Repository:

Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Title:

Al Carmines papers

Inclusive Date(s):

1969-1989

Author:

Finding aid prepared by Philip Shackelford

Creation:

Finding aid encoded by Philip Shackelford using the OhioLINK EAD Application in 2013

Description Rules:

Finding aid prepared using DACS

Origination:

Carmines, Al

Extent:

2.00 cubic feet (2 records storage boxes)

Physical Location:

11th floor

Finding Aid Identifier:

OhKeUSC0150

Abstract:

Al Carmines was an instrumental figure in the development of Off Off-Broadway through his work at the Judson Poets' Theater at Judson Memorial Church in New York City. Although primarily a composer, Carmines also performed, sang, and provided musical accompaniment for many of his plays and oratorios. The Al Carmines papers consist of the scripts for many of his plays, oratorios, and operas.

Language(s):

The records are in English.

Biography of Al Carmines

Al Carmines was born in Hampton, Virginia, on July 25, 1936. The son of a boat captain and a teacher, Carmines grew up studying the piano and performing at civic, school, and other social events. By the time Carmines finished high school he could have enjoyed a full scholarship to any music school in the country, but had grown tired of playing the piano. He decided to simply let music remain a pastime and instead went to Swarthmore College, majoring in English and philosophy. Still unsure of what to do, Carmines attended Union Theological Seminary and was ordained a Baptist minister in 1961. Soon after graduation Carmines heard of an opportunity for a young minister to create a theater group at Judson Memorial Church in New York. He applied, was accepted, and later that year established the Judson Poets' Theater, thus beginning his career as a musician and composer. Al Carmines died on August 9, 2005, in New York.

Scope and Content

The Al Carmines papers span the years 1969-1989. They are comprised of scripts from his plays, oratorios, and operas during this period. Also included are audio recordings of select productions on audio cassette, as well as transcriptions of several interviews with actors, musicians, and production personnel concerning their associations with Al Carmines.

Statement of Arrangement

This collection is processed at the file level and arranged alphabetically by title of play, oratorio, or opera. Audio recordings of select productions on audio cassette have been foldered and placed in continuing succession after the scripts. Interviews with various actors, musicians, and production personnel concerning Al Carmines are placed at the end of the collection.

Related Material

Additional information concerning Al Carmines can be found in the Judith Murphy papers and the Dennis Hearn papers.

Restrictions on Use

Kent State University does not own the copyright to the materials in this collection.

Preferred Citation

Al Carmines papers. Kent State University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives.

Acquisition Information

The materials in this collection were gathered by Jay Fields for his dissertation on Al Carmines in the Kent State University School of Speech. These research files were later deposited in Special Collections and Archives.

Subject Headings

The following subjects are found in this collection:

Subjects:

• Carmines, Al -- Archives
• Off Off-Broadway theater -- History -- 20th century
• Musical theater -- New York (State) -- New York -- History
• Musicals -- United States -- History
• Theater -- New York (State) -- New York

Persons:

• Guilliatt, Lee
• Borden, Essie
• Herget, Robert
• Kornfeld, Lawrence
• Kurnitz, Julie
• Mailman, Bruce
• McDowell, John Herbert
• Moody, Howard, 1921-2012
• Pursley, Joan Muyskens
• Poland, Albert
• Siff, Ira
• Tice, David
• Wagoner, Dan
• Johnson, David
• Kreitzberg, Danny
• Vaughan, David, 1924-

Organizations/Corporations:

• Judson Poets' Theater
• Judson Memorial Church (New York, N.Y.)

Functions:

• Musicals -- Writing and publishing

Occupations:

• Composers
• Gay composers
• Clergy

Material Types:

• Audiovisual materials
• Audiocassettes
• Interviews
• Plays
• Librettos
• Photocopies

Detailed Description of the Collection