The Arcaids Theatre was a theatre troupe composed entirely of people with AIDS and what was then called ARC (AIDS-Related Complex, referring to the broad spectrum of AIDS-related symptoms and opportunistic infections). Arcaids was founded in 1988 by Wendy Rouder, and attracted a core troupe of both professional and amateur actors. The troupe existed for about two years, during which time the players developed scripts and put on small public performances. Performances were a mix of scripted and semi-improvised material, often with a blackly comic tone, and with frequent musical interludes. This collection contains a wide range of documents: publicity materials, news clippings, rehearsal photos, brochures, scripts and improv scenarios, fliers for recruiting performers, notes from creative meetings, business documents, correspondence, and bylaws related to the management of the theater as a nonprofit.

.5 linear feet (one manuscript box)

Copyright to material has been transferred to the GLBT Historical Society. All requests for reproductions and/or permission to publish or quote from material must be submitted in writing to the GLBT Historical Society Archivist.

Collection is open for research.