This blog is the second in a series on reprocessing the Federal Theatre Project (FTP) collection. As our finding aid for playscripts and radio scripts is now arranged it also includes programs. We have decided to divide playscripts, radio scripts, and programs each into their own series. The programs series includes programs, flyers, and playbills associated with FTP productions from around the country. They are further organized into two subseries – the first is arranged by location and the second by title of play. This arrangement is consistent with previous arrangement. Box numbers and titles of folders have been recorded to provide an accurate description of the materials contained within. When processing of all the series is completed a finding aid detailing the collection will be available online. One of the more visually interesting folders in the programs series is that of programs from Illinois.
Flyers from Illinois productions, circa 1936-1939, from the Federal Theatre Project Collection C0002. Special Collections and Archives, George Mason University.
The above photograph provides a glimpse into the contents of the Illinois folder. Plays represented include “Street Scene”, “It Can’t Happen Here”, “Spirochete”, “Hamlet”, “Triple A Plowed Under”, and “Hell’s Holler Revue”. All productions date from circa 1936 to 1939. This folder contains seven items total and the six pictured here are all promotional flyers. These flyers provide colorful and engaging typography and overall design.
Reprocessing the Federal Theatre Project – Programs