Memorial University Libraries

"One of the best things we ever did was archive our stuff. ... 
  We discovered our own material through the archives." - Andy Jones

The Performing Arts Collection, Archives, and Special Collections

Since the early 1980s, the Performing Arts Collection (PAC) at the Archives and Special Collections (formerly known as the Centre for Newfoundland Studies Archives) of the Memorial University Libraries has been dedicated to the preservation of our province’s performing arts heritage and culture. The PAC collects play scripts, programs, posters, photographs, audio and video recordings of productions and other material which documents the performing arts in the province. Before the creation of the STAGE project in 1994, attempts were made to contact groups and individuals known to have been active in theatre throughout the province, asking them to donate material to the archives, but the greater portion of the material collected originated in the St. John's area. While a great deal of theatre takes place in rural areas of the province, that activity was often unrecorded and was in danger of being lost over time. The STAGE project has facilitated outreach to rural communities and greatly enhanced our library’s collections.

Our Holdings

• For more information on the holdings of the Performing Arts Collection at the Archive and Special Collections please visit our blog
• Check out our online collection of 3000+ posters from the Newfoundland and Labrador Performing Arts Posters Collection (Coll-143). Browse by performer and search using any keyword.
• Interested in exploring other material at the Archive and Special Collections? Visit our web page or in person. Our Reading Room, located on the 3rd floor of the QEII Library, is open Monday-Friday 9am-12pm and 2pm-4pm.

Archival Material Samples

Click on the title for a larger image and details.