New York Public Library. One of the largest and most comprehensive archives devoted to the theatrical arts. The holdings illuminate virtually every type of performance, from street corner to stage to studio, and include drama and musical theatre, film, television, radio, and popular entertainment (circus, magic, vaudeville, puppetry).
Digital Performance Archive (DPA)
Traces the rapid developments taking place which combine performance activity with new digital technologies. Includes an extensive online searchable database of virtual theatre performance and related events 1990-2000, with selected video documentation and statements by creators. Based in the UK at Nottingham Trent University, developed jointly by NT and the University of Salford. An exciting project.
Dion Boucicault Theater Collection
University of South Florida, Tampa. Currently lists main resources available, but extensive plans for further development
The Court Theatre (Slottsteater) is a unique example of an 18th century theatre still in full working order, complete with its original stage machinery. Site available in English and Swedis
Federal Theatre Project Archives
Mason University, Virginia. Holdings include administrative records, audiotapes, billboard sheets, music, negatives, photographs, playbills, radioscripts, and videotape lectures. The web site includes some photos and posters
Hellenic Centre for Theatrical Research
Located in Athens. Site includes biographies of Greek theatre stars of 19th and 20th centuries
Hungarian Theater Museum and Institute (Recommended by Andrea Tompa.)
The Hungarian theater archive, library and museum.
University of Manchester, UK. Useful general bibliographical search engine by keyword or decimal classification
Lawrence and Lee Theatre Research Institute
Ohio State University: Research materials pertaining to performing arts, with a primary emphasis upon live performance.
The Max Reinhardt Archives, State University of New York at Binghamton is happy to assist scholars interested in the varied aspects of Reinhardt’s monumental career. Their holdings are strongest for his earlier and more experimental Berlin productions, and to a lesser extent his Salzburg Festival productions as well
Raymond Mander and Joe Mitchenson Theatre Collection (Recommended by Richard Mangan.)
The Collection has long been known to academics and theatre historians and professionals all over the world, many of whom have used the research facilities and to whom the Collection has supplied rare or little-known pictures to illustrate theses, Ph.D. submissions, theatre books and programmes. The collection receives many requests for information and verification and has long been known for its integrity and accuracy.
Slovenian National Theatre Museum
Templeman Library Theatre Collections
University of Kent (UK). Interesting collection of 19thC English materials from several actor- manager dynasties, supplemented by a growing collection of playbills. The web site includes a number of old photographs from the collections
Little available online, as yet. Click on “computer catalogue”
Toronto Reference Library Performing Arts Centre
Archival collections relating to various individuals (and some organizations) active in Canadian theatre, as well as some material relating to international theatre. These collections include manuscripts, correspondence, photographs, theatre programs, stage designs, and prompt books. The library also has a small number of collections relating to Canadian dance, music, and film
University of Bristol Theatre Collection (Recommended by Frances Carlyon.)
Yale Research Guide in Theater studies
Pointers to the collections, databases and other resources in the Yale University Library