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Performing Arts: Getting Started: Primary Sources

Primary and Secondary Sources

The definition of a primary source depends upon the discipline and on how one is using the source.

Usually, a primary source is a direct, first-hand account of an event. It is usually something that was created at the time of an event, or shortly thereafter. Some performing arts specific examples include:

  • Original works (i.e. plays, songs, performances)
  • Playbills
  • Posters
  • Scores and Sheet Music
  • Video and Audio Recordings
  • Costumes and Scene Designs
  • Interviews
  • Newspaper articles  
  • First-hand narratives or stories

A secondary source would be something that interprets, analyzes, or remarks upon a primary source. Examples include:

  • Scholarly journal articles
  • Newspaper and magazine articles
  • Essays
  • Theses and dissertations
  • Stories or films produced about an historical event

tertiary source is further removed from a primary source. It leads the researcher to a secondary source, rather than to the primary source.

  • Encyclopedias and dictionaries
  • Textbooks
  • Biographies

Stream Productions!

Digital Theatre+

Digital Theatre+ is the perfect resource for streaming award-winning productions! In addition to these recorded productions you'll find helpful video analyses, interviews with set designers and others working behind the scenes, and more.

Kanopy

Kanopy is an on-demand streaming video platform for films and documentaries offered by public libraries, colleges, and universities. Your Boston Public Library eCard gives you 18 tickets to watch. These tickets reset each month and do not roll over to the next month. Depending on the length and viewing period of each title, movies in Kanopy will require between 0-5 tickets per viewing. You can see your remaining tickets for the month in the top-right corner of the homepage.

Recommended Primary Source Websites

Schauffler-Rockey Memorial Library | Northfield Mount Hermon | One Lamplighter Way | Mount Hermon, MA 01354 | (413) 498-3484 | librarians@nmhschool.org