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Title: Thrillpeddlers collection
Dates: 1991-2020
Collection Number: 2018-85
Creator/Collector:
Thrillpeddlers
Extent: 53 linear feet
Online items available
Repository:
GLBT Historical Society
San Francisco, California 94103
Abstract: Thrillpeddlers was a San Francisco-based multigenerational queer theater company specializing in Grand Guignol plays and Theatre
of the Ridiculous. The collection is arranged into four series: Production and Hypnodrome Theatre Materials, Photographs,
Garments and Props, and Set Pieces and Signs.
Language of Material: English
Collection is open for research. Funding for processing this collection was provided by the National Historical Publications
and Records Commission (NHPRC).
[Identification of item]. Thrillpeddlers collection. Collection Number: 2018-85. GLBT Historical Society
The collection was donated to the GLBT Historical Society by Russell Blackwood in March 2017 with additions in August 2021.
Biography/Administrative History
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.
Scope and Content of Collection
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
Theater
Music
LGBTQ
San Francisco (Calif.)