As a campus with a vibrant arts scene, it is no surprise that Ohio State boasts an extensive archive to advance the study and inspiration of the performing arts. This archive, the Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Theatre Research Institute (TRI), houses many collections and hundreds of materials that artists and scholars from around the world can use. Plus, the TRI is committed to helping students from all majors in Arts and Sciences use their resources. FIVE FACTS:

1. Founded in 1951, TRI is named after Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, two Ohio-born playwrights who received critical acclaim for their play Inherit the Wind While the TRI originally started as a large collection of microfilms, it now holds thousands of posters, playbills, costume and scene designs, photographs and more from the United States and beyond. For example, the TRI houses collections from Bebe Miller, Twyla Tharp, and Marcel Marceau.
2. From vintage lobby cards and film posters from movies like The Exorcist and Friday the 13th, to costume designs and models of stage sets, there is plenty to discover at TRI. According to TRI curators Nena Couch and Beth Kattelman, some of the most interesting collections for students are the ones that show the research that went behind a production. “The Sidney Kingsley Collection includes photos of prisons, electric chairs, and mafia bosses from Kingsley’s research for his plays,” said Kattelman.
3. Anyone majoring in the arts, film studies, history, and even political science will find something of interest in the TRI. “Even though the collections are focused on theatre, dance, and film you can learn a lot about the social issues that were going on at the time the materials were produced,” said Couch. “From the language they used in advertisements of plays to the pictures they chose, you see how culturally connected theatre is,” added Kattelman.
4. Through Course Enhancement Grants, the TRI has been able to collaborate with professors to support class lectures with primary sources. “Not only does this spark wonderful conversation and discovery, but it also got students comfortable using special collections,” said Kattelman.
5. .With all the unique items and wealth of resources available at TRI, it can be intimidating trying to find it all on your own. That’s where the TRI curators come in. “We’re here for the students and are happy to work with them and ease them into this type of research,” said Couch.

By Marissa Pacheco,editorial intern at ASC Communications