New York Enthusiasts papers 1942-1963?

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New York Enthusiasts papers 1942-1963?

http://archives.nypl.org/the/21669

The New York Enthusiasts was an organization active during the Post-World War Two period, made up of persons who, in the words of the club's newsletter, "like New York, want to learn more about New York, and want to do this in the company of people with similar desires and interests." At its peak the club had several hundred members, and its newsletter ZIG ZAG was mailed out to some 2,000 subscribers. ZIG ZAG was published from July 1946 until May 1963. During that time, the Enthusiasts attended many stage productions in the city and the greater New York area, especially smaller-scale Off-Broadway plays. The New York Enthusiasts papers consist mostly of correspondence addressed to Hans Hacker, editor of the club's newsletter, ZIG ZAG, in which representatives of New York's smaller theater companies attempt to arouse interest in their productions. Several of the notes are concerned with the logistics of handling large theater parties of Enthusiasts, while others are focused on extolling the virtues of an upcoming show or season. Correspondence from the New Dramatists Committee gives a detailed description of their workshop process, and invites club members to attend readings. A 1952 note from the Oval Players announces that its next production will be directed by Joseph Papirofsky (i.e Joseph Papp). A 1949 note from a New Jersey Burlesque club invites Enthusiasts to enjoy material no longer legal in New York. Also included in the collection is the September/October 1952 issue of ZIG ZAG.

(1 portfolio)

The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.

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SNAC Resource ID: 6317920

Related Entities

There are 3 Entities related to this resource.

New York Enthusiasts.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w64v2m8g (corporateBody)

New York Enthusiasts is a club in New York City formed for the purpose of meeting the educational needs of adults and furthering knowledge of the city through lectures and industrial and art shows. From the guide to the New York Enthusiasts records, 1938-1984, 1945-1984, (The New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division.) The New York Enthusiasts was an organization active during the Post-World War Two period, made up of persons who, in the words of the club's ...

Hacker, Hans

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6p1140d (person)

New Dramatists, Inc.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w61s1t1t (corporateBody)

The New Dramatists was first formed by contemporary playwrights as the New Dramatists Committee in 1949 to encourage and develop playwrighting talent in America. In addition to providing grants to playwrights, the New Dramatists offers lectures by contemporary playwrights and theater celebrities on various aspects of theater production. From the guide to the Playwright lecture series [sound recording], 1951-1960, (The New York Public Library. Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recor...