LibGuides: Theatre: Start Here

Where to Start

The sources on this guide are good starting points for your research about theatre topics. Reference Sources are great for topic ideas, background information, definitions, and other ways to kick off your research. Databases are where you can find eBooks and popular and scholarly journal articles with in-depth analysis of particular artists, works, or movements.

Helpful Keywords

Below are helpful keyword searches to use with our library resources:

Acting
Names of actors
Stagecraft
Lighting
Makeup
Costume (Costume Design, etc.)
Playwright
Names of playwrights (Brecht, Chekhov, Ibsen, Shakespeare, Shaw, etc.)
Music
Sound design in theatre
Set design
Drama
Theatre production
Names of producers
Directing
Names of directors

Key Resources

Films on Demand Video Collection This link opens in a new window
Thousands of high-quality streaming educational and documentary videos, as well as indie films, historical speeches and newsreels.
International Index to Performing Arts Full Text (IIPA) This link opens in a new window
An index to scholarly literature in the arts and entertainment industry, including dance, drama, theater, film, television and more.
Literary Reference Center Plus This link opens in a new window
A comprehensive full text literature database offering a broad spectrum of information on thousands of authors and their works.
ProQuest Screen Studies Collection This link opens in a new window
A comprehensive survey of current publications related to film scholarship, which includes the International Index to Film Periodicals.