ADA brochure 1974 - materials, copy, layout 

 10

Brochures - layouts & corresp. 

 10

ADA bulletin - corresp. and print copy 1967-1970 

 10

Misc. brochures & announcements 1967-1975 

 10

Studio Company programs production - staff corresp. 1968-1970 

 10

Flyers 1969-1975   5 folders.

 10

Handbook - Curriculum guides 1974-1976 

 10

Meadow Brook Theatre Newsletter 1967 

 10

Handbook - Principles & Practices 1973-1976 

 10

Studio Company Programs 1968-1972   3 folders.

 10

Press files 
Box

ADA opening - OU Press Release 1967 

 10

News releases 1969-1977   8 folders.

Scope and Contents note

Includes outgoing promotional correspondence.

 10

Publicity & promotion - misc. corresp. 1968-1970 

 10

Newspaper clippings 
Box

Preservation originals - undated 

 10a

Preservation originals 1968-1976   7 folders.

 10a

Use copies - undated 

 10a

Use copies 1968-1976   6 folders.

 10a

Posters   10 pieces.

Scope and Contents note

Includes poster from movie "Revenge of the Nerds"; ADA alum Curtis Armstrong [autographed] cast member.

 Box
10b

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Studio Company productions & touring 

Productions 
Box

Flint 1968 

 11

Misc. productions 1968 

 11

Productions compiled 1968-1977 

 11

Imperial Nightingale 1968 

 11

Three One-Act Plays 1969 

 11

Under Milkwood 1969 

 11

As You Like It 1970 

 11

The Contrast 1970 

 11

Little Foxes 1970 

 11

Three One-Acts 1970 

 11

Six Characters in Search of an Author 1970 

 11

Twelfth Night 1970 

 11

The Caretaker 1971 

 11

An Evening with Anton Chekhov 1971 

 11

Merchant of Venice 1971 

 11

Ring Round the Moon 1971 

 11

And All that Jazz 1971-1972   3 folders.

 11

Getting Married 1971-1972 

 11

Pygmalion 1971-1972   2 folders.

 11

Romeo and Juliet 1972 

 11

Suddenly Last Summer/Lunch Hour 1971-1972 

 11

Diary of Scoundrel 1972-1973 

 11

Hail Scrawdyke 1972-1973 

 11

Insect Comedy 1972-1973 

 11

Spoon River Anthology 1972   2 folders.

 11

Look Homeward Angel 1973 

 11

Prime of Miss Jean Brodie 1973 

 11

Winter's Tale 

 11

Richard III 1973-1974 

 11

Green Cockatoo / Long Voyage Home 1974 

 11

After the Fall 1974-1975 

 11

Bartholomew Fair 1974-1975 

 11

Country Wife 1974 

 11

J.B. 1974-1975 

 11

Three Sisters 1974 

 11

Madwoman of Chaillot 1975 

 11

The Seagull 1975 

 11

You Can't Take it With You 1975 

 11

An Italian Straw Hat 1976 

 11

Brecht on Brecht 1976-1977 

 11

Lady From the Sea 1976-1977 

 11

Three One-Acts 1976 

 11

View from the Bridge 1976 

 11

Four by Tennessee 1977 

 11

Touring 
Box

Booking 1969-1970 

 11

Contract - blank form 

 11

Contracts out 1969-1972   4 folders.

 11

Lee Olson 1969 

 11

General - Misc. 1968-1971   2 folders.

 11

School bookings - master list 

 11

Charley's Aunt 1970 

 11

Midsummer Night's Dream 

 11

Shakespeare Tours 1974-1976   2 folders.

 11

Twelfth Night contracts 1969-1970 

 11

Variation on a theme - Shakespeare 1974-1975 

 11

Productions - corresp. 1976-1977 

 11

Productions - reports 1970 

 11

Miscellaneous files 
Box

What is Studio Company? 

 14

Season planning 1969-1970 

 14

Misc. correspondence 1969-1970, 1975-1976   2 folders.

 14

Production schedules by class term 1968-1976   19 folders.

 14

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Subject files 
Box

Academics 

 12

A.C.T. - San Francisco 

 12

Actor's Theatre - Louisville 

 12

AETA Convention August 1970   2 folders.

 12

Alley Theatre - Houston TX 

 12

American College Theatre Festival 1969, 1975   2 folders.

 12

American film theatre series 

 12

American National Theatre and Academy 

 12

American Theatre Association   5 folders.

 12

Arena Stage - Washington, D.C. 

 12

Arts Council Triangle   2 folders.

 12

Arts in Michigan Conference 1975 

 12

ASOLO State Theatre - Florida 

 12

Book reviews - Theatre & plays 

 12

Champlain Shakespeare Festival 

 12

Cherry County Playhouse 

 12

College Theatre programs - Michigan 

 12

College Theatre programs - Midwest 

 12

College Theatre programs - East coast 

 12

College Theatre programs - West coast 

 12

Colorado Shakespeare Festival 

 12

Community Theatre Association of Michigan 

 12

Dramatics magazine 

 12

Educational Directory   2 folders.

 12

Educational Theatre News 

 12

Erick Hawkins Dance Co. 1971 

 12

Financial Reporting for Not-for-profit organizations 

 12

Ford Foundation 

 12

Goodspeed Opera House - East Haddam, CT 

 12

Gutherie Theatre 

 12

Hilberry Theatre - fellowship info. 

 13

Indiana Repertory Theatre 

 13

Interlochen Arts Academy 

 13

John F. Kennedy Center, Washington D.C. 

 13

Juilliard Drama School, N.Y. 

 13

Junior Science & Humanities Symposium - WSU Feb. 22, 1975 

 13

League of Professional Theater Training Programs 

 13

Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, Los Angeles 

 13

Liberal Arts - notes on presentations 

 13

Long Wharf Theatre - New Haven, Conn. 

 13

Marin Shakespeare Festival 

 13

Michigan Council for the Arts   5 folders.

 13

Midwest Dinner Theatre - Chicago area 

 13

National Shakespeare Company 

 13

National Student Auditions - Theatre Communications Group 

 13

National Theatre, Washington D.C. 

 13

North Carolina School of the Arts 

 13

Oklahoma Theatre Center 

 13

Oregon Shakespeare Festival 

 13

Other Acting Academics   3 folders.

 13

PAF - Long Island, N.Y. 

 13

Parents Day Program - OU March 14, 1970 

 13

Roadside Attractions 

 13

Sandy Macebuh - black playwright 

 13

Showcase - journal issue 

 13

Theatrical Association - corresp. 

 13

Theatre Communications Group - TCG   3 folders.

 13

Theatre Today - journal 

 13

Timber Lake Playhouse 

 13

University of Iowa - touring proposal 

 13

Washington Institutional Arts Letter - newsletter 

 13

Working Theatre - NYC 

 13

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Photographs 
Box

Actors/students - undated 

 14

Misc. unidentified productions - undated 

 14

Misc. productions 1970-1977 

 14

Actors/students 1970-1973   4 folders.

 14

Classroom & staff 1968-1975 

 14

Academy Graduates 1974 

 14

"And All That Jazz" 1971-1972 

 14

"The Caretaker" 1971-1972 

 14

"Getting Married" 1971-1972 

 14

"Lunch Hour" 1971-1972 

 14

"Midsummer Night's Dream" 1971-1972 

 14

"Pygmalian" 1971-1972 

 14

"Suddenly Last Summer" 1971-1972 

 14

"The Diary of a Scoundrel" 1972-1973 

 14

"The Insect Comedy" 1972-1973 

 14

"Romeo and Juliet" 1972 

 14

"Hail Scrawdyke" 1973 

 14

"Look Homeward Angel" 1973 

 14

"Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" 1973 

 14

"Richard III" 1973 

 14

"The Three Sisters" - rehearsal 1973 

 14

"Winter's Tale" 1973 

 14

"Bartholomew Fair" 1974-1975 

 14

"Country Wife" 1974 

 14

"Green Cockatoo" & "Long Voyage Home" 1974 

 14

"After the Fall" 1974-1975 

 14

"Madwoman of Chaillot" 1975 

 14

"You Can't Take it With You" 1975 

 14

"An Italian Straw Hat" 1976 

 14

"Four by Tennessee" 1977 

 14

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Scrapbooks 
Box

Seasons - 1969/1970, 1970/1971   2 binders.

 15

Seasons - 1972/1973, 1973/1974, 1974/1975   3 binders.

 16

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Student Applications & Auditions 

Access and Use note

Folders containing confidential information. Closed for 75 years from date of creation or until death of subjects.
Box

Years - 1967-1969 

 17

Years - 1969-1970 

 18

Years - 1971-1972 

 19

Years - 1972-1973 

 20

Years - 1973-1974 

 21

Year - 1975 

 22

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