Charles Mast collection of film and performing arts programs, publications, and ephemera

The Charles Mast collection of film and performing arts programs, publications, and ephemera offers rich visual and informational resources relating to the history of film and theater and also documents live performance events in greater Delaware area for over six decades.

The collection comprises 6.5 linear feet of materials, spanning the dates between 1940 and 2013, and includes books, souvenir programs, theater programs, concert programs, lobby cards, posters, ticket stubs, and ephemera.

Series I.A. Film souvenir programs and books, is comprised of published materials related to acclaimed motion pictures and actors. The collectible programs and books offer a variety of information including behind-the-scenes details about film production, actor biographies, and photographic stills. Many of the film programs have ticket stubs from various cinemas attached. The series is arranged alphabetically by title of film or actor.

Series I.B. Film ephemera is largely comprised of promotional fliers, pamphlets, and photographs relating to specific films and is arranged alphabetically. The series also includes a 1962 set of printed portraits of Academy Award winners originally sketched by artist Nicholas Volpe.

Series I.C. Television books and ephemera contains a small assortment of fliers and magazine inserts for various television events. The series also includes a first edition of The Muppet Show Book.

Series II. Theatre programs and books contains over fifty programs from notable and award-winning plays and musicals, as well as books relating to specific productions. The materials offer information on the theatrical direction, production, and personnel of these events and often include short biographies of actors, composers, and theatre companies. Many of the programs have ticket stubs attached and several contain actors’ signatures.

Series III. Live entertainment programs, books, and ephemera largely consists of souvenir programs from concert performances, but also includes those from ice skating performances, amusement parks, and other events. The series also includes several books written about singers and musicians. Materials related to the greater-Delaware area include programs for the Miss Delaware Pageant, The Mummers Magazine (documenting Philadelphia Mummers events), and a rare program from the Philadelphia Music Festival of 1968. A highlight of the series is a Judy Garland signed-copy of her performance setlist laid into a program for a 1965 concert. Many of the programs have ticket stubs attached, and several have performance setlists laid or written in. Items in this series are arranged alphabetically.

Series IV. Publications and ephemera relating to Elizabeth Taylor consists largely of biographical books about the famous actress related to both her specific film roles as well as her personal relationships.