Thrillpeddlers collection, 1991-2020

View only results with digital items
Printable guide [HTML]

Online content

Online items

Summary

Creators:
Thrillpeddlers
Abstract:
Extent:
53 linear feet
Language:
Preferred citation:

Thrillpeddlers collection. GLBT Historical Society

Background

Scope and content:

This collection documents the work of Thrillpeddlers, a San Francisco-based multigenerational queer theater company specializing in Grand Guignol plays and Theatre of the Ridiculous. The records span from 1991-2020, with a primary focus on 2005-2017. The collection is arranged into four series: Production and Hypnodrome Theatre Materials, Photographs, Garments and Props, and Set Pieces and Signs. Production Materials contains scripts, stage manager prompt books, lyrics, and run of shows used in the production of Thrillpeddlers’ shows. It also includes a set of Hypnodrome stickers, a CD recording of Hot Greeks, and event posters, as well as inventory lists that contain a comprehensive history of Thrillpeddlers productions with dates. Photographs contain photographic prints of the construction of the Hypnodrome Theatre, cast photographs, and performance photographs. Costumes and Props includes costumes and props used in Thrillpeddlers’ productions, a number of which were used for special effects illusions. It also includes several t-shirts. Set Pieces and Signs include large artifacts including the Hypnodrome sign and set pieces used in Thrillpeddlers productions. GSSO Linked Terms: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_004301; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_004300

Biographical / historical:

Thrillpeddlers was a San Francisco-based multigenerational queer theater company specializing in Grand Guignol plays and Theatre of the Ridiculous. They also staged revivals of the Cockettes musicals. The company was founded in 1991 by Russell Blackwood, who also served as the Artistic Director and performed in many of the company’s stage productions. In 2004, Thrillpeddlers moved into the Hypnodrome Theatre located in the SOMA district of San Francisco. Thrillpeddlers also developed an arts education program in 2006 called Creepshow Camp, which taught horror and science fiction performance skills to youth. Thrillpedders was operational for over 25 years until closing in 2017 when the owners of the Hypnodrome Theatre decided to sell the building.

Acquisition information:
The collection was donated to the GLBT Historical Society by Russell Blackwood in March 2017 with additions in August 2021.

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Theater
Music
LGBTQ
Performance
Places:
San Francisco (Calif.)

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research. Funding for processing this collection was provided by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Preferred citation:

Thrillpeddlers collection. GLBT Historical Society

Location of this collection:
989 Market Street, Lower Level
San Francisco, CA 94103, US
Contact:
(415) 777-5455
reference@glbthistory.org
Website