Finding Images and Media for Theatre

Visuals elements play an important role when researching theatre productions. Previous stage settings and design, lighting design, costume design, set props, as well as inspiration from the cultural time period are critical for theatre research.

We want you to think beyond Google for visual inspiration and the library has many resources we can refer you to. 

                   

 

In the Finding and Using Images Guide provides links popular digital collections, image library databases, stock photos, and tips and suggestions on how to search for images. Having trouble citing your images? Look at the guide for in-text, image caption, and works cited/reference list.	The Streaming Video Guide provides resources for finding and using streaming video material, from both the University Library and around the web. A good place to start would be Theatre in Video.

 

Some examples of what you can find: 

You can also use Bloomsbury Fashion Library to learn about the dress of the day: you can even find out the history of fabric, such as denim. Here is an example of a hat from the 1930s:

 

You can also use OneSearch to browse newsreels (just search keyword "newsreels", limit to video, and voila!). You can also use ArtStor to look at photos and artwork of any period.

Sticking with the Great Depression/1930s, you could search for photographs of drawing rooms:

 

This is your chance to be super creative with your searching! If you feel like you've exhausted all of the resources at CSUN, you are on the right track!

 

 

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