Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1960-2010 (Creation)
Extent
12.92 linear feet [26 boxes]
Name of creator
Administrative history
Theatre L'Homme Dieu was founded in 1961 as a joint project between the city of Alexandria, Minnesota and representatives of St. Cloud State University. Members of these two communities created the Performing Arts Foundation. The goal of the foundation was to stage open-air performances by students and directors of St. Cloud State University (along with actors and actresses from outside of the college) in Alexandria, a town in Minnesota's lake country with ample tourism in the summer. The first performance at Theatre L'Homme Dieu was "See How They Run" on June 27, 1961. Budget problems caused St. Cloud State University to terminate their support for the theatre in 1985.
The presidents of the Performing Arts Foundation were either faculty or administrators at St. Cloud State University. The position was held by:
George Budd, 1961-1965
Robert H. Wick, 1966-1971
Charles J. Graham, 1972-1981
Brendan J. McDonald, 1982-1983
Harvey Paul Jurik, 1984
Brendan J. McDonald, 1985-1986
Don Sikkink, 1987-1989
Ralph Tillitt, 1990-1993
Claudia Bursch, 1993-1998
Scope and content
This collection contains records from Theatre L'Homme Dieu along with the Performing Arts Foundation at St. Cloud State University. There are 21 boxes and two oversized folders in the collection; the items date from 1960-2010. Additions to this series may be ongoing.
The collection is arranged into six series, which are as follows:
Series 1: Administrative Records, 1960-2010
This series includes records pertaining directly to the Performing Arts Foundation; these include minutes, building plans, correspondence and memorandum, financial statements and grant applications, and historical information. Blueprints are located in the oversize cabinets, drawer 15, and are in chronological order.
Series 2: Biographical Files, Various Dates
This series contains photographs (mainly head shots) and resumes of Theatre L'Homme Dieu's actors, actresses, and directors. Photos may be duplicated in the Play Files.
Series 3: Correspondence, 1960-1995, 2002-2003
This series includes correspondence regarding the theatre, both to and from the public. Common themes in the correspondence collection include reviews and requests of productions from the public along with the theatre advertising and looking for sponsers.
Series 4: Photographs, 1961-1995
This series includes photographs of Theatre L'Homme Dieu's buildings along with photographs of unidentified performances and performers.
Series 5: Play Files, 1961-2007
This series includes play programs, news clippings, box office reports, and attendance records. The collection also includes photographs, slides, and negatives, with the majority being photographs. These shots include not only the productions but often headshots as well. The headshots may also be duplicated in the Biographical Files.
Series 6: Publications and Press Coverage, 1960-2008
This series includes press clippings regarding the theatre. Posters are located in the oversize cabinets, drawer 17, and are in chronological order.
System of arrangement
The collection is arranged into six series, which are as follows:
Series 1: Administrative Records, 1960-2010
Records are organized by subject and then by date.
Series 2: Biographical Files, Various Dates
Biographical files of performers and directors are in alphabetical order by last name.
Series 3: Correspondence, 1960-1995, 2002-2003
Records are organized in chronological order.
Series 4: Photographs, 1961-1995
Records are organized by subject and then by date.
Series 5: Play Files, 1961-2007
Plays are arranged in alphabetical order.
Series 6: Publications and Press Coverage, 1960-2008
Records are organized in chronological order.
Records are located at 30D.3d-7e and oversize drawer 17.
Conditions governing access
There are no access restrictions.
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Permission to publish, quote, and reproduce must be secured from the copyright holder.
Languages of the material
- English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
A13-006, A18-014, and A23-005
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Specialized notes
Alternative identifier(s)
Rules or conventions
Sources used
Archivist's note
Processed by Alissa LaChapelle in 2010-2011 with later additions done by others
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- St. Cloud State University (Subject)