Beyond Borders in the Archives: From Settlement House Games to a Legacy on the Chicago Stage

Beyond Borders in the Archives is a series that explores the Chicago Public Library archives and special collections and uncovers treasures! This series was produced as part of the 2020 One Book, One Chicago season. 

From Settlement House Games to a Legacy on the Chicago Stage

Using our Gads Hill neighborhood collection and Chicago Theater Collection, we'll explore the immigrant experience in the early 20th century, specifically using theater games and programs in settlement houses. We'll draw in content related to Hull House, and its eventual explosion into the Chicago theater scene and improv.

Sources:

Archival Collections:
Body Politic Collection
Chicago Postcard Collection
Chicago Theater Collection-Miscellaneous Programs  
Gads Hill  Collection
Lower West Side Community Collection
Trade Catalog Collection

Books:
Theater Games for Rehearsal by Viola Spolin
Improvisation for the Theater by Viola Spolin
The Second City: A Backstage History of Chicago’s Hottest Troupe by Donna McCrohan
The Second City: Backstage at the World’s Greatest Comedy Theater by Sheldon Patinkin
The Second City Unscripted by Mike Thomas
Paul Sills’ Story Theater by Paul Sills