Descriptive Summary
Hamster Theater (Houston, Tex.)
Hamster Theater CollectionBulk, 1974-19761964-1977, 1974-1976MSS.1124
0.1 Linear feet,
1 document box
Materials are in English.
Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library
Historical Note
The Hamster Theater was created in the early part of 1971 by a group of neighbors, lead by Ada Allen, who wished to promote community theater in Houston. Their performances were staged until 1975 at the Oaks United Presbyterian Church in Northwest Houston. Later, their address changed to T. C. Jester and 34th Street.
The Hamster plays were family-oriented, non-sectarian fun for youngsters of all ages. They commonly staged five plays per year. During the 1975/1976 season, the troupe petitioned to change their name to the Houston Little Theater.
Scope and Contents
The Hamster Theater Collection is comprised primarily of reviews of the Theater’s presentations and correspondence. There are also comprehensive board minutes and one folder of promotional materials.
Arrangement
The Hamster Theater Collection is organized into four series by type of record and format
- Series 1: Hamster Theater Board of Directors
- Series 2: Hamster Theater Correspondence
- Series 3: Hamster Theater Presentations
- Series 4: Hampster Theater Photographs
Access Restrictions
None.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish or reproduce materials from the Hamster Theater Collection must be obtained from the Houston Metropolitan Research Center or the appropriate copyright holder.
Preferred Citation
Hamster Theater Collection. Collection Number MSS 1124. Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library.
Acquisition Information
Donated by: Mrs. Robert L. Cole, Jr., March 6, 1995.
Processing Information
Processing by: Charles Stephenson and Tammy Jordan, July 26, 2007.
Index Terms
Hamster Theater (Houston, Tex.)
Houston Little Theater
Community theater--Texas--Houston
Theaters--Texas--Houston
Series 1: Hamster Theater Board of Directors
1
1
Minutes from
May 20, 1975 to June 30, 1977
Series 2: Hamster Theater Correspondence
Subseries 2.1: Business Correspondence
1
2
May 1975 to September 1976
Subseries 2.2: Legal Correspondence
1
3
May – June, 1975 pertaining to name change to Houston Little Theater
Series 3: Hamster Theater Presentations
1
4
The Fantastiks,
October 1973
photographs; flyers; programs; reviews
1
5
The Other Half,
April 1974
program; reviews
1
6
Any Number Can Die,
September 1974
program; flyer; reviews
1
7
Dark of the Moon,
October 1974
programs; reviews
1
8
On Borrowed Time,
June 1975
photographs; program; flyer; press release; reviews
1
9
Blithe Spirit,
September 1975
program; reviews
1
10
Soon To Be a Major Motion Picture
program; flyer; Oak Presbyterian Church newsletter; reviews
1
11
Unexpected Guest,
February 1976
programs; cast list; photographs; reviews
1
12
How Green Was My Brownie,
March 1976
script excerpt; flyer; program; reviews
1
13
Critic’s Choice,
May 1976
program; flyers; photographs; reviews
Series 4: Hamster Theater Photographs
1
14
Assorted snapshots, unidentified
Scrapbook
General note
Includes set drawings; clippings; workshop announcements and photographs. Plays featured are: Seven Nuns in Las Vegas
(September 1971) and My Three Angels
(November – December 1971)