ARCHIVES

Welcome the Stratford Festival Archives

The Stratford Festival Archives collects materials about the Festival’s history, makes that material available to researchers and creates exhibitions for the public.

As the largest archive dedicated to a single theatre company in North America, our holdings are extensive.

Majority of the requests and questions we receive come from other Festival departments and from company members. If you have questions or a project that could benefit from archival information, please get in touch.  We’re here to help.

EMAIL AND PHONE INQUIRIES

Welcome at any time.

IN-PERSON RESEARCH APPOINTMENTS

Available Mondays through Thursdays, 10:30am to 4:30pm*

Booking an Appointment: Contact a member of the Archives Department to book an appointment. Advance notification is required as this allows us to ensure materials are available and waiting when you arrive.

We are aware company members have many demands on their time. If you require flexibility in booking an appointment, please call us to make arrangements. We are happy to accommodate you whenever possible.

*Staff and company members have extended access to the Archives! As such, appointment hours listed here differ from those listed on our public website.

What can I do at the Archives?

• Watch past productions
• Access production photos
• Read composite scripts (these show all the different ways directors have cut the same script over the years)
• Look at designs, scripts and stage management materials
• Read press clippings
• View select set pieces, props, costumes and wardrobe accessories
• Consult sheet music and audio recordings
• View set maquettes and construction plans
• Consult posters, programs and other marketing materials
• View documentary footage

…and much more!

DONATING MATERIAL TO THE ARCHIVES

The Archives is always looking for items and records which represent the history of the Stratford Festival. If you have material that you feel would be a good fit for our collection, please contact a member of the Archives Department.

Here are examples of things company members have donated in the past:

• Photographs taken backstage, behind-the-scenes or during company events
• Mementos from past productions (autographed posters, congratulatory cards, souvenir set/prop/costume pieces, etc.)
• Annotated rehearsal scripts
• Directorial notes
• Extracurricular souvenirs (cricket match paraphernalia, Guthrie Awards, etc.)

The content on this page was provided by Stephanie Vaillant and updated December 2025