New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

[Chicken_Flavor]

Posted: 3/18/17 at 10:29pm

I just want to know if anyone can confirm what I heard... My friend told me this library professionally records every on and off broadway show and just puts it into storage. If this is true, can't you just go in any time you want and waste the day watching musicals? I am a broadway newbie, and I just want someone to confirm whether these things I heard are true or not. 

[elephantseye]

Posted: 3/18/17 at 10:41pm

It's for research only, and they're fairly strict about confirming you're there for that.

 

Additionally, you're only allowed to view each musical once, ever. They keep those films locked down.

[Chicken_Flavor]

Posted: 3/18/17 at 10:43pm

damn, that sucks

[DooWahDiddy]

Posted: 3/18/17 at 11:39pm

It's not quite as strict as you probably think.  No, you probably shouldn't go in there all day and say, "Okay, now give me Anything Goes", but if you're young, just say you're researching a show for a paper, and if you're older just say you're directing it and want to see the original.  They don't know what you're "researching", after all.

At the same time, don't expect a big movie screen and perfect quality.  It's like a small cubicle and you have to wear headphones, and some of the older musicals show their age.  Bottom line though, it's a wonderful resource and it doesn't hurt to go try it out!

[elephantseye]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 3:45am

I went in January and they didn't let 'research paper' fly. I had to tell them what university I was with and what my specific thesis topic was. And I was just watching raw interview footage, not even viewing a musical.

 

It definitely depends on what desk attendant you get, but I really wouldn't advise going without a legitimate reason. Especially if you are involved in any sort of theatre studies/academia/productions where you may need to view the material at a later date.

 

I don't like those rules, and I definitely think they're problematic, but I also wouldn't risk it.

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 8:28am

Also, I wouldn't say they record every show on and off Broadway. They do get a fair amount, but the producers have to shell out for the taping; while it's a nominal amount compared to, say, how much money one needs to raise to present a show, it's still a pretty penny, especially if the show in question is a flop that's soon to close. Many shows do it, but there are some that don't.

Updated On: 3/19/17 at 08:28 AM

[Chicken_Flavor]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 11:24am

Thanks for the clarification! 

[Leaf Coneybear]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 1:47pm

I had no trouble viewing one. They asked my reason and I told them I was a theater student, they didn't ask me to elaborate so I didn't. It's a great experience but make sure you really have a reason for viewing it

[LesWickedly]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 2:02pm

I'm coming in from out of town next week and was hoping to watch The Color Purple. I already applied for a library card, would I have to pick a physical one up to view it? Also, would I just call to make an appointment? Any help appreciated, especially from people like me who came in from out of town/not having a library card.

[Leaf Coneybear]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 3:14pm

I'm coming in from out of town next week and was hoping to watch The Color Purple. I already applied for a library card, would I have to pick a physical one up to view it? Also, would I just call to make an appointment? Any help appreciated, especially from people like me who came in from out of town/not having a library card.

You do need a physical library card, but as long as you applied you can just pick it up at the library when you get there. You do have to make an appointment to view the tape and you do that just by calling. They'll ask why you need to see it so be prepared for that. I'm from Chicago and viewed Assassins this winter, it was extremely easy. 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 4:00pm

Also keep in mind, many recorded/filmed shows aren't of the original cast.  The original DREAMGIRLS they have was done in 1985 when the show returned to Broadway and doesn't include the original 1981 Broadway staging nor cast.  It's the US tour version with the modified Act 2 opener and the famous moving light towers moved by stagehands.  

[morosco]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 4:15pm

Are you sure Brody?  According to the listing the recording was made just days prior to the original production's closing at the Imperial.

NYPL Catalog Dreamgirls

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 4:46pm

I have been doing the same degree for the last 10 years!!!

I asked to view the Producers once and apparently you need special permission from Susan Stroman for this one.

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 4:46pm

I have been doing the same degree for the last 10 years!!!

I asked to view the Producers once and apparently you need special permission from Susan Stroman for this one.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 4:47pm

My bad and I stand corrected.  It's just not with the original cast nor the original Act 2 opener which was replaced after the Los Angeles production was mounted then set out as the 1st National Tour.   

[UnwoundFantasies]

Posted: 3/19/17 at 5:36pm

I've heard that some people have had issues watching the same show multiple times, but I personally have seen things multiple times without any problem! I usually just put "research paper" and make up a prompt that fits with the show I'm watching. For example, classical R+H musicals and themes

[cmorrow]

Posted: 3/20/17 at 10:52am

I work at the Performing Arts Library. First, it's not correct to say that "every" Broadway and Off-Broadway show is taped by the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive (TOFT). Many shows are recorded by TOFT, but funding is limited -- and will be even MORE limited if the NEA is killed. Also, some producers do not want their shows taped, for various reasons. (For instance, if a commercial release is planned.)

Video quality on the older shows is often poor. As noted above, producers in earlier days often postponed taping until the end of the run, so it's rare that the original cast appears in those tapes of the 1970s and '80s. And I should also add that a lot of older shows are on an obsolete form of videotape, and are unavailable for viewing until they can be digitized.

Research reasons given by viewers are assumed to be legitimate, but we take people at their word. And each video is supposed to be viewed only once. (The unions who permit the tapings insist on that.) Again, we take people at their word, but anyone caught breaking the rules can be banned from the TOFT screening room.

[cmorrow]

Posted: 3/20/17 at 11:42am

P.S. I forgot to mention earlier -- someone upthread erroneously stated that the producers of the shows pay for TOFT tapings, something that happens in a comparatively small number of cases. Most of the funding is provided by a variety of foundation grants and outside sources, which is why organizations such as the NEA need all the support we can give them.