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Collection Overview
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| Name of Creator: | The Theater Offensive. |
| Title: | The Theater Offensive records |
| Date: | 1987–2006 |
| Reference Code: | M82 |
| Location Code: | 64/3–4, 56/2, FF5/D3 |
| Extent: | 11.65 cubic ft. (13 boxes, 4 flat file folders) |
| Scope and Content Abstract: | The collection documents the artistic and administrative processes of The Theater Offensive. Individual productions and festivals are documented by publicity materials, programs, and scripts. Education and outreach programs are documented by correspondence, scripts, surveys, meeting notes, and publicity materials. The Theater Offensive's relationship with the queer performance community is documented by submissions and offers of potential collaborations. Administrative processes are documented by board minutes, financial reports, extensive grant files, strategic planning records, and newsletters. Of particular interest is Series 10: Photographs, which includes portraits, publicity photographs, and performance photographs. |
| Historical Abstract: | The Theater Offensive was founded in 1989 by Abraham Rybeck "to form and present the diverse realities of queer lives in art so bold it breaks through personal isolation and political orthodoxy to help build an honest, progressive community." The Theater Offensive mounts and produces festivals and individual productions by national and local queer performers, and also serves as a development environment for new theatrical work. In addition, The Theater Offensive works to build community through education, outreach, and political activism. |
| Language and Scripts: | The majaority of the materials are in English. Some materials are in Spanish. |
| System of Arrangement: | Organized into 11 series: 1. Administration; 2. Early and In–House Productions; 3. Education and Outreach; 4. Grants; 5. OUT on the Edge; 6. Other Festivals and Productions; 7. Plays At Work; 8. Submissions and Potential Collaborations; 9. General Press; 10. Photographs; and 11. Memorabilia |
| Subjects and Contributors: |
- Gays and the performing arts
- Theater and youth—Massachusetts—Boston.
- Theater management—Massachusetts—Boston.
- Theater—Gay theater—Massachusetts—Boston.
- Theater—Political aspects—Massachusetts—Boston.
- Theater—Production and direction.
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| Conditions Governing Access: | Access to the collection is unrestricted. Special copyright restrictions may apply. |
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| Immediate Source of Acquisition: | Received from The Theater Offensive. |
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| Accruals: | Further accruals are expected. |
| Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use: | Copyright restrictions may apply. |
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| Processor: |
Finding aid prepared by Molly Overholt, 2005 and Cynthia Rufo, 2009. |
