Michael Kearns Papers Coll2008.009
Coll2008-009
Michael C. Oliveira and Kyle Morgan
Processing this collection has been funded by a generous grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission
and the Council on Library and Information Resources.
ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California
909 West Adams Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90007
(213) 821-2771
askone@usc.edu
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives, USC Libraries, University of Southern California
Title: Michael Kearns papers
creator:
Kearns, Michael
Identifier/Call Number: Coll2008-009
Physical Description:
15.5 Linear Feet
10 archive cartons, 6 archive boxes, 5 flat archive boxes, and 1 archive shoebox
Date (inclusive): 1950-2014
Abstract: Clippings, flyers, manuscripts, photographs, programs, posters, scripts, and VHS videotapes of the works, theatrical performances,
and appearances of Michael Kearns; a parent, playwright, producer, director, actor, author, and activist, who is openly gay
and HIV-positive.
Container: 11-14, 18
Container: 15-17, 19-21
Access
The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.
Publication Rights
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the ONE Archivist. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at USC Libraries as the owner of the physical
items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Preferred Citation
Box #, Folder #, Michael Kearns Papers, Coll2008-009, ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives, Los Angeles, California.
Acquisition Information
Gifts of Michael Kearns, July 2008, May-July 2011, October 2012, June 2013, March 2014, and June 2014, and dates unknown.
Processing Information
Collection processed by Michael C. Oliveira, with assistance from Sócrates Silva, 2008. Additional materials processed by
Kyle Morgan, 2015.
Biography
Michael Kearns was born in St. Louis, Missouri, 1950. He attended the Goodman Theater School in Chicago before making his
way to Los Angeles in the early 1970s where he has acted on the stage, in television, and in motion pictures. Since the 1980s
he has grown into the profession as director, producer, acting teacher, playwright, and author. Hollywood's first openly gay
actor, Kearns has been involved in various theater productions throughout Los Angeles addressing HIV/AIDS while also appearing
in mainstream television. In addition to more than a dozen produced plays and solo pieces including
The Truth Is Bad Enough (1983),
Intimacies (1989),
More Intimacies (1990),
Rock (1992),
Attachments (1996),
Tell-Tale Kisses (1998),
Make Love, Not War (2005), and
Once upon a Time in South Africa (2007), his writings have appeared in a wide variety of publications, including the
Los Angeles Times,
LA Weekly and
Advocate. He has authored seven books:
T-Cells & Sympathy,
Acting = Life,
Getting Your Solo Act Together,
The Truth is Bad Enough,
The Solo Performer's Journey,
The Drama of AIDS, and
Life Expectancies. He received the 2002 Playwright’s Arena Award for Outstanding Contribution to Los Angeles Theater acknowledging three decades
of his work as an actor, writer, producer, director, teacher, and fundraiser. In addition to his artistic contributions Kearns
has been honored for his philanthropic endeavors by numerous organizations. Among his philanthropic accomplishments was the
creation of Southland Theater Artists Goodwill Event (STAGE), which since 1984 has raised millions of dollars for HIV/AIDS
services and charities throughout Southern California.
Sócrates Silva
Scope and Content of Collection
The Michael Kearns Papers primarily documents Kearns' theatrical and charitable contributions to the community from the early
1970s. He organized and produced various benefits and awareness raising events for political, HIV/AIDS, and community organizations
including an annual event in commemoration of World AIDS day. The collection includes awards, clippings, correspondence, flyers,
manuscripts, photographs, programs, scripts, and VHS videotape cassettes. To a lesser extent, the collection also includes
materials regarding Kearns' personal life, including his relationship with his
husband Philip Juwig (died 1992) and with his daughter Tia.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged into six series, Theater; Emcee, Model, and Speaker; Writings; Awards, Commendations, and Honors;
Biographical; and Professional and Personal Papers. The Theater Series and the Writings Series are divided into subseries.
The Theater Series includes the subseries: Playwright, Director, Actor, and Producer and the Writing Series includes the subseries:
Author, Poet and Journalist, and Columnist. Each of these series and subseries are arranged alphabetically by the title or
name of the performance, publication, or organization. With the following exceptions, readings by Kearns at ONE, Spoken Interludes
and the West Hollywood Book Fair were placed at the end of the Actor subseries; and the folders of Editorials and Letters
to the Editor along with articles about Family were placed at the end of the Journalist, Columnist subseries. The Professional
and Personal Papers series comprises materials donated after the initial publication of the finding aid in 2008.
Separated Materials
Videos separated to the ONE audiovisual collection:
ACT UP / LA demonstration at University Hospital, February 14, 1992. Laughlin, Nevada trip, March 15, 1992. ABC Australia
"Review, " airdate February 24, 1992. Los Angeles Riots, March-May 1992. (VHS)
AIDSWatch. Channel 6, West Hollywood. 2002. (VHS)
Bill and Eddie trailer. Written by Robert Harders, directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera. 2001. (VHS)
Charles Pierce Memorial Service. June 19, 1999. (VHS)
Dream Man. Written by James Carroll Pickett, starring Michael Kearns. The Pride Playhouse Collection, volume 2. 1991. (VHS)
Express Yourself Workshop. Michael Kearns. Human Being Society Studios. 6 minutes. 2007. (DVD)
Get Used to It. "Out Parenting." Show 123, April 2006. Guests: Ellen Ledley, Bill Weinberger, Michael Kearns, and Phill Wilson.
Tape date March 24, 2004, running time: 59:13. (DVD)
Get Used to It. "The 100th Show." Show 100, June 2003. Host Sheila James Kuehl. Running time: 56:15. (VHS)
Happy Birthday Tennessee. The Katselas Theatre Company’s INKubator series. Tony Abatemarco, Richard Hochberg and Michael Kearns.
80 minutes. March 26, 2011. (DVD)
Michael Kearns. (Sony 40 DVCAM, 2 copies)
The Perfect Stranger. Produced by Hunter Lee Hughes and Nichole Cherill, directed by Ahmad Zahra, starring Michael Kearns.
October 1, 2001. (VHS)
Queen of Angels. Written by James Carroll Pickett, music by Jon Cohen, directed by Kelly Hill, starring Michael Kearns. San
Francisco, July 2, 1993. (VHS)
Rock. Michael Kearns. (VHS)
The Rumpelstiltskin Incident. Starring Michael Kearns as Agent Heron. (VHS)
The Truth Is Bad Enough: What Became of the Happy Hustler. Michael Kearns. Book Signing Party and Reading featuring Sharon
Barr, Katherine Kearns, John W. McLaughlin, Dale Raoul, and David Trudell. June 16, 2012. (6 DVDs)
Voices of AIDS. Featuring Artists Confronting AIDS Michael Kearns, James Carroll Pickett, and Dale Raoul. 29 minutes. 1989.
(VHS)
Audio separated to the ONE audiovisual collection:
Chorus singing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" with new lyrics and Michael Kearns as Santa Claus. (audiocassette)
Fits & Misfits 2004, benefiting Lamp Community. "Blessings" performed by Scotch, written by Michael Kearns, composed by Darien
Martus. (CD)
Going in: Once upon a Time in South Africa. Text written and performed by Michael Kearns. 2008. (CD)
Homeless: A Street Opera. Michael Kearns and Darien Martus. 1990. (audiocassette)
Metrospect with Ann Germain and Michael Kearns. KOST 103.5 FM. January 10, 1993. (audiocassette)
Messages from friends and acquaintances on the 20th anniversary of an unknown event/performance. (audiocassette)
Michael Jackson Show. Michael Kearns and Stephen [Casik?] interview regarding homosexuality in Hollywood. December 2, 1988.
(audiocassette)
Michael Kearns and Amistead Maupin discussion regarding homophobia in Hollywood. (audiocassette)
Michael Kearns and Judith Light regarding AIDS. (audiocassette)
Michael Kearns interview regarding Intimacies. KGIL 94.3 FM, Mission Hills, California. (audiocassette)
Michael Kearns question and answer. Des Moines, Iowa. October 18, 1986. (audiocassette)
Michael Kearns with Alan Farley. KALW, San Francisco. June 6, 1988 and August 15, 1989. (audiocassette)
Queen of Angeles. Music by John Cohen, lyrics by James Carroll Pickett. 1991. (audiocassette)
Sunday Weekend Edition, NPR, Rock segment. KCRW 89.9FM. January 26, 1992. (audiocassette)
Separated to the ONE T-shirt collection:
Blue shirt with yellow text on front: “Celebration Theater / Los Angeles.” Text on front is flanked by the comedy/tragedy
masks. Text on back: “Come Celebrate with Us!”
Brown shirt with black text on front: “Politics, Pedagogies, and practices.” The Performing AIDS symbol with the text “Performing
AIDS” is on the right side. On the back: “Politics, Pedagogies, and Practices / Performing AIDS / February 22-25, 1996 / Omni
International Hotel / Cleveland, Ohio.” On the left sleeve: “Nightsweats & T-cells” with a heart symbol.
Red shirt with white text on front: “Occidental College AIDS Week / Are You Positive? / Presented by Programming Board.”
White shirt with a black-and-white image of Michael Kearns on the front. Text on front: “Michael Kearns.”
Subjects and Indexing Terms
One-act plays
Gay theater
Gay men's writings
Monologue
Homosexuality and theater
AIDS activists -- California -- Los Angeles
AIDS (Disease) -- Dramas
Gay dramatists
Gay actors
Kearns, Michael
Kearns, Michael
Theater Series 1:
1975-2007
Physical Description: 29 folders, 39 VHS videocasettes, 1 DVD, 1 oversize box.
Series Scope and Content
The Theater Series consists of subseries reflecting Kearns' activites as a Playwright, Director, Actor, and Producer. The
performances are arranged alphabetically by title and are documented by programs, flyers, interviews and performances on videotape
along with a few publicity still photographs and scripts of his theatrical works.
Playwright Subseries 1.1:
1975-2007
Physical Description: 13 folders, 10 VHS videocasettes, 1 compact disc, 1 compact audiocassette tape.
Subseries Scope and Content
The Playwright subseries consists of programs, clippings, flyers, VHS videocassettes of interviews and some performances,
along with a few scripts of Kearns' plays and monologues.
Box 1, Folder 1
A to Z
2001
Scope and Contents note
Flyer.
Box 1, Folder 1
Alive and Kicking
2003
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, flyers, programs, text of short speech.
Box 1, Folder 1
Attachments
1996
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, postcards.
Box 1, Folder 2
Barriers
2003
Scope and Contents note
Newsletter, program.
Box 1, Folder 2
Clippings, correspondence, press releases, programs
2004
Box 10, Folder 1
Title song on compact disc
2004
Box 1, Folder 2
Come Back
2002-2007
Scope and Contents note
Program, flyers.
Box 1, Folder 2
Complications
2002
Scope and Contents note
Based on
La Ronde by Schnitzler. Flyers, programs
Homeless: A Street Opera
1992
Box 10, Folder 2
Compact audiocassette tape
1992
Box 1, Folder 3
Card, clippings, flyers, program
1996-2001
Box 5, Folder 1
Theater review on an award plaque
1996
Box 9, Item 13
Interview by Karen Ocamb,
Out & About
circa 1994
Box 9, Item 16
Performance; St. Louis, Missouri
1992
Box 9, Item 20
Interview; KTVI, St. Louis, Missouri
1992
Box 9, Item 28
Interview; American Cable, St. Louis, Missouri
1992
Box 1, Folder 3
Intimacies and Complications: A Retrospective of AIDS Monologues
2003
Scope and Contents note
Flyers, postcards.
Box 1, Folder 3
An Intimate Evening with Michael Kearns
1995-1998
Scope and Contents note
Flyers, programs.
Box 1, Folder 3
Kiss & Tell
1987
Scope and Contents note
Clippings.
Box 1, Folder 4
Programs, reviews, postcards
2005
Box 11, Folder 2
Publicity still photographs
2005
More Intimacies
1990-1992
Box 9, Item 23
Performance; Belvoir Street Theatre, Sydney, Australia
1992
My Name is Winona and I'm a Shoplifter
2002
Box 1, Folder 4
Clippings, flyers, press release
2002
Box 11, Folder 2
Publicity still photographs
2002
Box 1, Folder 4
Myron: A Fairy Tale in Black and White
1993
Scope and Contents note
Clippings.
Box 1, Folder 5
One Man, One Night, Too Much!
1999
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, flyers.
Box 1, Folder 5
Out & Out
1997
Scope and Contents note
Clippings.
Box 1, Folder 5
Robert's Memorial
2004
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, correspondence, flyer.
Box 1, Folder 5
Clippings, flyers, programs
1993
Box 9, Item 26
Performance and interview
1992
Box 1, Folder 6
T-Cells and Sympathy: Monologues in the Age of AIDS performance
1995-2001
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, press release, program.
Box 1, Folder 6
Tell-Tale Kisses
1998
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, flyers, postcards, programs.
The Truth is Bad Enough
1983
Box 9, Item 30
Performance, Pacific Overture Productions
1983
Box 1, Folder 7
Who's Afraid of Edward Albee?
1999
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, flyers, postcards, programs.
Director Subseries 1.2:
1984-2006
Physical Description: 4 folders, 1 VHS videocasette.
Subseries Scope and Content
The Director Series contains clippings and programs along with a few publicity still photographs and scripts from theatrical
works directed by Kearns.
AIDS/US,
AIDS/US II
1986-1990
Box 2, Folder 1
Award, flyers, clippings
1986-1990
Box 9, Item 4
AIDS/US II performance
1990
Box 2, Folder 1
Bathhouse Benediction
1984
Scope and Contents note
Clippings.
Box 2, Folder 1
Beyond the Song: It's Not a Musical
2003
Scope and Contents note
Program.
Brothers Tellin'
1999-2000
Box 2, Folder 1
Clippings, flyers, postcard, program
1999-2000
Box 2, Folder 1
... But Stevie Nicks Understands (Part IV)
1999
Scope and Contents note
Flyers, programs.
Box 2, Folder 1
Elevator Sex
2006
Scope and Contents note
Program.
Box 2, Folder 1
Footsteps
2006
Scope and Contents note
Program.
Box 7, Folder 1
Heroine
2000
Scope and Contents note
Poster.
Box 2, Folder 2
J for J
1999-2002
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, postcards, programs.
Box 4, Folder 4
Clippings, flyers, programs
1987-2006
Box 11, Folder 2
Publicity still photographs
2006
Box 2, Folder 2
Night Sweat
1985
Scope and Contents note
Clippings.
Box 2, Folder 2
The Porcelain Penelope Freak Show
2002-2003
Scope and Contents note
Postcards, program.
Box 2, Folder 2
Clippings, postcards, program, script
2006
Box 11, Folder 2
Publicity still photographs
2006
Box 2, Folder 2
Trafficking in Broken Hearts
2000
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, postcards.
Box 2, Folder 2
The Very Bad Boy Next Door
1999
Scope and Contents note
Clipping.
Box 2, Folder 2
Award, flyers, programs, reviews
1987
Box 2, Folder 2
We Are One
1999
Scope and Contents note
Clippings.
Actor Subseries 1.3:
1975-2007
Physical Description: 8 folders, 10 VHS videocasettes, 1 oversize box.
Subseries Scope and Content
The subseries primarily consists of clippings and programs along VHS videocassette tapes and publicity still photographs of
some of his theatrical performances and readings.
Box 2, Folder 3
Bill and Eddie
1999
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, flyers, postcards, programs.
Box 10, Folder 6
Performance still photographs and color transparency with negative
1993
Box 2, Folder 3
Coming Home
1999
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, programs, text of short speech.
Box 2, Folder 3
Cootie Shots: Inoculations Against Bigotry
circa 2000
Scope and Contents note
Clipping.
Box 2, Folder 4
Awards, clippings, postcard, programs, scripts
1987/2007
Box 9, Item 33
The Pride Playhouse Collection, Out and About Pictures
1991
Box 11, Folder 2
Publicity still photographs
2002
Box 9, Item 37
Gay Voices Gay Legends 2
1989
I Wish I Had Never Met You and I Was Meeting You Now
circa 1987
Box 2, Folder 5
International Stud
1998
Scope and Contents note
Clippings.
Box 2, Folder 5
Jackie & Me
2006
Scope and Contents note
Clipping, program.
Box 2, Folder 5
A Mother's Prayer
1995
Scope and Contents note
Clipping
Box 2, Folder 5
Movie Queen
2001
Scope and Contents note
Program
Box 9, Item 32
Nature, by William K. Haugse
2001
Box 2, Folder 6
Flyers, music, script
1992
Box 11, Folder 2
James Carroll Pickett photographs
1992
Box 7, Folder 4
Pitch fork prop (in two parts)
1992
Box 2, Folder 5
Rubicon
circa 2001
Scope and Contents note
Postcard, script.
Box 9, Item 36
Seize the Day!: A Guide to Living with HIV
1993
Box 9, Item 1
Stop AIDS
1990
Scope and Contents note
Television advertising.
Box 9, Item 38
Superior Court
circa 1988
Scope and Contents note
Reality-based courtroom drama.
Box 2, Folder 5
T-Shirts
1979
Scope and Contents note
Clippings.
Box 2, Folder 5
The Waltons
1975
Scope and Contents note
Clippings.
Box 2, Folder 7
Reading at ONE Institute & Archives
2001
Scope and Contents note
Newsletter.
Box 2, Folder 7
Readings at Spoken Interludes
1999-2000
Scope and Contents note
Flyers, programs.
Box 2, Folder 7
Reading at West Hollywood Book Fair
2004
Scope and Contents note
Program.
Producer Subseries 1.4:
2000-2006
Physical Description: 1 folder.
Series Scope and Content
Programs, flyers, and clippings from events and performances produced by Kearns and with Kearns assistance.
Box 2, Folder 8
After Words: Honoring Writers We Miss
2000
Scope and Contents note
Programs, flyers, clippings.
Box 2, Folder 8
Dream: the Lyrics & of Johnny Mercer
2002
Scope and Contents note
Programs.
Box 2, Folder 8
The Flatted Fifth
2001
Scope and Contents note
Postcards, program.
Box 2, Folder 8
Kurt Weill: The Centennial
2000
Scope and Contents note
Program.
Box 2, Folder 8
Love Letters
2005
Scope and Contents note
Program.
Box 2, Folder 8
Tales from the Row: It's a Tough Row to Hoe
2006
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, flyers.
Box 2, Folder 8
Tap Your Troubles Away!: The Words and Music of Jerry Herman
2001
Scope and Contents note
Program.
Emcee, Model, and Speaker Series 2:
1976-2006
Physical Description: 3 folders, 18 VHS videocasettes, 1 DVD.
Series Scope and Content
The subseries consists of invitations, programs, and videotapes of various events hosted or with appearances by Kearns. The
events include promotional appearances for his productions and performances along with benefits and awareness raising events
for charitable organizations. The subseries includes video tapes of several of Kearns' appearances on
Get Used to It, a cable public affairs program produced by the City of West Hollywood, hosted by California Senator Sheila James Kuehl.
Box 9, Item 25
7:30 Report, segment
February 2, 1993
Box 9, Item 19
The 10% Show, Chicago
April 1990
Box 3, Folder 1
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences: Ribbon of Hope, Appearance
2001
Scope and Contents note
Invitation, program.
Box 3, Folder 1
AIDS Candlelight Memorial, Host
2001
Scope and Contents note
Postcard, program.
Box 3, Folder 1
AIDS Housing Santa Barbara, Reading
2002
Scope and Contents note
Program, invitation.
Box 9, Item 2
AIDS in Hollywood, Fox Entertainment News segments
November 17, 1989
Box 7, Folder 2
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Advertising model
2000
Scope and Contents note
Print advertising literature, newspaper advertising.
Box 4, Folder 6
Being Alive, Reading
1998
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, flyers.
Box 3, Folder 1
Business Alliance of Los Angeles (BALA), Guest speaker
2000
Scope and Contents note
Clippings.
Box 7, Folder 2
Calendar model
2002
Scope and Contents note
Calendar images.
Box 3, Folder 1
Celebrating Jim Kepner's Life & the Past 50 Years of the Gay and Lesbian Rights Movement, Emcee (with Robin Tyler)
1998
Scope and Contents note
Program.
Box 4, Folder 6
Community Crisis & Help Line and Working Wonders, Contributing author/playwright
2002
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, flyers.
Box 9, Item 11
Des Moines, Iowa, television program
1986-1987
Box 9, Item 2
Entertainment Daily Journal, AIDS series
1991
Box 9, Item 18
Entertainment Daily Journal, AIDS series
1991
Box 9, Item 20
Entertainment Tonight, HIV segment
1991
Box 4, Folder 6
Five Acres Boys' and Girls' Aid Society, Reading
2002
Scope and Contents note
Flyers.
Box 3, Folder 1
Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Media Awards, special guest
1991
Scope and Contents note
Program.
Box 4, Folder 6
Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, Host and performer
1998-2001
Scope and Contents note
Announcement, photograph, postcards, poster.
Box 9, Item 5
Voices of Our Lives: Michael Kearns, show #52
May 1998
Box 9, Item 6
Challenges in the Millennium, show #68
January 7, 2000
Box 9, Item 7
Out in the Industry, show #76
March 2, 2001
Box 9, Item 8
The One Institute, show #79
May 11, 2001
Box 9, Item 9
Experiencing Death, show #106
February 2002
Box 10, Folder 4
Eric Rofes 1954-2006, show #130, DVD
November 2006
Box 9, Item 12
Heart to Heart: Two conversations between Robert Hales and Michael Kearns
September 23, 1997
Box 4, Folder 6
Highways Performance Space, Benefit performance
1998
Scope and Contents note
Clippings.
Box 4, Folder 6
Jeff Griffith Gay & Lesbian Youth Center, Committee member
2000
Scope and Contents note
Invitation.
Box 3, Folder 1
Lambda Literary Awards Gala, Host committee
2002
Scope and Contents note
Program, invitation.
Box 4, Folder 6
Lamp Community, Guest director
2000-2001
Scope and Contents note
Programs.
Box 4, Folder 6
Liberty Hill Foundation, Host committee
2000
Scope and Contents note
Program.
Box 9, Item 21
Los Angeles Gay Men's Chorus
circa 1985
Scope and Contents note
Christmas program.
Box 4, Folder 6
National Stonewall Democratic Federation, Special guest
2000
Scope and Contents note
Invitation.
Box 4, Folder 6
No on 64, P.A.N.I.C. in Griffith Park, Special thanks
1986
Scope and Contents note
Program, ticket, literature.
Box 9, Item 24
One in 10 People, show #3
no date
Box 4, Folder 6
Playwrights' Arena, Presenter
2001
Scope and Contents note
Program.
Box 4, Folder 6
Salk Institute for AIDS Research, Reading
1995
Scope and Contents note
Clipping.
Box 9, Item 29
The Tomorrow Show, "Male Hustlers"
June 22, 1976
Box 9, Item 22
Tri-Cable, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
no date
Scope and Contents note
Interview
Box 9, Item 29
Various television programs
1991
Writings Series 3:
1974-2005
Physical Description: 6 folders.
Series Scope and Content
The series consists of Kearns' non-theatrical works including poetry, articles, columns, editorials and letters to the editor
along with clippings and flyers related to his published books.
Author, Poet Subseries 3.1:
1974-2005
Physical Description: 2 folders.
Subseries Scope and Content
The subseries contains primarily clippings and flyers related to Kearns' poetry and published works, including an article
from the period of his portrayal as the author of the
Happy Hustler.
Box 4, Folder 2
Acting = Life: An Actor's Life
1996
Scope and Contents note
Clippings.
Box 4, Folder 2
Gay Hollywood
1999
Scope and Contents note
Clippings.
Box 4, Folder 2
Getting Your Solo Act Together
1997
Scope and Contents note
Clippings.
Box 4, Folder 2
The Happy Hustler
1974
Scope and Contents note
Clippings.
Box 4, Folder 2
Life Expectancies: Monologues that Challenge
2005
Scope and Contents note
Sample book cover, program.
Box 4, Folder 2
O Solo Homo
1998
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, postcards, programs.
Box 4, Folder 2
The Solo Performer's Journey
2005
Scope and Contents note
Flyers, press release, sample book cover.
Box 4, Folder 2
T-Cells and Sympathy: Monologues in the Age of AIDS
1995-2001
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, flyers, press release.
Box 1, Folder 8
Theatrepoem
circa 2000
Scope and Contents note
Typescript.
Box 4, Folder 2
Wanted: Widow's Assistant
1995
Scope and Contents note
Publishing agreement.
Box 1, Folder 8
Wartime
circa 2000
Scope and Contents note
Postcard.
Journalist, Columnist Subseries 3.2:
1983-2005
Physical Description: 4 folders.
Subseries Scope and Content
The Subseries includes Kearns' articles and columns arranged by the publishing newspaper or magazine along with editorials,
letters to the editor and some articles on family. He wrote on a variety of topics of interest to the gay and HIV+/AIDS communities
as well as the performing arts. The file on family contains some of articles on his life as a parent.
Edge,
L.A. Edge,
The Edge
1983-1998
Box 4, Folder 3
Articles, interviews, reviews
1983-1998
Box 1, Folder 9
Glendale News-Press
circa 1994
Box 1, Folder 9
In Style for Men
circa 1985
Box 1, Folder 10
Editorials, letters to the editor
1999-2003
Box 1, Folder 11
Family
1997-2004
Scope and Contents note
Articles, correspondence, editorials.
Awards, Commendations, and Honors Series 4:
1987-2007
Physical Description: 5 folders.
Series Scope and Content
Awards, Commendations, and Honors Series consists of certificates and trophies for Kearns' achievements in theater and as
an activist for gay, HIV+/AIDS, and other underserved communities.
Box 5, Folder 2
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California, Lesbian and Gay Rights Chapter, award plaque
1987
Box 3, Folder 2
Back Stage West Garland Awards
2000
Scope and Contents note
Program.
Box 3, Folder 2
California Senate
2004
Scope and Contents note
Certificate of recognition.
Box 7, Folder 3
California Senate resolution
1992
Scope and Contents note
Certificate.
Box 8, Folder 1
Des Moines, Iowa
1987
Scope and Contents note
Key to the city.
Box 3, Folder 2
Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund
1999
Scope and Contents note
Victory award; fax.
Box 3, Folder 2
LA Weekly Queen of Angels award
2007
Scope and Contents note
Program.
Box 7, Folder 3
Los Angeles City Council resolution
1987
Scope and Contents note
Certificate.
Box 3, Folder 2
Los Angeles City Council resolution
1998
Scope and Contents note
Clipping, flyer.
Box 3, Folder 2
Los Angeles City Council
2002
Scope and Contents note
Certificate of appreciation.
Box 5, Folder 3
Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle
1993
Scope and Contents note
Award plaque for distinguished achievement.
Box 3, Folder 2
Maddy Awards
2000
Scope and Contents note
Certificate for performance in
Bill and Eddie.
Box 3, Folder 2
The Metro St. Louis AIDS Interfaith Network
1999
Scope and Contents note
Certificate for outstanding services.
Box 3, Folder 2
National Coming Out Day
1992
Scope and Contents note
Certificate.
Box 3, Folder 2
Playwrights' Arena
2002
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, programs.
Box 8, Folder 2
Robby Awards
1993
Scope and Contents note
Trophy for best actor, comedy, in
Camille.
Box 3, Folder 2
The Robert Chesley Foundation playwriting award
2005
Scope and Contents note
Invitation.
Box 7, Folder 3
St. Louis Mayor
1992
Scope and Contents note
Proclamation.
Box 7, Folder 3
Source Theatre Company, board of trustees award
1991
Scope and Contents note
Certificate.
Biographical Series 5:
1972-2007
Physical Description: 13 folders, 1 VHS videocassette, 3 compact audiocassette tapes.
Series Scope and Content
The Series contains biographical information in the form of newspaper, magazine and other media interviews along with a VHS
videotape of clips of some of his performances, personal correspondence, and limited information on Kearns' Artist Confronting
AIDS organization and Michael Kearns' Workspace, later referred to as the Space at Fountain's End, his theatrical performance
space.
Box 6, Folder 1-2
California Theatre Annual
1982-1983
Physical Description: 2 folders.
Box 10, Folder 5
Headshots, photographs
1980-2000
Box 9, Item 10
Video clips from performances
circa 1995
Interviews on compact audiocassette tapes
circa 1980
Box 10, Folder 3
KALW, San Francisco by Alan Farley
1976
Box 10, Folder 3
The Breakfast Show,
The Edge
circa 1980
Box 10, Folder 3
Out & Out, parts 1 and 2
circa 1980
Box 3, Folder 4
Correspondence - personal
1976-2003
Box 3, Folder 5-7
Proposals and undeveloped concepts
circa 1990
Physical Description: 3 folders.
Box 3, Folder 8
Artists Confronting AIDS;
1990-1993
Scope and Contents note
Clippings, proclamation.
Michael Kearns' Workspace / Space at Fountain's End
2005-2006
Box 3, Folder 9
E-mail, flyers, press releases
2005
Box 3, Folder 11
Correspondence, flyers, postcards, programs, press releases
2006
Box 10, Folder 7
AIDSWatch installation photographs
2006
Professional and personal papers
1950-2014
Scope and Contents
Articles, awards, clippings, correspondence, event cards, fliers, journals, manuscripts, photographs, poetry, posters, programs,
scripts, and other materials, 1950-2014, primarily documenting the theatrical career and creative works of Michael Kearns.
The series also includes materials regarding Kearns' personal life, including his relationship with his partner Philip Juwig
(died 1992) and with his daughter Tia. The series comprises papers donated from 2008-2014. Scripts and manuscripts without
attribution are primarly works of Michael Kearns, although they also include works of unidentified authorship.
Arrangement
The series is arranged into four sections: Writings, theater, and event projects; Photographs; Awards and media files; and
Personal papers.
Box 16, Folder 1-13
Photographs
circa 1955-1990
Physical Description: [144 black-and-white photographic prints, 53 color photographic prints, 57 35mm slides, 32 contact sheets, 3 cutouts of contact
sheets, 12 negatives, and 1 CD (with one image)]
Scope and Contents
Includes images from Kearns' early acting career as well as images of Craig Russell, Cricket Parmalee, Rob Sullivan, David
Coleman, Ruth Hutry, Charles Pierce, Jane Fonda, David Hasselhoff, Jackie Vernon, Jim Brochu, Ray Wilson, Shane Hudson, Joseph
Kearns, Ruth Webb, Jackie Hyde, Setphen Davis, Doris Roberts, James Carroll Pickett, Lynn Redgrave, Wanda Lee, Mike Kerr,
David Desmoises, Mike Woo, Danny Kopelson, Darien Martus, David Stebbins, and Ian McKellen. (See the photograph legend in
the front of the box for more details.)
Box 21, Folder 4
Photographs
circa 1970-2001
Physical Description: [4 color and 1 black-and-white oversized photographic prints]
Scope and Contents
Includes images of James Carroll Pickett, David C. Nichols, Paul-Matthew Eckhart, Virginia Macolino, and Rich Hunter.
Box 17, Folder 1-8
Photographs
1980-1995
Physical Description: [125 black-and-white photographic prints, 120 color photographic prints, 5 negatives, 4 35mm slides, 2 negative strips, and
2 contact sheets]
Scope and Contents
Includes images of Kearns' theatrical works and acting career as well as images of Tia Kearns, Ian McKellen, Gordon Thompson,
Mary Fisher, Paul Capsis, James Carroll Pickett, Alice Ghostley, Bea Arthur, Charles Pierce, Rex Lee, David Romin, Martin
Serman, Scotch Ellis Loring, Mariah [Manguelis?], the cast of "Valley of the Dolls" (1990s production), and the cast of "The
Boys in the Band" (1990s production). (See the photograph legend in the front of the box for more details.)
Box 15, Folder 30-31
Photographs
circa 1990-2013
Physical Description: [96 black-and-white photographic prints, 23 color photographic prints, 8 negative strips, 4 contact sheets, and 2 negatives]
Scope and Contents
Includes images of Kearns' theatrical works and acting career, including images of Steve Tyler and the cast from "Pursuit
of Happiness."
Box 17, Folder 9
35mm slides
undated
Physical Description: [270 35mm slides]
Scope and Contents
Includes images of Kearns' theatrical works and acting career as well as images of Ken Hill, Max Drew, G. Carolus Duran, Steve
Tracy, and Victor [Lopez?]. (See the photograph legend in the front of the box for more details.)
Box 15, Folder 26
AIDS/US
undated
Physical Description: [30 color photographic prints]
Box 15, Folder 27
"Intimacies"
2009
Physical Description: [1 CD]
Scope and Contents
Ellen Skar's photographs of the "Intimacies" production at the Actor's Studio.
Box 15, Folder 28-29
Juwig, Philip
1949-1992
Physical Description: [105 color and 8 black-and-white photographic prints]
Scope and Contents
Images documenting Juwig's life and his years with Kearns. Includes an image of Elizabeth Taylor.
Writing, theater, and event projects
1969-2014
Arrangement
This section is arranged in alphabetical order.
Box 11, Folder 28
"After Wards," World AIDS Day event promotional materials
2000
Box 11, Folder 29
AIDS/US benefit and video records
1986-1990
Box 11, Folder 30
AIDS/US "Women" script
undated
Box 11, Folder 31
"Attachments" manuscript drafts, clippings, and promotional material
1996
Scope and Contents
Includes a publicity photograph of Kearns.
Box 11, Folder 32
"Barriers" script
undated
Box 12, Folder 1-2
"A Daddy Against All Odds" manuscripts, clippings, and promotional materials
1998
Box 12, Folder 5
"The Drama of AIDS" manuscript drafts
2009
Box 12, Folder 7-8
"Dream Man" script drafts by James Carroll Pickett, promotional material, and clippings
1985-1995
Scope and Contents
Includes a publicity photograph and negative of Kearns.
Box 12, Folder 6
"Drawing Blood" sample text, clippings, and notes
2007
Scope and Contents
Includes a photograph of Kearns, his daughter Tia, and Sir Ian McKellen.
Box 12, Folder 9
"Dream Man" and "Bathhouse Benediction" clippings
1984-1985
Box 12, Folder 10
"A Family of Secrets" screenplay
undated
Box 12, Folder 11-13
"Gay Hollywood: Inside and Out" manuscript, clippings, and correspondence
1968-2002
Box 12, Folder 14
Highways performance gallery clippings and promotional material
1989
Box 12, Folder 15
"Homeless: A Street Opera" script, clippings, and promotional material
1990-1992
Scope and Contents
Includes a publicity photograph of the cast.
Box 12, Folder 20
"Intimacies and Complications" manuscript
2003
Box 12, Folder 21-23
"Jerker" script drafts, clippings, and promotional material
1986-2006
Scope and Contents
Includes one photograph of David Stebbins, one of Joe Fraser, one the cast, and one of the cast at an outdoor event.
Box 12, Folder 16-19
"Intimacies" and "More Intimacies" manuscript samples, promotional material, and clippings
1988-1996
Scope and Contents
Includes one publicity photograph and two contact sheets of Kearns.
Box 12, Folder 24-25
"Lessons in Blood" screenplays
1994
Box 12, Folder 26
"Life Goes On" screenplay and clippings
1990-1992
Box 12, Folder 27
"Make Love, Not War" manuscripts, images, and email correspondence
2005
Box 12, Folder 28
Memoirs, drafts and research files
undated
Box 12, Folder 30
"A Mother's Prayer" promotional material
1995
Scope and Contents
Includes 4 publicity photographs of the cast.
Box 12, Folder 31
"Myron" script, promotional material, and clippings
1994
Scope and Contents
Includes a publicity photograph of Kyle Taylor and Neil Tadken.
Box 12, Folder 32
"Nine Lives" scripts
2003-2004
Box 12, Folder 33
"Off" administrative records, promotional material, and clippings
1993
Scope and Contents
Includes a publicity photograph of the cast.
Box 13, Folder 1
"Once upon a Time in South Africa" manuscript draft, promotional materials, and clippings
2007-2008
Box 13, Folder 3
"Pop and I" script
undated
Box 13, Folder 4
"Private Theatricals: Morning, Noon, and Night" script by Robert Chesley
undated
Box 13, Folder 5-6
"Queen of Angels" scripts by James Carroll Pickett, promotional materials, and clippings
1988-1992
Scope and Contents
Includes a publicity photograph of the cast.
Box 13, Folder 7
Research for undeveloped projects
1969-1996
Scope and Contents
Includes a photograph of Connie Norman.
Box 13, Folder 8-9
"Rock" script, promotional materials, and clippings
1989-1993
Scope and Contents
Includes a contact sheet of Kearns on stage.
Box 13, Folder 10-11
School and college productions
1963-1971
Scope and Contents
Includes awards, clippings, contracts, correspondence, programs, and promotional material.
Box 13, Folder 12
"Sex Change," Superior Court Case #88-1160, script
1987
Box 13, Folder 13
Skid Row book, manuscript drafts, notes, and research material
2004
Box 13, Folder 14
"The Stonewall Nation" script by by Sille Storihle
2014
Box 13, Folder 15
"Tell Tale Kisses" manuscript draft, promotional material, and clippings
1998
Box 13, Folder 16
"Torch" and World AIDS Day promotional material and clippings
2011
Box 12, Folder 3-4
Tia book, manuscript drafts
1999, undated
Box 13, Folder 17
"Traum Boy" script by James Carroll Pickett
1993
Box 13, Folder 21-24
"The Truth is Bad Enough" book manuscript drafts
circa 2012
Box 13, Folder 18-20
"The Truth is Bad Enough" stage performance manuscript drafts and clippings
1982-1983
Box 13, Folder 25
"The Waltons" script
undated
Box 13, Folder 26
"Warren" script by Rebecca Ranson, correspondence, and other materials
1984-1989
Scope and Contents
Includes a 35mm slide of Warren Johnson.
Box 13, Folder 27
"Where the Heart Is" and other manuscripts
undated
Box 13, Folder 28
"Winona" manuscript, correspondence, and research material
2002
Box 13, Folder 29-30
"Who's Afraid of Edward Albee?" manuscript drafts and contracts
1999
Box 13, Folder 31-35
Writings, miscellaneous: manuscripts, scripts, and poetry
1989-2005, undated
Box 14, Folder 1
Writings, short works
undated
Box 14, Folder 2
World AIDS Day, "Intimacies," and "Drama of AIDS" promotional material and clippings
2009-2010
Awards and media files
1967-2014
Arrangement
This section is arranged in alphabetical order.
Box 21, Folder 2
AARP promotional material with Kearns
2000
Box 14, Folder 21
Being Alive Spirit of Hope Award trophy
1999
Box 15, Folder 1
Certificates and plaques
1981-2007
Scope and Contents
Includes awards from "The Ladies of DWC" (2007); Skid Row Homless Healthcare Initiative's Train-the-Trainer program (2007);
Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic (2005); City of St. Louis, Office of the Mayor (1992); Theater Critics of the LA Weekly for "AIDS/US"
(1986); and Data Boy Magazine Robby Awards for "The International Stud" (1981).
Box 21, Folder 7
City of Los Angeles award certificate
1998
Box 21, Folder 3
Clippings
1969-2008
Physical Description: [oversized]
Box 14, Folder 3-11
Clippings
1976-2014
Scope and Contents
Includes some fliers.
Box 14, Folder 12-14
Clippings, writings by Kearns
1977-2009
Box 14, Folder 15-19
Event cards, programs, and fliers
1984-2013
Box 14, Folder 20
LA Weekly Theater Award trophy for "Queen of Angeles"
2006
Box 21, Folder 5
Mockups, promotional material
undated
Box 21, Folder 6
Posters and book covers
circa 1990-2010
Scope and Contents
Includes promotional material for "Camille," "Intimacies," "Nine Lives," "Dream Man," "Footsteps," "AIDS Everlasting," "The
Boys in the Band," "Make Love, Not War," and "Out and Out." Includes book covers for "Life Expectancies," "The Drama of AIDS,"
and "Acting=Life."
Box 11, Folder 1-27
Professional history
circa 1967-1997
Scope and Contents
Includes clippings, fliers, programs, and event cards.
Arrangement
Files are arranged in chronological order.
Box 15, Folder 22
Promotional and biographical media materials
1975-2009
Box 19, Folder 1
S.T.A.G.E Producers Award trophy
2009
Personal papers
1950-2013
Arrangement
This section is arranged in alphabetical order.
Box 15, Folder 2
"Celebrities in Los Angeles Cemeteries" legal records
2003-2004
Box 15, Folder 3
Chesley, Robert correspondence, clippings, and memorial material
1984-1990
Scope and Contents
Includes one color photograph of 5 pairs of boots.
Box 15, Folder 4-6
Correspondence and notes
1950-2013
Scope and Contents
Includes clippings, writings, and correspondence with Sir Ian McKellen.
Box 15, Folder 7
Housing Works subject file
2012
Box 15, Folder 8
Jackson, Don, interview transcript
undated
Box 15, Folder 9-14
Journals (diaries)
1989-2008, undated
Box 21, Folder 1
Juwig, Philip, memorial guest book
1992
Box 15, Folder 15-16
Juwig, Philip, personal papers
1988-1992
Scope and Contents
Includes contacts, correspondence, and identification cards.
Box 15, Folder 17
Miscellaneous graphic materials
undated
Scope and Contents
Includes Kearn's image on notepads, postcards, and the VHS cover of "Guys Who Do."
Box 18
Normandy High School yearbook
1968
Box 15, Folder 18
Note cards from talks
undated
Box 15, Folder 19
Penthouse issue with "The Happy Hustler" article
1975
Box 15, Folder 20-21
Pickett, James Carroll, photographs, writings, and clippings
1971-1995
Physical Description: [includes 7 black-and-white photographic prints, 1 contact sheet, and 1 35mm slide]
Scope and Contents
Images of Pickett, including one with Kearns, Christopher Isherwood, and Don Bachardy.
Box 19, Folder 2
Sony DVCAM 40, untitled
undated
Physical Description: [2 copies]
Box 15, Folder 23
Stebbins, David, clippings, correspondence, and memorial material
circa 1986-1996
Box 15, Folder 24
Student letters sent to Kearns after a class visit
1998
Box 15, Folder 25
Tia adoption records
1993-1997
