Research Catalog

Details

Additional authors

1. Foster, Paul, 1931-2021
2. Wilson, Lanford, 1937-2011
3. Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt, 1819-1870
4. La Mama Experimental Theatre Club
5. Circle Repertory Company

Description

1. 19.5 linear feet (25 boxes)

Summary

1. The Paul Cranefield Papers, 1824-2002 (bulk 1951-2002), document medical doctor and theater enthusiast Paul Cranefield's interest and contribution to New York City's theatrical world, and in particular the Off-Off Broadway movement.

Subject

1. Cranefield, Paul F. 1925-
2. Cranefield, Paul F. 1925- -- Correspondence
3. Foster, Paul, 1931-2021 -- Correspondence
4. Wilson, Lanford, 1937-2011 -- Correspondence
5. Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt, 1819-1870 -- Biography
6. Theater -- New York (State) -- New York -- History
7. Theater -- Collectors and collecting -- New York (State) -- New York

Genre/Form

1. Correspondence.
2. Clippings.
3. Photographs.
4. Leaflets.
5. Brochures.
6. Continuities.
7. Theater programs.
8. Posters.

Call number

1. *T-Mss 2006-006

Language

1. English

Access (note)

1. Collection is open to the public. Library policy on photography and photocopying will apply. Advance notice may be required.

Source (note)

1. Cranefield, Paul

Biography (note)

1. Paul F. Cranefield Jr. (born in 1925) was a medical doctor and professor at Rockefeller University.

Indexes/finding aids (note)

1. Collection guide available in repository and on internet.

Author

1. Cranefield, Paul F. (Paul Frederic), 1925-

Title

1. Paul Cranefield papers, 1824-2002 (bulk 1951-2001)

Restricted access

1. Collection is open to the public. Library policy on photography and photocopying will apply. Advance notice may be required.

Biography

1. Paul F. Cranefield Jr. (born in 1925) was a medical doctor and professor at Rockefeller University. In addition to his medical career, Paul Cranefield was a great bibliophile and collector, and an avid theater lover. His administrative thoroughness was also applied for the benefit of the Off-Off Broadway theater since the beginning of the movement in the 1960s. In the 1960s and 1970s Cranefield was a founding director and supporter of La Mama Experimental Theatre Club, where he served as chairman of the Board of Directors. Later, he also became the first chairman of the Circle Repertory Theatre. He served in the selection committee of the Playwrights' Conference for the Eugene O'Neill Memorial Theatre Foundation, and was involved in initiatives such as The Working Theater and the New York Theatre Strategy. He also wrote articles and features on theater and collecting. Cranefield's patronage and support for theater also had a personal dimension. Having formed close ties with many of the playwrights, actors, and directors who became an integral part of La Mama and Circle Repertory Theatre, Cranefield generously offered his support, valuable feedback and encouragement to them. Apart from financial support through sponsorship to new plays, correspondence and numerous dedications of completed scripts to Cranefield indicate his contribution as a respected critic and mentor. Notable among the playwrights who enjoyed Cranefield's friendship and support were Paul Foster and Lanford Wilson. Paul Cranefield died at the age of 78 on May 31, 2003, after a brief illness in New York City.

Indexes

1. Collection guide available in repository and on internet.

Connect to:

1. Request Access to Theatre Division Special Collections material
2. Finding Aid

Occupation

1. Collectors and collecting.

Added author

1. Foster, Paul, 1931-2021. Madonna in the Orchard.
2. Wilson, Lanford, 1937-2011. Rimers of Eldritch.
3. Ritchie, Anna Cora Mowatt, 1819-1870. Autobiography of an actress, or, Eight years on the stage.
4. La Mama Experimental Theatre Club.
5. Circle Repertory Company.

Research call number

1. *T-Mss 2006-006