James L. Johnson Papers

8.0 linear feet (8 record boxes)

The collection consists of records related to theatre education and production at South Dakota State University and affiliated programs. Materials include course syllabi, lecture notes, reading materials, examinations, and instructional resources for acting, directing, theatre history, rhetorical theory, children’s theatre, theatre arts management, and European cultural studies. The collection also contains extensive prompt books for theatrical productions directed by Dr. Johnson, documenting rehearsal processes, staging decisions, scripts, cast lists, programs, photographs, and related ephemera. Records of Prairie Repertory Theatre and State University Theatre are well represented and include publicity, programs, reviews, correspondence, budgets, attendance reports, Board of Directors minutes, planning materials, photographs, slides, and audiovisual recordings. Additional materials document professional relationships with theatre practitioners, including costume designs received from Broadway costume designer Carrie Robbins, as well as speeches, awards, retirement materials, and records of service to university governance and arts organizations.

The collection provides documentation of theatre instruction, production, and administration at South Dakota State University over several decades. It offers primary source material on regional theatre practice, university based repertory theatre, and the integration of professional theatrical standards into academic programs. The records support research on theatre pedagogy, directing practices, institutional theatre history, and the development of performing arts programs in South Dakota.

Information request form: Ask Us!

In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)

The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.

Please contact us in advance so we can prepare for your visit.

If you cannot visit the Archives in person, please reach out to us. We will do our best to help you find the information you need.

In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.

If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu

Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:

• Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
• Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
• Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
• Charges: Reproduction charges may apply, and users will be informed of any costs in advance.

• Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.

  For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.

• English

Copyright and Use Statement

In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.