Theatre Archive Project
Hi Chelsea, Chelsea B. had suggested I look at the British Library's website fro my wiki and, in the process, I saw something that could be of interest to you. They have a large (and fun!) repository of sound recordings. Within this repository is their Theatre Archive Project (http://sounds.bl.uk/Arts-literature-and-performance/Theatre-Archive-Project), with a large variety of sound recordings relating to theatre in the mid-twentieth century. Also, if you click on 'show full description' there are a bunch of links to other sites that could be useful.
Katie
Hi, Katie!
That sounds like a fun and rather dangerous distraction at this time in the semester. I will try not to go too far down the rabbit hole, or at least only go as far down as it is academically helpful at the moment!
This actually brings up a really good question though. I have been pretty much sticking to North America, and in fact for my list of repositories that hold performing arts archives, I have stuck to Canada exclusively (there is just so much!!). Does this seem okay, or does it feel like I am omitting important stuff? If I do stick to North American / Canadian examples, should I create place-holder sections for those other places (like the U.K.) that have really strong performing arts archives traditions? That will at least let folks know that there is more research to be done in those areas. Or should I just assume that if someone is interested in those areas, they will add sections in the future? Partly, I just don't like the idea of having "bald" sections from an aesthetic standpoint, but if I omit them completely, will it just seem like I didn't know the U.K. has a lot of amazing resources? Thoughts?
Hi Chelsea, I think it okay to focus on Canada or North America. If you are going to do that though, I would say you should either change the name of the entry (such as "Performing Arts Archives in North America") or put in the placeholders for other countries as you suggested. The thought of having "bald" sections is certainly less than ideal, but it shows that you are recognizing their existence and invites others to add to them. You could perhaps at least put a sentence or two for each country/region, and maybe a link for more info.
Katie
One more thought, if you expand out to include the US, the Harry Ransom Center at U. of Texas might be something to look at: http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/collections/performingarts/. They have performing arts materials, though I'm not sure to what extent. They are one of the big dogs in the world of lit archives though, so I'm guessing they could have a decent amount of performing arts materials as well.
Hi, Katie!
Oh, aren't they just the big dogs, though! Man, it's almost worth going to Texas just to see all the amazing things they have there. They are like the Yankees of the special collections world...when you have all the money, you get all the marbles (that is a mixed metaphor if I have ever heard one!).
I am sure you already found this, but just in case you didn't, the Harry Ransom Center and the University of Reading Library in the U.K. developed this "a database of copyright contacts for writers, artists, and prominent figures in other creative fields," which might be helpful for your section on literary archives and copyright.