Skip to Main Content
Easter Holiday
The library will close at 4pm on Thursday, March 28 and will be closed Friday through Sunday, March 29 – March 31, in observance of Easter. See all library hours.

Performing Arts

Online Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias are a great place to start your research! They often define key terms and give great overviews of topics, and are usually accompanied by a works cited list that you can use to find other relevant resources.

General Encyclopedias

Performing Arts Specific Encyclopedias

Other Useful Guides and Dictionaries

The Oxford Companion to American Theatre / Gerald Bordman and Thomas S. Hischak, Editors.  

A guide to the American stage from its beginnings to the present. Includes entries on playwrights, plays, actors, directors, producers, songwriters, famous playhouses, dramatic movements, classic works, commercially successful plays, and foreign figures that have influenced American dramatic development.

 

The Continuum companion to twentieth century theatre / edited by Colin Chambers.

A fascinating resource for anyone interested in theatre, it includes overviews of major concepts, topics and issues, surveys of theatre institutions, countries, and genres, biographical entries on key performers, playwrights, directors, designers, choreographers and composers, and articles by leading professionals on crafts, skills and disciplines including acting, design, directing, lighting, sound and voice.

Ask A Librarian