The Theatre Museum in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its groundbreaking this June with a ribbon cutting to reveal the newly completed exhibition hall display and a convention on site, June 10-12.
Reflecting the long-time dream of repertoire theatre company owners and actors Neil and Caroline Schaffner, the museum is dedicated to the preservation of memorabilia and artifacts of early repertoire theatre. The collection includes numerous painted curtains, costumes and equipment used by individual performers and technicians, playbills, advertising sheets and promotional posters. The Theatre Museum additionally houses an extensive research library of rare scripts, correspondence, tour schedules, production photos, and other original source materials. Of special interest is the large collection of videotaped interviews with actual troupers describing their professional and personal experiences.
The museum is now open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10-4 until Labor Day. Appointments can also be scheduled by calling 319-385-9432.
The grand re-opening was well attended by the public.
About the National Society for the Preservation of Tent, Folk and Repertoire Theatre
Formally incorporated in 1968, the purpose of the National Society is to help preserve the memorabilia and culture of tent, folk and repertoire theatre and to facilitate literary endeavors, scholarly research and public enjoyment and enlightenment.
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Volunteer of the Year: Grace Swank-Davis:
