Finding Aid
Collection Summary
Identifier
UA 6.1
Title
Department of Communication Studies and Theater Records
Dates
1931-2012
Extent
1.26 linear feet (3 document cases) moving image materials
Creator
South Dakota State University. Department of Communication Studies and Theater
Language
English
Repository
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.
Access note
Open. The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.
Preferred Citation
Name of item. UA 6.1, box #, folder #, Department of Communication Studies and Theater Records, South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.
Abstract
The Department of Communication Studies and Theater offers majors in Theater or Speech Communication with an optional emphasis in Speech. This collection is composed of materials produced by the Communication Studies and Theater Department. Included is material related to the Prairie Repertory Theater and State University Theater.
Historical 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 theater, 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 Theater Department. Programs in speech communication, speech education and theater 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.
Contents and Arrangement
Contents Note
This collection consists of items materials produced by the various programs offered by the Communication Studies and Theater Department. Folders include pamphlets, programs, and newsletters. The bulk of the material is related to the Prairie Repertory Theater and State University Theater. This material includes playbills, posters, ticket information, calendars, programs, and correspondence. Some items of note consist of bound books of theater seasons for the Prairie Repertory Theater. These books cover the 1971-2002 summer theater seasons and include copies of programs, clippings, and photographs from plays.
Key Words
- KSDJ. (Radio station : Brookings, S.D.)
- South Dakota State University. Department of Communication Studies and Theater
- South Dakota State University. Prairie Repertory Theater
- South Dakota State University. State University Theater
Related Resources
History of State University theater 1972 through 1992 - Louis W. Karlen
Publication Date: 1993
Call Number: LB2385.K1465
Access
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.
Researchers conducting extensive research are asked to make an advance appointment to access archival material. Please call or e-mail prior to visiting the collection and indicate as much detail as possible about a particular topic and intended use.
Physical Access
South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted as a result of their fragile condition or by contractual agreements with donors.
Rights
Copyright Status
Copyright Notice
Researchers may quote from the collection under the fair use provision of the copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code). Requests to publish should be arranged with the SDSU Archives and Special Collections.
Box | Folder | Description | Date(s) |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | Course offerings | 1999 |
1 | 2 | Department of Communication Studies and Theater Recruitment Video | 1997 |
1 | 3 | Film and Cafe Society - Reel Images (pamphlet) | 1999 |
1 | 4 | Footlight Club play programs | 1931-1932 |
3 | 5 | Prairie Repertory Theater A Summer Outreach Program (info sheet) | undated |
1 | 5 | Prairie Repertory Theater Book I | 1971-1974 |
1 | 6 | Prairie Repertory Theater Book II | 1975-1979 |
1 | 7 | Prairie Repertory Theater Book III | 1980-1984 |
1 | 8 | Prairie Repertory Theater Book IV | 1985-1989 |
2 | 1 | Prairie Repertory Theater Book V | 1990-1994 |
2 | 2 | Prairie Repertory Theater Book VI | 1995-1999 |
2 | 3 | Prairie Repertory Theater Book VII | 2000-2002 |
3 | 1 | Prairie Repertory Theater Correspondence | 2003-2008 |
3 | 2 | Prairie Repertory Theater Playbills | 1999-2008, undated |
3 | 3 | Prairie Repertory Theater Programs | 1981-2006, 2008 |
3 | 4 | Prairie Repertory Theater Summer Calendar | 1984-2008 |
3 | 6 | Radio K.S.D.J. (posters, pamphlets, etc.) | 1999-2005, undated |
3 | 7 | S.D.S.U. Experimental Theater (poster) | undated |
3 | 8 | S.D.S.U.'s Yellow and Blue Revue (booklet) | 1988 June-1989 |
3 | 9 | South Dakota Theater Fest (pamphlet, posters) | 2004-2006 |
3 | 10 | Speech (pamphlet) | undated |
3 | 11 | Spotlight on State University Theater (newsletter) | 1979-1986 |
3 | 12 | Spotlight on State University Theater (newsletter) | 1987-1988 |
3 | 13 | State College Theater Program | 1954 |
3 | 21 | State College Theater-In-the-Round Program | 1960 |
3 | 22 | State University Schedule | 2017-2018 |
3 | 14 | State University Theater Correspondence | 1991, 2001, 2007 |
3 | 15 | State University Theater Playbills | 1967-1968, 1987-2006 |
3 | 16 | State University Theater Postcards | 2004-2008 |
3 | 17 | State University Theater Posters | 2003, 2008 |
3 | 18 | State University Theater Programs | 1964-1991 |
3 | 19 | State University Theater Season calendars | 1966-1967, 1987-2005, 2008, undated |
3 | 20 | State University Theater Season tickets | 1965-1991, 1998-2007 |
3 | 23 | Yellow and Blue Review | 1989-1999 |