The Records of the Speech & Drama Department in the University Archives Virginia Union University, 1934-1993

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Union University
L. Douglas Wilder Library
Virginia Union University
1500 North Lombardy Street
Richmond, VA 23220
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Selicia Allen
Phone: (804) 278-4117
Fax: (804) 257-5818

Summary

Extent:
2 boxes; 1 oversize folder
Creator:
Speech and Drama Department, Virginia Union University; University Players
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

These records reflect the performances and activities of the Speech and Drama Department at Virginia Union University. The bulk of the collection is performance programs and photographs of the University Players. The Administrative file contains very limited correspondence (mostly congratulatory letters) and press releases.

Biographical / historical:

Classes in acting and directing or stagecraft were offered through the English Department until 1975 when the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Drama was first offered. The University Players began as an extracurricular club that performed in La Cave, the theatre in the basement of Martin E. Gray Hall. Now a part of the department’s curriculum, it is one of the oldest organizations on campus and one of the oldest theatre groups in Richmond. It was the first Richmond theatre group to sponsor a Black drama playwriting contest. The group has performed not only on campus, but throughout the community, and in the 1970's introduced African American drama to areas of Minnesota through a federal program of cultural exchange.

Arrangement:

The Programs and Photographs files are arranged chronologically by performance date.