Special Collections in Performing Arts (SCPA)
Located in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library (MSPAL), Special Collections in Performing Arts (SCPA) collects, serves, and preserves performing arts materials documenting performance practice, instruction, and scholarship. We are here to help you find archival sources for scholarly research, programming unique performances, or creating new works.
SCPA holds more than 450 unique archival collections related to music, dance, and theatre. Our collections are accessible to everyone — students, scholarly researchers, and the general public. Patrons can visit us and use our materials in MSPAL's Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Room. We are also able to assist patrons remotely through electronic reference and digitizing some materials.
Collection Strengths
- Music education history
- American band history
- Maryland and Washington, D.C. theatre and dance
- American theatre history and criticism
- American popular music
- Washington, D.C.-area punk rock
- Repertoire for woodwinds and brass
- UMD performing arts faculty papers
Explore and request materials from Special Collections in Performing Arts below.
Access
Our collections are open to the public and can be used in the Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Room for Special Collections in MSPAL, Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM, barring university closures. Appointments are preferred when accessing materials, but not required.
About Our Collections
Contact
John Davis
