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Communication Studies and Theater Department Records

Finding Aid

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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

In copyright.

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.

Download container List

CONTAINER LIST: Department of Communication Studies and Theater Records. UA 6.1

BoxFolderDescriptionDate(s)
11Course offerings1999
12Department of Communication Studies and Theater Recruitment Video1997
13Film and Cafe Society - Reel Images (pamphlet)1999
14Footlight Club play programs1931-1932
35Prairie Repertory Theater A Summer Outreach Program (info sheet)undated
15Prairie Repertory Theater Book I1971-1974
16Prairie Repertory Theater Book II1975-1979
17Prairie Repertory Theater Book III1980-1984
18Prairie Repertory Theater Book IV1985-1989
21Prairie Repertory Theater Book V1990-1994
22Prairie Repertory Theater Book VI1995-1999
23Prairie Repertory Theater Book VII2000-2002
31Prairie Repertory Theater Correspondence2003-2008
32Prairie Repertory Theater Playbills1999-2008, undated
33Prairie Repertory Theater Programs1981-2006, 2008
34Prairie Repertory Theater Summer Calendar1984-2008
36Radio K.S.D.J. (posters, pamphlets, etc.)1999-2005, undated
37S.D.S.U. Experimental Theater (poster)undated
38S.D.S.U.'s Yellow and Blue Revue (booklet)1988 June-1989
39South Dakota Theater Fest (pamphlet, posters)2004-2006
310Speech (pamphlet)undated
311Spotlight on State University Theater (newsletter)1979-1986
312Spotlight on State University Theater (newsletter)1987-1988
313State College Theater Program1954
321State College Theater-In-the-Round Program1960
322State University Schedule2017-2018
314State University Theater Correspondence1991, 2001, 2007
315State University Theater Playbills1967-1968, 1987-2006
316State University Theater Postcards2004-2008
317State University Theater Posters2003, 2008
318State University Theater Programs1964-1991
319State University Theater Season calendars1966-1967, 1987-2005, 2008, undated
320State University Theater Season tickets1965-1991, 1998-2007
323Yellow and Blue Review1989-1999