can somebody please help me with this. How does one go and watch a video in the library from a show? Do you need to fill out a form? Any advice would be great.
It's best to make an appointment beforehand. Once you get there you'll need to present your library card (has your pic on it) - if you don't have one get there early and they'll take one for you. After that you go into the room and fill out a form stating why you need to watch the video, and then you'll watch it.
I assume you want to see a video of a Broadway show. The last time I did this (a couple of years ago), the Library told me that I needed a valid reason to view the video, and a union card helps (but I don't think it's essential). Just say you're mounting a production of it somewhere and it'll be fine. In some cases, you need permission from someone to view it. I had problems because I wanted to see a Neil Simon show on tape, and they ask you to get permission from his representative.
I assume you want to see a video of a Broadway show. The last time I did this (a couple of years ago), the Library told me that I needed a valid reason to view the video, and a union card helps (but I don't think it's essential). Just say you're mounting a production of it somewhere and it'll be fine. In some cases, you need permission from someone to view it. I had problems because I wanted to see a Neil Simon show on tape, and they ask you to get permission from his representative.
I assume you want to see a video of a Broadway show. The last time I did this (a couple of years ago), the Library told me that I needed a valid reason to view the video, and a union card helps (but I don't think it's essential). Just say you're mounting a production of it somewhere and it'll be fine. In some cases, you need permission from someone to view it. I had problems because I wanted to see a Neil Simon show on tape, and they ask you to get permission from his representative.
The Theatre on Film and Tape (TOFT) archive is part of the Billy Rose Theatre Collection at the NYPL. The archive is available for research purposes and includes tape or film versions of many Broadway shows, as well some Off Broadway, regional, and non-U.S. productions. To view a film or tape, an advance appointment must be made and you must offer a reason for viewing. You must have an Access card. Tape availability requests can be made to 212-870-1642. More information about the Billy Rose Theatre Collection is available at http://www.nypl.org/research/lpa/the/the.html and details on using the archives can be viewed at http://www.nypl.org/research/lpa/the/the.usarch.html.
You don't need a library card, you need an Access card. The Access card is free and can be issued at the branch which contains research materials. Also, while you do need a reason, a simple reason will work (researching a role, etc.), and you do NOT need a union card. A few will have restrictions, and anything currently playing on Broadway is restricted.
Here's a place where you can browse the videos they have in the archive. Its really quite a cool collection, everything from the 42nd Street to Amadeus to Jane Eyre to Doubt.
Here's a place where you can browse the videos they have in the archive. Its really quite a cool collection, everything from the 42nd Street to Amadeus to Jane Eyre to Doubt.
New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Collection. Theatre on Film and Tape Archive.
Oh, that's really cool, thanks! So for anyone who has actually gone and viewed a tape there, would I be able to just go & say I'm researching a show for a college paper?