University of New Mexico Department of Theater and Dance Records,
Collection
Identifier: UNMA-160
Scope and Content Note
The collection is divided into two parts: University of New Mexico Theatre Arts Department and University of New Mexico Opera Workshop. Each part is ordered chronologically and alphabetically according to the title of the production. Subtitles include: photographs, slides, scripts, handbills, productions notes, news articles, biographical information, etc. Both span UNM's theatre arts history from 1917 to 1994. There are four boxes of play material, one box of opera, and two oversize boxes of play material. The Theatre and Dance Department material includes photographs of George St. Clair and Edwin Snapp as well as Snapp's correspondence on theater design. Jane Snow's correspondence, news articles about her, her performances and the opera workshop can be found with the Opera Workshop materials.
Dates
- 1917-1994
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.
Historical Note
Theater at the University of New Mexico began in 1900 with the production of the play "Old Maids Convention" at the Opera House in downtown Albuquerque. UNM owes much of its early theatrical success to Professor George St. Clair and Coach Roy Johnson. Together, they produced. directed, wrote, and acted in a great many plays during the 1920's and 1930's. UNM had no formal theater at the time, and productions were staged wherever an empty space could be found. In the late 1930's, Professor Edwin Snapp, a former student at UNM, returned to head and revamp the Theater Department. He successfully spearheaded a campaign to implement a Bachelor of Theater Arts Degree, and UNM's Theater Department began a new era--legitimized and ambitious.
The Opera Workshop at UNM originated in 1949 under the supervision of Jane Snow, a well known vocalist. The Opera workshop offered students a chance to train their voices professionally and also offered Albuquerque a chance to see productions of "The Marriage of Figaro" and "Cosi FanTutte" without leaving the state. Because of her renown, Snow was able to entice professional opera singers to appear in some Opera Workshop productions, enhancing the material and giving opera students the opportunity to sing with professionals.
The Opera Workshop at UNM originated in 1949 under the supervision of Jane Snow, a well known vocalist. The Opera workshop offered students a chance to train their voices professionally and also offered Albuquerque a chance to see productions of "The Marriage of Figaro" and "Cosi FanTutte" without leaving the state. Because of her renown, Snow was able to entice professional opera singers to appear in some Opera Workshop productions, enhancing the material and giving opera students the opportunity to sing with professionals.
Extent
6 Cubic Feet (5 Boxes + 2 Oversized Boxes)
- Title
- Finding Aid of the University of New Mexico Department of Theater and Dance Records, 1917-1994
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Processed by CSWR staff
- Date
- ©2004
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu