Academy of Dramatic Art records

Collection

Identifier: OU-ACADEMICUNIT-ADA

Staff Only

Scope and Contents note

The Academy of Dramatic Art records cover the entire span of the Academy's life, 1967-1977. The administrative files of the Academy include planning materials, annual reports and minutes, as well as personnel, financial and facilities materials. The files of John Fernald, the first Artistic Director, cover the genesis of the Academy and its early development. The files of Jerry Dahlmann, the Academy's long time executive director cover the day-to-day management of the academy as well as interactions with other administrators at Oakland University, with the academy faculty, with students and their parents, with theatre professionals and with the broader public. The collection includes a comprehensive set of student files, most of which are restricted. There are also large amounts of materials on the curriculum, programs, class schedules of the academy. Press files and newspaper clippings demonstrate the reach of the academy in Michigan and across the United States. Of particular interest are the Studio Company files that document the productions offered by the academy and the students' performances. The photographs and scrapbooks provide further illustration of the productions and student life at the academy.

Dates

1966 - 1977

Access and Use

The Academy of Dramatic Art records are open for research except for certain records restricted by statute or university policy. Selected folders in the Jerry Dahlmann Files and the Student Files contain confidential information are are closed for 75 years from date of creation or until death of subjects.

Copyright

Copyright held by Oakland University. The collection includes occasional materials produced by outside parties. Copyright to these items may be held by the original creators.

History

The Academy of Dramatic Art (ADA) was a 2-year professional acting program offered by Oakland University from 1967 to 1977. It selected high school graduates through auditions and offered voice, movement and acting classes taught by theatre professionals, many of whom were employed at OU’s resident company in the Meadow Brook Theatre, directed by John Fernald. Fernald, who had been recruited from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, also served as the ADA’s director. The Studio Theatre gave second-year students of the Academy the opportunity to perform in a semi-professional setting under the guidance of Fernald and other instructors. Fernald left in 1970 and was replaced by Terence Kilburn as artistic director of the Academy and of Meadow Brook Theatre. Jerry L. Dahlmann was Administrative Director and in 1972 acquired the title of Associate Dean of the School of Performing Arts. Original plans were to develop other academic programs in performing arts, but high costs and declining interest led the university to discontinue the school in 1977. Performing arts were then returned to the College of Arts and Sciences’ department of music, theatre and dance. Nevertheless in the 10 years of its existence the ADA graduated successful actors like Dirk Benedict, Robert Englund and Jayne Houdyshell.

Extent

22 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Academy of Dramatic Art (ADA) was a 2-year professional acting program offered by Oakland University from 1967 to 1977. The collection covers the entire span of the ADA's life and includes: Administrative files; John Fernald files (the first Artistic Director); Jerry Dahlmann files (executive director); Curriculum materials; Press files; Studio Company materials; Photographs and scrapbooks.