Ohio Theatre Alliance Records

The Ohio Theater Alliance Incorporated was established as a non-profit organization on May 16, 1973, and was recognized by the American Theater Association in that same year. It operates under a loosely constructed constitution and set of by-laws, and is involved in all aspects of theater in Ohio.

In 1972 ad hoc committee (consisting of Dr. Alvin Kaufman, Dr. Abe Bassett, Ms. Margaret Ezekiel, John C. Barner and Dr. John Walker) was created in order to investigate and make suggestions about the formation of a state - wide theater organization. Since the need for such an organization had already been established, Dr. John Walker, the organizations first president stated :

" In October of 1972, a group of some sixty people representing a broad spectrum of theater people met to consider a need for a state theater association in Ohio. It was readily apparent to the group that there were many concerns and problems common to various segments of theater, and that no existing state association was organized to embrace all areas. Therefore, a committee was formed to set up a structure and operational plan."

The state-wide organization which the committee recommended was established on May 19, 1973.

The major function of the organization was to bring together all levels of theater (professional, community, college/university, secondary school, and children's theater), to promote communication and understanding, and to take action on matters of mutual concern. The Ohio Theater Alliance affiliated with the American Theater Alliance in order to achieve an effective and strong association at all levels. The state, regional, and national associations presented a united front to the academic, professional, social and cultural entities of society which positively affected the dramatic arts.

Adequate monetary support for theater activities certainly was a consideration of common concern among the theater groups, but this consideration alone could not have bonded the groups together into a single unified whole. Topics discussed at the first meeting included : * accreditation in theater * scheduling * regional and state high school festivals * creative drama * relationship between professional theater and educational theater * future of American Theater Alliance in Ohio

Relationships, needs and concerns were aired at the meeting, and a broad perspective of theater in Ohio emerged. The Alliance became an umbrella organization which continues to shelter and nourish the dramatic arts in Ohio.