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NYC In Nov: TOFT Question.

EricMontreal22 Profile Photo
EricMontreal22
#1NYC In Nov: TOFT Question.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 3:41am

I am going to be in New York for 10 days early November. My first time there--aside from a fly-by-night weekend a little while ago. One of my dreams has always been to see the Company original tour video that the TOFT archive has. Can anyone tell me how hard it is currently to request a viewing? I am a grad student at a major university here in Canada (and my field is connected to theatre...) As well if anyone wants to join me let me know

Neilfrombrooklyn
#2NYC In Nov: TOFT Question.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 5:39am

Your ID should do it!  

cmorrow
#3NYC In Nov: TOFT Question.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 6:15am

It's a good idea to call TOFT well in advance, to make sure no one has booked your title on the day you want to see it. (You also need to tell them how many people are viewing a video, and why.) The screening room number is (212) 870-1642.

Gothampc
#4NYC In Nov: TOFT Question.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 10:02am

Definitely make an appointment to view the video.  That way you are guaranteed a seat.


Most of the time they don't ask why you want to view it, but have a good "scholarly" answer prepared anyway.  Maybe something like you've seen the revivals and want to see how the revivals deviated from the original. 


If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.

brdway411
#5NYC In Nov: TOFT Question.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 10:13am

I would call them, there is a note on the site, video tapes are not available right now. They are transferring them to DVD. Check and see if Company is available. 

Gothampc
#6NYC In Nov: TOFT Question.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 10:14am

They are transferring them to DVD.


I'm so glad the NYPL is coming into the 20th Century.


If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.

neonlightsxo
#7NYC In Nov: TOFT Question.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 10:16am

I was under the impression you had to have a NYC library card, but maybe since you're a student it will be OK. Definitely call them.

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Marianne2
#8NYC In Nov: TOFT Question.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 10:22am

I think you can get one when you go. My sister got one when she went to view something for her grad school thesis and she went to school in Ohio.


"I don't want the pretty lights to come and get me."-Homecoming 2005 "You can't pray away the gay."-Callie Torres on Grey's Anatomy. Ignored Users: suestorm, N2N Nate., Owen22, master bates

cmorrow
#9NYC In Nov: TOFT Question.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 10:24am

TOFT's video of the 1972 tour of Company (call number NCOV 12), taped in Washington D.C., has already been reformatted to DVD. I work at the library and can verify this. But at any rate, definitely call ahead for an appointment. And for what it's worth, the staff is always supposed to inquire why researchers wish to view a particular title, and 99% of the time they do.


 


As for the NYPL joining the 20th century, well, reformatting thousands of videos costs money. I wish we had the resources to be fully up to speed on everything. Donations are accepted with gratitude.

Gothampc
#10NYC In Nov: TOFT Question.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 11:28am

Donations are accepted with gratitude.


Oh sure, you want my money, but you won't let me come and view a show just to revel in the pleasure that it brings.  


If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.

luvtheEmcee Profile Photo
luvtheEmcee
#11NYC In Nov: TOFT Question.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 1:02pm

You should definitely make an appointment. It'll just help speed things up when you arrive, and I think the staff appreciates it, too. They might ask for specifics on why you want to view it, they might not. Do bring your student ID with you. In my experience everyone there has always been very nice. As far as I know there are no unusual restrictions on any of the Company recordings. Have fun!


A work of art is an invitation to love.

EricMontreal22 Profile Photo
EricMontreal22
#12NYC In Nov: TOFT Question.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 4:46pm

Thanks very much to everyone!  For whatever reason, I never thought to make an appointment in advance.  I still have not finalized the dates, but when I do, I'll make sure to do that.  And of course I'll report back here on how it went :)

Gothampc
#13NYC In Nov: TOFT Question.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 4:52pm

"And of course I'll report back here on how it went :)"


Report back?  We expect you to wear a lapel camera and film the entire thing for us.


If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.