| Dates: | 1985-1991 |
| Size: | .5 linear feet in 1 box |
| Repository: | Chicago Public Library, Harold Washington Library Center, Special Collections, 400 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60605 |
| Collection Number: | Spe.ctc-ca |
| Immediate Source of Acquisition: | These materials were donated to the library by Claudia Allen in 1992. |
| Conditions governing use: | Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection |
| Conditions governing access: | Materials are open without restrictions. |
| Physical location note: | Materials are stored offsite and advance notice is required for use. Please request materials at least 24-hours prior to your research visit to coordinate access. |
| Preferred Citation: | When quoting material from this collection the preferred citation is: Claudia Allen Papers [Box#, Folder#], Special Collections, Chicago Public Library |
| Finding aid author: | Original author unknown. Updated and ingested into ArchivesSpace by Sarah Zimmerman 2021. |
Abstract
Collection documents the work of Claudia Allen, a Chicago playwright. Includes scripts and production information.
Biographical/Historical
Claudia Allen (b. 1954), a Chicago playwright with roots in small town Michigan has written a number of plays, including Winter (1996), Ripe Conditions (1994), Still Waters, Eulah, Change and Cahoots. Ms. Allen’s gay and lesbian-themed plays, including Roomers, Rain Check, Hannah Free and Movie Queens, have played in Bailiwick Repertory’s “Pride Performance Series” and other theatrical venues in Chicago. Movie Queens (1991), a one-act play, was produced both in Chicago and New York City. A short, Chicago play titled They Even Got the Rienzi won a place in the Great Chicago Playwright’s Exposition at the Victory Gardens/Body Politic in 1987, and her comic teleplay, Deer Season was presented on WMAQ-Channel 5. Ms. Allen’s first full-length Equity production, The Long Awaited, premiered at the Victory Gardens Theater in 1989, where she is an official Playwrights Alumnus.
Scope and Content
The Claudia Allen Papers include scripts, reviews and programs 1985-1991.
Arrangement
The records are arranged by production title.
Related Materials
- Bailiwick Repertory Records
- Victory Gardens Theater Records
Several of Ms. Allen’s plays are available in the Library’s Literature & Language Division on the seventh floor. Among them are:
- Winter (54 p.). Woodstock, IL: Dramatic Pub., circa 1996. Call #PS3551.L39215W5 1996.
- Ripe Conditions (54 p.) Woodstock, IL: Dramatic Pub., circa 1994. Call #PS3551 .L39215R56 1994.
- She Always Liked the Girls Best (222 p.). Chicago: Third Side Press, 1992. Call #PS3551.L39215S47 1993.
- Movie Queens (46 p.). Chicago: Chicago Plays; 1991. Call #PS3551 .L39215M68 1991.
Subject Headings
- Allen, Claudia, 1954-
- Victory Gardens Theater
- Bailiwick Repertory Theater
- Lesbian theater – History – Sources
- Theater – Illinois – Chicago – 20th century – Sources
- Drama
- Theater reviews
- Theater programs
Collection Inventory
| Box 1 | Folder 1 | The Long Awaited -- Pre-production script, earlier version; unmarked, circa 1985 |
| Box 1 | Folder 2 | The Long Awaited -- Revised script, circa 1989 |
| Box 1 | Folder 3 | The Long Awaited -- Program and reviews from Victory Gardens production, 1990 January 20-March 5 |
| Box 1 | Folder 4 | The Long Awaited -- Reviews from Interplay Ensemble (Spokane, WA) production, 1990 November |
| Box 1 | Folder 5 | Movie Queens -- Script; unmarked, undated |
| Box 1 | Folder 6 | Movie Queens -- Published script (Chicago Plays, 1991) |
| Box 1 | Folder 7 | Still Waters -- Script; unmarked, circa 1990 [1991 April] |
| Box 1 | Folder 8 | Still Waters -- Reviews from Victory Gardens production, 1991 April-May 5 |
