Tracing Your Theatrical Ancestors: A Guide for Family Historians

Katharine Cockin's handbook is a great resource for learning about ancestors who were involved in the world of theatre, including on stage, on film, in music halls, and traveling shows. It provides a history of public performance, case studies, and information on relevant archives, books, museums, and websites to help explore the subject.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Discovering the Lives of Ancestors in the World of Theatre: On Stage and on Film, in the Music Halls and Traveling Shows, in the Circus, and Other Forms of Public Performance

Katharine Cockin's Handbook offers a captivating introduction for those seeking insights into ancestors who had distinct roles in the world of theatre and performance, as well as those with only tantalizing clues left behind. The book delves into the broader history of public performance, tracing its origins from church rituals and mystery plays to periods influenced by moral and religious campaigns, culminating in the modern world of stage and screen. Special case studies showcased within the book demonstrate the methods for identifying and interpreting relevant records, revealing abundant information about these ancestors' lives. Additionally, a comprehensive list of relevant archives, books, museums, and websites is provided, making this handbook an indispensable guide for anyone passionate about exploring this captivating subject matter.

Theatre and performance have long been integral parts of human culture, providing a platform for storytelling, creativity, and expression. Throughout history, individuals have taken to the stage and screen to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact on society. In this handbook, we will explore the lives of ancestors who were involved in the world of theatre, from the earliest stages of performance to the modern era.

One of the key ways to uncover information about ancestors who were involved in theatre is through archival research. Archives hold a wealth of historical records, including playbills, contracts, photographs, and personal papers. By visiting archives and conducting research, you can gain a deeper understanding of your ancestors' roles in the theatre and their contributions to the broader cultural landscape.

Playbills, for instance, provide a detailed account of the performances that took place. They list the actors, directors, producers, and other members of the production team, as well as the dates, venues, and ticket prices. Playbills can also reveal information about the plays that were performed, including the themes, characters, and historical context. By studying playbills, you can gain insights into your ancestors' interests, talents, and connections within the theatre community.

Contracts, on the other hand, can provide valuable information about your ancestors' financial relationships and professional endeavors. They may outline the terms and conditions of employment, as well as the compensation and benefits received by the actors. Contracts can also reveal details about the theatres that your ancestors worked with, including their addresses, capacities, and reputations.

Photographs, meanwhile, can offer a visual glimpse into the lives of your ancestors. They may capture images of actors, directors, or backstage scenes, providing a sense of the theatrical environment and the social connections that were formed within it. Photographs can also reveal details about your ancestors' physical appearance, clothing, and hairstyles, providing a unique insight into their personal style and identity.

Personal papers, such as letters, diaries, and memoirs, can also provide valuable insights into the lives of ancestors who were involved in theatre. These documents can reveal details about their personal experiences, struggles, and triumphs, as well as their relationships with other actors, directors, and members of the theatrical community. Personal papers can also provide valuable information about your ancestors' political and social beliefs, as well as their contributions to the broader community.

In addition to archival research, there are a number of other resources that can help you uncover information about ancestors who were involved in theatre. Books. Books, for instance, offer a wealth of information about the history of theatre and performance, including biographies, memoirs, and critical analyses of plays and performances. By reading books. Books, you can gain a broader understanding of the cultural and social contexts in which your ancestors lived and worked, as well as the broader historical context in which their performances took place.

Museums and websites, meanwhile, can provide a visual and interactive experience of the world of theatre and performance. They may offer exhibits, artefacts, and interactive exhibits that showcase the costumes, set designs, and props used in plays and performances, as well as photographs and videos of actors, directors, and backstage scenes. Museums and websites can also offer a wealth of information about the theatres that your ancestors worked with, including their addresses, capacities, and reputations.

Finally, it is important to note that uncovering information about ancestors who were involved in theatre can be a challenging and time-consuming process. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to explore new avenues of research. However, by using a combination of archival research, books and books, museums and websites, and personal papers, you can gain a deeper understanding of the lives of your ancestors and their contributions to the world of theatre and performance.

In conclusion, Katharine Cockin's Handbook provides a fascinating introduction for those seeking insights into ancestors who had distinct roles in the world of theatre and performance, as well as those with only tantalizing clues left behind. The book delves into the broader history of public performance, tracing its origins from church rituals and mystery plays to periods influenced by moral and religious campaigns, culminating in the modern world of stage and screen. Special case studies showcased within the book demonstrate the methods for identifying the methods for identifying and interpreting relevant records, revealing abundant information about these ancestors' lives. Additionally, a comprehensive list of relevant archives, books, museums, and websites is provided, making this handbook. Handbook an indispensable guide for anyone passionate about exploring this captivating subject matter.

Weight: 438g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526732057