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Empty Space Theatre records, 1970-2006

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Empty Space Theatre
Title
Empty Space Theatre records
Dates
1970-2006 (inclusive)
Quantity
41.75 cubic feet (45 boxes) including textual materials, video cassettes, CD-ROMs, photographic prints and negatives, and audio cassettes
Collection Number
4481
Summary
Records of a Seattle theater which produced contemporary plays
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

Open to all users.

Records stored offsite; advanced notice required for use

Request at UW

Languages
English
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Historical Note

The Empty Space Theatre (1971-2006), which was named for English director Peter Brook's 1968 book, Empty Space, produced theatrical shows in various locations during its 36 year existence. Founded by University of Washington Drama department graduates, the mid-sized theater's first home was at the Pike Place Market, moving on to Capitol Hill, Pioneer Square, and Fremont, before finally affiliating with Seattle University as its theater-in-residence just months before its closure. The Empty Space closed its doors in October 2006 at its location in the Jeanne Marie and Rhoady Lee Center for the Performing Arts at Seattle University due to a shortage of funds.

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Content Description

The majority of the collection is materials from various productions throughout the organization's history, including scripts, photographs, publicity materials, financial information, and more. Also included is miscellaneous ephemera, such as stickers and buttons.

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Use of the Collection

Alternative Forms Available

Four performances from the original analog tapes have been digitized and can be previewed onsite in the Special Collections Reading Room:

  • Deadwood Dick or the Curse of the Headless Horseman, 1980 (VC767)
  • The Rocky Horror Show, 1987 (VC768)
  • Smokey Joe's Café, 1990 (VC769)
  • Of mice and men, 1998 (VC770)

Restrictions on Use

Restrictions may exist on copying, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

Arranged in 9 series.

  • Series 1, Historical, 1998-2004
  • Series 2, Production Files, 1970-2006
  • Series 3, Administrative Records, 1978-1999
  • Series 4, Russian Plays Translation Project, 1989-1991
  • Series 5, VHS Tapes, 1980-2005
  • Series 6, Oversize Materials, 1971-1987
  • Series 7, Cassette Tapes, 1986-2005
  • Series 8, CDs and Floppy Disks, 1998-2004
  • Series 9, Ephemera, 1979-2001

Arrangement

Organized into 2 accessions.

  • Accession No. 4481-001, Empty Space Theatre Records, 1970-2006
  • Accession No. 4481-004, Empty Space Tea set, 1978

Preservation Note

Records stored offsite; advanced notice required for use

Acquisition Information

Donated by Burke Walker, 8/8/1994; UW Drama Library, 8/1/2001; Allison Narver via Kathy Clarke, November 2007; Cathy Palmer, Linda Hobb, and Brian Branagan, July 2014. Tea set purchased from Karen Augustin by Ms. Tourigny and donated by Anita.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

 

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Dramatists--Northwest, Pacific--Archives
  • Personal Papers/Corporate Records (University of Washington)
  • Theatrical companies--Washington (State)--Seattle--Archives

Corporate Names

  • Empty Space Theatre--Archives

Other Creators

  • Personal Names

    • Kondoleon, Harry (author)
    • Kushner, Tony (author)
    • Lee, Levi (author)
    • Ludlam, Charles (author)
    • Mastrosimone, William (author)
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