Cranbrook Masque/Greek Theatre Rededication Records
Collection Scope
These records are mostly the files collected by Mark Coir as part of his responsibility as chair of the Cranbrook Greek Theatre Rededication Committee and Director of Cranbrook Archives. Included in this collection are correspondence between Mark and various Cranbrook administration, private donors, and contractors working on the production. Also included are audio and video tapes, budgets, meeting minutes, notes, photographs, publicity materials, a rededication speech, and the play’s adapted script and musical score.
Dates
- 1916 - 1992
- Majority of material found within 1983 - 1991
Creator
- Coir, Mark (Person)
Access
Access to the collection is unrestricted.
Use
Permission to use collection materials must be requested in writing.
History
Due to the passing of time and years of neglect, the Cranbrook Greek Theatre by 1985 was non-functioning and was not even a stop on the Cranbrook Gardens tour. Led by Cranbrook Educational Community’s president, Dr. Lillian Bauder, a group of Cranbrook employees proposed and then planned for the restoration and renovation of the theater, its pool, and the surrounding landscape, in order to make it available once again to the community by 1991, the 75th anniversary of the dedication of the Greek Theatre. After receiving a grant from the State’s Commerce Department and a large gift from a private donor, work officially began at the site in May, 1990 and was completed by May, 1991. Mark Coir, Director of Cranbrook Archives, organized the Greek Theatre Rededication Committee in early 1991 and plans were quickly developed for a September, 1991 production of The Cranbrook Masque. Over eighty individuals eventually became involved with the Masque, helping to ensure that the casting, rehearsing, and designing of the stage and costumes were completed in an adept and timely manner. Edgar A. Guest III, a St. Dunstan’s member, was chosen to direct the play, and his notes on the production form a part of this collection. The play opened on September 13, 1991 and followed with a repeat performance the next evening. In addition to the performance of the Masque, a ceremony held on July 21, 1991 celebrated the dedication of the restored actors court, renamed to Wonnberger Court, after longtime summer theater directors, Carl and Annetta Wonnberger. For a complete history of the restoration and rededication of the Greek Theatre, please refer to the file titled “Final Report” (box 1, folder 9), written by Mark Coir.
Extent
.8 Linear Feet (2 MS)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This collection is based upon the rededicatory production in September 1991 of The Cranbrook Masque, first staged at Cranbrook’s Greek Theatre in 1916. The collection comprises of materials collected by Mark Coir, former Cranbrook Archives Director, and chair of the Cranbrook Greek Theatre Rededication Committee. Included are audiovisual materials; correspondence; financial; and administrative records. Also included are publicity, and production materials including a script, a musical score, and rededication speech.
Arrangement
Too small to be arranged in a series format, all files are in a simple alphabetical order.
Acquisition
Files originated from the office of Mark Coir, Director of Archives; additional materials from the estate of Edgar A. Guest III.
Transfers
Photographs: In Photograph Special File.
Audio/Video: See Audio Recording Collection (2014-12) and Moving Image Collection (1990-35).
Processing History
Initial processing by Andris Vinovskis, 1997. Reprocessed and finding aid updated by Cheri Y. Gay, 2014.
Creator
- Coir, Mark (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Cranbrook Masque/Greek Theatre Rededication Records
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Original finding aid written by Andris Vinovskis.
- Date
- 1997-14
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Edition statement
- Resource record created by Nichole L. Manlove.
Revision Statements
- 2014: Collection updated and finding aid revised by Cheri Y. Gay
Repository Details
Part of the Cranbrook Archives, Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research Repository