State Library of Queensland > Collections > Performance

PERFORMANCE

Circus performers: image from the corporate image library

The State Library of Queensland houses an extensive collection relating to the Performing arts. Plays, opera, dance, comedy, magic, musicals, puppetry and vaudeville are represented, as well as significant Australian and foreign feature films, short films and television.

The Queensland Performing Arts Centre Gladys Moncrieff Library Collection was recently donated to the State Library. It has strengthened our existing collection by adding a wealth of material documenting Australia's performing arts history and Arts Management material.

Theatre

Katherine Hepburn and Robert Helpmann taking a bow, Brisbane, 1955

The State Library’s collection includes the many aspects of theatre, from the production and design aspects to stage lighting and techniques, theatrical make-up and costuming, practitioners, biographies, plays and musical theatre. The Heritage Collection houses an extensive collection of theatre programs dating back to the 1800s.

Above: Katharine Hepburn and Robert Helpmann taking a bow on stage, Brisbane, 1955. From Picture Queensland; Image number 8145-0001-0007

Opera

We have a comprehensive, well covered selection of resources for opera, including reference materials, encyclopedias, dictionaries, discographies, history, composers, performers as well as a vast general collection, scores, databases and audio– visual material.

Above: Member of the Brisbane Amateur Operatic Society posing with a prop. From Picture Queensland; Negative number 55442

Film

The State Library contains comprehensive information on all aspects of the motion picture industry, evolutions in new media technology, silent films to animation, cinematography, scriptwriting and production. The State Library is committed to comprehensive coverage of Australian feature films, Queensland feature films and significant Australian television fiction, confined to mini-series.

Above: Motion picture outfit that George Hampton used to show stolen film, 1934. From Picture Queensland; Negative number 106564

Dance

Teenagers jiving at a social in Finch Hatton

Our dance resources include journals, dancer biographies, directories, encyclopedias, video recordings and online databases.

Above: Teenagers from Finch Hatton jiving at a social, 1958. From Picture Queensland; Negative number 64541

How do I access items in this collection?

Access at the State Library

Find items in the collection via our One Search catalogue.
Browse Levels 2, 3 and 4 or request items from onsite 'Closed Access' storage with your e-services card. If you order Closed Access items via the One Search catalogue ahead of your visit, items should be waiting for you when you arrive. You can order up to 3 days in advance. See delivery times for more information.
Use our e-collections computers on level 2 to search the library’s catalogue; to search our databases for electronic journal, magazine and newspaper articles and to view images and manuscripts from our collection. These e-collections computers do not need to be booked and have no time limits on use.
You can also access our electronic resources via the State Library’s free wireless service if you have a laptop. Check our Info Guide on how to access wireless for details.

Access offsite

You can access selected offsite databases to search for electronic journal, magazine and newspaper articles offsite via any Internet enabled device. You will be prompted to login with your e-services card or QPL account.
Some State Library items are available for loan to other libraries. Contact your local library for information about interlibrary loan and copy services.

Performance