Curtis Dretsch Theatre Collection

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: M.C.-MSS-N-Dretsch

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection is comprised of materials in a variety of formats.

Series 1 contains 33 3-D models of scenes from Dretsch's productions, including Muhlenberg Main Stage, Summer Music Theatre, and Pennsylvania Stage Company.

Series 2 contains printed and hand-rendered drawings for these three production venues, as well as digital CAD files of more recent production specs.

Series 3 contains folders of productions notes, photographs, scripts, and contracts.

Series 4 comprises two photograph albums.

Dates

1980 - 2019

Creator

Dretsch, Curtis (Person)

Biographical Note

In 2021, Curtis G. Dretsch retired as professor and director of design and technical theatre at Muhelnberg College. Over a career spanning four decades, Dretsch designed for more than 100 performances at the College, and, in collaboration with theater professor Charles Richter, was responsible for building one of the nation's best theatre and dance departments.

Curtis Dretsch earned his bachelor's degree in English with a concentration in theatre from Montana State University, and his MFA in design and technical theatre from Southern Methodist University. He joined Muhlenberg in 1979 as Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts and was responsible for teaching all design and technical theatre courses, as well as execution of all College theatrical design work. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Dretsch also served in administrative roles that included including Dean of the College for Academic Life, Dean of the College for Faculty, and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

In addition to his work at Muhlenberg, including the Summer Music Theatre, Dretsch served as the principle guest designer for the Pennsylvania Stage Company (J.I. Rodale Theatre, Allentown, PA) from 1981-1993.

Extent

42 Linear Feet (16 of the 33 scene models are stored in standard record cartons; the rest are stored in clear, sealed plastic bags. The set drawings are stored in flat files. Production files and digital drives are stored in 1 record cartons. Photo albums are adjacent.)