Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Award Date
1962
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Communication Studies and Theatre
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to “provide a record of the theatrical activities” in Brookings, South Dakota from 1879 through 1898. To achieve this end, the writer attempted to present a historical frame of reference which would serve as a “backdrop” for the theatrical scenes and community scenarios. The town of Brookings was founded in 1879 by William Skinner and leading citizens of Fountain, Dakota. B rooking’s First Opera House was constructed in 1884. The Opera house’s “life” of fourteen years was relatively short, but it was very busy when one considers the number and scope of entertainments that took place within its confines. The years 1879 through 1898 witnessed a combined total of 273 companies or groups appeared in the city’s theatrical establishments. Professional variety productions comprised 108 of these shows given in the halls; and 8 could be labelled as legitimate dramas. Amateur presentations included 58 variety acts and 39 were of a dramatic or comedy type.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Theater -- History
Theater -- South Dakota -- Brookings
Description
Includes bibliographical references
Format
application/pdf
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Rights
No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-NC/1.0/
Recommended Citation
Switzer, Theodore R., "A History of Theatre and Theatrical Activities in Brookings, South Dakota From 1879 Through 1898" (1962). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2856.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/2856