Francis W. Ouradnik photographs, 1928-1968

Summary

Creator:

Ouradnik, Francis W.

Abstract:

Official photographer for the University Players (formerly Play Production) at the University of Michigan starting in 1928; photographic negatives of cast (in costume) from various student productions.

Extent:

420 negatives (in 2 boxes; number approximate)

Language:

English

Call Number:

92661 Aa 2

Authors:

Finding aid created by Michigan Historical Collections staff

Background

Scope and Content:

The Francis W. Ouradnik collection consists of 421 black and white negatives of scenes from plays produced by the University Players (formerly Play Production) at the University of Michigan in the period of 1928 to 1968. Francis Ouradnik, produced the majority of the negatives. A partial listing of the plays, which he made, can be found with the negatives.

The collection has been arranged into three series: two series of negatives and a series containing positive photographs. The first series contains photographic negatives dated from 1928 to 1944 (32 photos), apparently not taken by Ouradnik. The second series, running from 1934 to 1968, numbers 389 negatives identified as being taken by Ouradnik. Each series is arranged chronologically with a very few exceptions.

All negatives and photographs are black and white, and only a few scattered copies are not identified by date. Ouradnik composed a list of his negative file of plays and a copy is enclosed with the collection. Only three productions for these years cannot be located. All there are for the year 1947: "In Spite of Heaven," "Candida," and "In the Zone."

Biographical / Historical:

Francis W. Ouradnik served as official photographer for the University Players (formerly Play Production) at the University of Michigan starting in 1928. He was the only professional photographer to serve the organization, although various amateurs and semi-professionals have also contributed to the University Players. Ouradnik continued in the role of photographer until his death in 1968. Ouradnik photographed each production after the Thursday night performance, usually taking fourteen photos of poses arranged by the director of the play. The purpose of his photographs were both as a record of the production and because of the requests made for copies from the student players.

Acquisition Information:

The collection was donated in 1978 by Jean Ouradnik Zearley (donor 6186 ). Additional material was donated by Constance L. Jones (donor 9380 ) in 2013.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Subjects

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Subjects:

Photography.
Theatrical productions.

Formats:

Photographs.

Names:

University of Michigan -- Dramatics.
University of Michigan. Play Production.
University Players (University of Michigan)