Research Guides: Resources on the History of American Musical Theatre: Biographies

Quick Links

Find Journals & Magazines This link opens in a new window
Find out if the library has specific journals, magazines, or newspapers, either electronically or in print.
Merriam-Webster Unabridged This link opens in a new window
The largest and most comprehensive dictionary of the English language as it is currently used today.
Ask a Librarian This link opens in a new window
Connect to a reference librarian for help 24/7.

International Dictionary of Theatre
This 3-volume encyclopedia is an excellent source for biographical articles about major figures in the history of the theatre. The informative articles are supplemented by complete lists of the person's roles, productions, and publications, as well as lengthy bibliographies of the important primary and secondary sources to turn to for further research. Volume 2 is devoted to playwrights, while Volume 3 contains articles about actors, directors, and designers. (Volume 1 contains articles about individual plays.)
Great Stage Directors
Theatrical Directors: A Biographical Dictionary
American Women Stage Directors of the Twentieth Century
Costume Design on Broadway: Designers and Their Credits, 1915-1985

Gale in Context: Biography This link opens in a new window
This online database contains full-text articles on over 500,000 people active in many occupations, from all times and places. It includes many people who have played important roles in the American musical theatre.