Oberlin Community Players Records, 1920-1977, n.d. | Oberlin College Archives

The records of the Oberlin Community Players primarily document the productions performed by the group during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.  Play scripts, programs, and newspaper articles provide evidence of the group’s work on the stage.  The collection contains a scant amount of information about the groups administrative operations, including a copy of the constitution, 1953 and 1961, by-laws, 1976, Board and committee activity, membership information, and financial.

The collection is divided into three series: Series 1. Constitution and Bylaws, Series 2. Board of Directors files, and Series 3. Production Files.

SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

Series 1. Constitution and Bylaws, 1961, 1976 (2f)

Consists of a copy of the Oberlin Community Players constitution, adopted 1953 and revised 1961, and the bylaws, 1976.

Series 2. Board of Directors, 1956-77, n.d. (3f)

This series included copies of correspondence sent to members, a resignation letter of Board member Jim Schertz, and sample letterhead.  A secretary’s notebook contains information about membership and committees, and minutes of meetings for 1976.  Financial information is included in a file maintained by the Treasurer.

Series 3. Production Files, 1920-1970s, n.d. (9f)

Consists of materials related to the productions performed by the Oberlin Community Players.  Materials included Director’s notes, newspaper clippings, programs, photograph, scripts, and ticket sales and seating.  The scripts are reprints of published works of various play writers (i.e., George Bernard Shaw, Liam O’Brien, and Oscar Wilde).

INVENTORY

Box 1

Series 1. Constitution and Bylaws

            Constitution, adopted 1953 and revised 1961     

            Bylaws, 1976

Series 2. Board of Directors Files

            Correspondence with membership, 1960-61, 1976, n.d.

            Secretary’s notebook (includes minutes of Board meetings, membership,

                      committees), 1976

            Treasurer’s file, 1956-1977

Series 3. Production Files

            Director’s notes, n.d.

            Newspapers clippings (reviews and publicity), 1950s-1970s

            Photograph, cast of A Raisin in the Sun (see program for list of names), 1964

            Programs, 1954-56, 1958, 1960-61, 1963-64, 1976, n.d.

            Scripts (4 folders)

                        Arms and the Man, reprint June 1959

                        Beggar’s Opera, n.d.

                        My Three Angels, copyright 1952-53

                        The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker, copyright 1954

                        The King’s Henchman, copyright 1926, 1927

                        The Teahouse of the August Moon, copyright 1962, 1957

                        A Raisin in the Sun, copyright 1958-59, printing March 1961

                        I’ll Leave It to You, copyright 1920

                        The Importance of Being Earnest, n.d.

                        I Remember Mama, copyright 1944-45

            Ticket sales and seating plans, n.d.