Historical Note: The holdings of the BAM archives playbill collection document the history of the performing arts, from 1861, especially theatre, dance, opera, musical theatre, and popular entertainments such as pantomime, puppetry, American minstrelsy, music, social dancing, political events, and fairs. The collection is of particular interest as it reflects the contemporary performing arts.

Scope and Content Note: The BAM Programs and Playbill Series is part of the Brooklyn Academy of Music Archives. The Brooklyn Academy of Music playbills and programs date from 1857 to the present, reflecting many landmark performances. Strengths of the collection include the development of local, national and international performing arts with a strong emphasis on the contemporary work of the last thirty years. The collection remains among the most comprehensive records of the performing arts in the United States as the programs and playbills reflect the history of the oldest continuing performing arts centers in the country. Over the past thirty years, BAM built a reputation as one of the most important presenters of contemporary performing arts in the world.

Extent: 72 linear feet, 144 document boxes