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Researching Theatre History by Les Tod

In the early years of Kino, an article appeared with tips on how to research theatre histo,ry. Given the passage
of the years, perhaps it is time to repeat this to assist those who wish to prepare articles. To be readable and
interesting, the article needs a solid structure of research behind it. But how do you get that research?

Libraries: The State Libraries are an outstanding source of research material, ranging from photographs to
newspapers, books and magazines. They also contain copies of the Sands & McDougall directories, a street
listing of buildings issued annually from the 1890's to around 1932, depending on the capital city. The State
Libraries, and many municipal libraries as well, have Small Photo Files, comprising thousands of photographs
usually filed by town, suburb, or subject. If you're in luck, sometimes the topic THEATRE or CINEMA appears.

Newspapers: A good research source, but can be time-consuming. Again, the State Libraries are a treasure
for this type of thing, and usually keep their newspapers on microfilm, which you can get copies from.

Trade Journals: The jewel in the researcher's crown, but can be hard to come by. They can be found in
secondhand bookshops, etc. but tend to be expensive. State libraries hold copies of many of them, although
the best collection is undoubtedly the NSW State Library. The main journals are the Film Weekly, Everyone's,
The Exhibitor (short-lived, in the early 1920's), The Picture Show (another short-lived 1920's journal), The
Australasian Exhibitor, and the Australasian Cinema. Libraries would offer photographic reproductions from
these for a fee. The Film Weekly used to issue Annual Directories, also known as Who's Who in the Motion
Picture Industry. These started in 1937, with the last one being issued in 1971. They are an invaluable aid to
finding who controlled a cinema in a particular year, and include information on seating capacities.

Specialised Collections: The National Film and Sound Archives in Canberra hold considerable material on
the Australian film industry over the years. The Performing Arts Museum in the Victorian Arts Centre also is a
repository of theatre history, as is the Wolanski Library in the Sydney Opera House.

Telephone Books: Telecom Australia has an old phone book library in l'y1elqourne

Historical Societies: A mixed bag. Some will go out of their way to help you and others will ignore you. I have
had some ask to see what I have researched thus far, then kept it and refused further correspondence. Some
may charge a research fee by the hour. If you don't know how to contact them, ask at the local library.

Letters to the Editor: Generally close to a last resort, but it sometimes turns up surprises. Write to the local
newspaper as a Letter to the Editor. Include a return address and for heaven's sake, acknowledge those who
go out of their way to reply. A little courtesy and consideration goes a long way.

Local Museums: A good scource. Usually associated with the local historical society, but not always.

Former owners, operators: An excellent source, but frequently difficult to make contact with. Companies
are notorious for having thrown everything out, but family-run theatres can yield many old photos and memorabilia.
Unfortunately time itself is taking a toll on these, and you usually end up speaking to grandchildren, who can
only relate some of the background as here say, and are unable to help with dates.

Corporate Records: Where these are located varies from state to state, but can be useful in tracking down
the directors of companies that held or operated theatres, and also information within their Minute records
concerning changes or sale of the theatres themselves.

Copyright: A very difficult issue. If you are given permission to print a photograph, the copyright ownership
lies with the person that took it/paid to have it taken, and NOT with you. That is why it is correct to acknowledge
the owner, eg, Photo: Les Tod, October 1985. Photos from companies need specific consent. Reproducing
photos from books and magazines does create problems, and each needs to be dealt with on its merits. If in
.
doubt, .contact the Australian Copyright Council on 02 318 1788, 245 Chalmers Street, Redfern NSW 2016 .

To Sum Up: So, as you can see, there are a lot of sources to research theatre history. There can be a lot of
fun and satisfaction in uncovering the required detail, in meeting new people, and also, in some cases, travelling
around. The thrill of discovery of information or photographs is very gratifying. So, give your Editor a hand by
providing articles brimming with facts and figures, as well as reminiscences, and well illustrated with photos,
plans, seating plans etc. The result will be a well-rounded historical article for all to read and enjoy, and one
that you can justify feel proud of as author.