Visual and Performing Arts

Given the ephemeral nature of the performing arts, preserving those tangible materials that chronicle its activities is critical for both artists and scholars. Archival records shed light on different stages and aspects of artistic endeavour, from the initial creative process to performance and reviews. Administrative documents can be central to understanding the development of the companies and organizations that support the creative work.

We have developed significant archival collections for both visual and performing arts in Nova Scotia based on the records of theatre companies, recording studios, orchestras, non-profit arts organizations, and the private papers of actors, playwrights, designers, musicians, composers and media artists. Materials include administrative records (correspondence, financial and committee papers) as well as production records (scripts, prompt-books, costume and set designs, posters and programs, photographs, scores, sketches, and audio and video recordings) in both analogue and digital formats.

Barker, Roberta, Creighton Barrett, and Doyle Lahey. "Archival Collaborations: Using Theatre Archives to Teach Canadian Theatre History and Archival Literacy." Canadian Theatre Review 156 (2013): 46-51.

Harvey, Kathryn and Michael Moosberger. "Theatre Archives' Outreach and Core Archival Functions." Archivaria 63 (2007): 35-54.

Perkyns, Richard. "Two Decades of Neptune Theatre." Theatre Research in Canada 6.2 (1985): n. pag.

—. The Neptune Story: Twenty-five Years in the Life of a Leading Canadian Theatre. Hansport, NS: Lancelot Press, 1989.

Bruce, Harry. Happy Birthday, Dear Neptune: A Tenth Anniversary Historical Sketch. Rothmans of Pall Mall Canada, 1973.