Good news, Theatre folks! You can now find all of the theatre scripts held by the Leatherby Libraries in one place: the Theatre Scripts Collection! You can find this collection on the 2nd Floor of the Leatherby Libraries in a separate shelving area near the Friedman Reading Room.

When you search the library catalog looking for plays, you may see that the location of the book says “2nd FL Theatre Scripts Collection.” When you see this, you’ll need to find the new location next to the Attallah Library of Arts and Humanities.You can also browse the entire Theatre Scripts Collection online by searching for the title “Theatre Scripts Collection” in the library catalog. Currently there are 1079 scripts in the collection!

Please note that the Theatre Scripts Collection includes only “acting editions,” which are lightweight editions usually published by Samuel French or Dramatists Play Service.  Acting Editions are typically the final prompt script for the first or most important production, and include added info such as stage directions, blocking, and costumes from the production. They will also have information regarding royalties for obtaining performance rights. These scripts are perfect for exploring scenes, finding monologues for auditions, or reading plays as they were originally performed.

On the other hand, “published editions” of plays will remain within the collection of the Attallah Library of Arts and Humanities. Published editions contain text that has been evaluated by the playwright and edited for the goal of reading rather than performance.

A big “thank you” to the following departments for working behind the library scene to make this happen: the Circulation Department under head Eddie Sauceda, and the Cataloging Department under head Shahrzad Khosrowpour!

If you have any questions, concerns, or recommendations for purchases, please contact Taylor Greene, Performing Arts Librarian.

Please enjoy browsing the new Theatre Scripts Collection!