Administrative Information | Search Terms | Background Note | Scope and Contents Note | Arrangement | PDF of Finding Aid
 

COLLECTION SUMMARY

Title:     College of Arts and Science, Communication Studies and Theatre Department records

Dates:     1931-2008

Creator:     Communication Studies and Theatre Department, College of Arts and Science, South Dakota State University

Physical description:    1.26 linear feet—3 containers

Collection number:     UA 6.1

Language:     Collection material in English.

Repository:     South Dakota State University Archives, Hilton M. Briggs Library, South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D.

Abstract:     Collection is composed of materials produced by the Communication Studies and Theatre Department. Included is material related to the Prairie Repertory Theatre and State University Theatre.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION 

Provenance:     The bulk of this collection was found in the Archives in 1997. There is no indication of where they came from or how they came to be here.

This is an on-going collection with material arriving through departmental records transfers, the university campus mail, or random donation by various individuals.

Access Restrictions:     This collection is open to research without restriction. Items in this collection do not circulate and may be used in-house only.

Researchers requesting permission to publish, quote, or exhibit from the College of Arts & Science, Communication Studies and Theatre Department records will be required to complete a Permission to Publish, Quote, or Exhibit Form.

Copyright Status:     Copyright 2008 by South Dakota State University and SDSU Archives. Please credit the SDSU Archives if you copy or reproduce material from this finding aid.

It is the responsibility of anyone reproducing material to determine the copyright holders and obtain permission from them if necessary. Archives staff will provide available copyright information on request. Please note that most collections, especially those received before 1997, may not have complete information on file. (Revised 15 SEP 2003)

Preferred citation:     [Identification of item]. College of Arts and Science, Communication Studies and Theatre Department records, UA 6.1, South Dakota State University Archives, South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D.

Processing information:     This collection was processed by Crystal J. Gamradt, May 11, 1998 with revisions on August 11, 2008 (cjg).

SELECTED SEARCH TERMS

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the subject guide. They are grouped by name of person or organization, by subject or location, and by occupation and listed alphabetically therein.

Subjects:

• Communication Studies and Theatre Department—South Dakota State University.

• Communication Studies and Theatre Department—Festivals—South Dakota State University.

• Elocution and Physical Culture Department—South Dakota State College.

• Experimental theatre—South Dakota State University.

• Film & Cafe Society—South Dakota State University.

• Forensics (Public speaking)—South Dakota State University

• KSDJ (Radio station: Brookings, S.D.)

• Music and Physical Culture Department—South Dakota State College.

• Plays—South Dakota State College.

• Prairie Repertory Theatre—South Dakota State University.

• Prairie Repertory Theatre—Records and correspondence—South Dakota State University.

• Public Speaking Department—South Dakota State College.

• Radio—South Dakota State University.

• Speech Department—South Dakota State University.

• State University Theatre—South Dakota State University.

• State University Theatre—Newsletters—South Dakota State University.

• State University Theatre—Records and correspondence—South Dakota State University.

• Student organizations—South Dakota State College.

• Student organizations—South Dakota State University.

• Theatre—South Dakota State College.

• Theatre—South Dakota State University.

BACKGROUND NOTE 

Speech courses have always been a part of the South Dakota State University curriculum.  In the earliest years, the preparatory department offered courses in public speaking to high school students, and the English Department offered courses in public speaking and rhetoric, including elocution and oral reading.  Through the years, various other departments took responsibility for the public speaking courses, including the Elocution and Physical Culture Department, the Public Speaking Department, and the English Department.  A Speech Department first appeared in the 1924 catalog, offering courses in debate, speaking, and play production.  Required courses in rhetoric were taught by the English Department until 1938 when they were placed into the speech department.

By the 1950's, the Speech Department was well established on campus.  The Board of Regents approved the speech major in 1958, and a master's degree was also available.  Courses were taught in forensics, drama and radio.  Film and television instruction began soon after.  In the 1970's the communication disorders program, which prepared students to teach or provide therapy in speech, hearing and speech language was established as part of the department.

In addition to formal course work in speech, extracurricular activities involving the department have flourished on campus.  In the early years, speech and literary societies sponsored most plays and debates, which were a major source of entertainment on campus.  After such societies disappeared, students continued to participate in debate and theatre, taking part in competitions and many theatrical productions.  Students also worked for the State College broadcasting system and work for the campus radio station KAGY.

Since the early 1990's, the department has been known as the Communication Studies and Theatre Department.  Programs in speech communication, speech education and theatre are offered, as is the radio, television and film program, which focus on production.  Many opportunities for extracurricular activities are also offered through the department.

Related material:

Karlen, Louis W., History of State University theatre 1972 through 1992, Thesis (M.A.)-Communications Studies and Theatre Dept., South Dakota State University, 1993. [Archives: LB2385.K1465 1993]

SCOPE AND CONTENTS NOTE

This series consists of items materials produced by the various programs offered by the Communication Studies and Theatre Department. Folders include pamphlets, programs, and newsletters. The bulk of the material is related to the Prairie Repertory Theatre and State University Theatre. This material includes playbills, posters, ticket information, calendars, programs, and correspondence. Some items of note consist of bound books of theatre seasons for the Prairie Repertory Theatre. These books cover the 1971-2002 summer theatre seasons and include copies of programs, clippings, and photographs from plays.   

ARRANGEMENT of the RECORDS 

Folders are arranged in alphabetical order.

Box 1.

Box 2.

Box 3.

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Updated 11 August 2008 by cjg

Email questions or comments to: arcrefs@sdstate.edu

Copyright 2007 by South Dakota State University and SDSU Archives.
Please credit the SDSU Archives if you copy or reproduce material from this page.