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Scrapbooks, 1928-1972, of programs, publicity, and newspaper clippings compiled by the directors and staff of various University theatrical productions; history of University play production, 1909-1956; and departmental correspondence and miscellanea.

Records of the Department of Speech include 31 linear feet of material and 6 oversize scrapbooks, dating from 1928 to 1982. Virtually all of the records relate directly to the department's work in theater education. Included are extensive records of university theatrical productions (1938-1972); records of the University Players, a student organization dedicated to presenting live theater on campus; and general information regarding theater in Ann Arbor. Actual department records make up a small minority of the documentation found within the collection, although some information regarding a 1972 unit review and the decisions leading to the 1979 reorganization of the department are included. Photographs include images of plays and actors in various University theatrical productions.

James F. Coakley was an assistant professor in the Department of Speech at the University of Michigan from 1966 to1971. Focusing mainly in theatre and literary interpretation, he was responsible for directing and managing many of the plays that were put on by the University Players during his time at the University of Michigan. Notable productions include The Homecoming, Lysistrata, Much Ado About Nothing, and Arthur Miller's After the Fall. Includes photographs from a 1967 production of After the Fall where Arthur Miller was present. Also scrapbooks, photos, and slides from other productions by the University of Michigan's University Players during 1966-1971.

The collection provides some documentation of plays Coakley staged with the University Players, notably Arthur Millers After the Fall, and lecture notes for courses he taught. The collection is organized into three series: "After the Fall", Photographic Slides, Speech 230 "The Arts of the Theatre" and Scrapbooks.

Papers, 1962-1985 of the Professional Theatre Program at the University of Michigan. Contain executive director's file, including correspondence, newspaper clippings and related theatrical material of Robert C. Schnitzer, and publicity files of clippings and press releases concerning play productions and other programs.

The Professional Theatre Program records include executive director's files (1962-1972), Professional Theatre Program Fellows Tour files (1966-1972), publicity files (1962-1985, films and photographs. Planning for the Power Center and the early years of its operation are also covered.

Visual materials includes films of classical drama programs for schools, and photos of PTP directors. Recordings consist of uncompiled sound clips, background music, and sound effects for a film entitled "Conjuror."