library for the performing arts?

[nostrngattachd]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 7:02pm

What is the name of the library for the performing arts that has all of the archives of musical performances? (i.e. the rent 10th anniversary concert)

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 7:11pm

The New York Public Library at Lincoln Center.

They don't have the Rent concert, as it wasn't filmed for that.
Updated On: 6/7/06 at 07:11 PM

[Just_John]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 7:12pm

im pretty sure its called nyc's public library of the performing arts. but not 100% sure. That's the only thing ic heard it be called.

[yodamarie78]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 7:45pm

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

[Act4ever]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 8:09pm

how does one go about watching an archival video of a Broadway show there?

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 8:10pm

It has to be for educational purposes. You're doing a paper on a show, you're directing a show and you want to see the original production, etc.

[Just_John]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 8:21pm

I think they got rid of that rule because people lie anyway.

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 8:27pm

It's unecessary because anyone can be doing anything on a show.

[juice23]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 8:49pm

god what i wouldnt give to camp there for a weekend and just watch back to back shows...

ragtime, side show, and countless others i saw when i was young or i never got to see...

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 8:58pm

so would I . . .

I live in NY so I'm unsure of why I never watched any of those shows.

Has anyone watched anything there? If so, what? how was it? where did u watch it? can you bring popcorn and soda?

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 6/7/06 at 10:01pm

From their site:

Theatre on Film and Tape
The Lucille Lortel Room, adjacent to the main reading room, houses the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive. Material is listed under production title, author, theatre company, and dialogue participants. Advance appointments are required for viewing Users may telephone TOFT to ascertain tape availability. Please call [phone].

[queendork]

Posted: 8/8/06 at 3:11pm

Updated On: 8/28/06 at 03:11 PM

[coolkid11776]

Posted: 8/8/06 at 3:14pm

I was woundering If it would be possible to watch the OBC of rent at this place or if I could buy a legal dvd?

[Gothampc]

Posted: 8/8/06 at 3:17pm

"I was woundering If it would be possible to watch the OBC of rent at this place or if I could buy a legal dvd?"

When I worked there, the rule was that you couldn't view anything that was currently playing on Broadway. I don't think there are any legal dvds of the entire Broadway show.

[Just_John]

Posted: 8/8/06 at 3:17pm

Well you can't buy a legal DVD. And they may have it but they won't allow you to watch it since it's still on broadway.

[AngActing]

Posted: 8/8/06 at 3:28pm

Years ago, I did go to the Lincoln Center Library and watch "Amadeus", the Broadway videotape. At the time, which may still be true; you just tell them you are "studying Peter Shaeffer plays" or you are in a production of it or are directing it.

I walked in . . . but, even then, they suggested appointments. And I did have to wait an hour. Technically, I guess, I made the appointment while there.

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 8/8/06 at 3:32pm

I'm going to see Ragtime there shortly.

[tcoppola]

Posted: 8/8/06 at 3:36pm

You now need to have a Library Access Card to view materials there. You can obtain one the same day--doesn't take long, but this is a new thing. I guess I got mine about 2-3 years ago?

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 8/8/06 at 3:38pm

Gee Wickedgeek, who'd you get that idea from? :-P

The research rule still exists.

There are also some very restricted titles--like Urinetown, that you can only view with written permission from a lawyer or something.

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 8/8/06 at 3:46pm

this sounds fun
id love to do this sometime
how far do the archives go back? into like the 80's, 60's, or even shows further back than that?

[Gothampc]

Posted: 8/8/06 at 3:55pm

"how far do the archives go back?"

Mid to late 1970s. It was very sketchy years ago because AEA, producers and actors were afraid that it would cut into their livelihood. But now most of them realize what a wonderful resource it is. Susan Stroman has sent several understudies/replacements there to get an overview of shows they were going into.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 8/8/06 at 4:02pm

The library began filming shows around 1970, but not every show since then has been filmed (they operate on a very limited budget) and the quality varies through the years (as technology improved, so did the tapings). Many were just single camera recordings with a camera placed on a tripod in the back of the theatre. There are tapes that have been donated by various individuals (or their estates) who were associated with productions of some shows pre-1970, off-Broadway, off-off-Broadway, regional and non-US shows. It's a large collection, but not entirely comprehensive with many many notable productions and artists not included, so you should go through their index to see whether they have a recording of a given show you're interested in seeing before showing up.

And as someone else mentioned, some shows have restricted access and require written permision from the attorneys of the rights holders before you will be allowed to see them (most Michael Bennett shows require permission from John Beglio, his executor and attorney -- and you need a very good and verifiable reason for him to grant access).