Robert Hyde Wilson papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0529

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Robert Hyde Wilson papers (1931-1983) consist mainly of theater programs and notes, although some news clippings, correspondence, scrapbooks, and other materials are also included.

Dates

1931-1983

Creator

Wilson, Robert Hyde, 1914-2001 (Person)

Language of Materials

Materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical Sketch

Robert Hyde Wilson was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. He received a degree in business from the University of Utah in 1936, worked for a few years at the United States Smelting Mining and Refining Company, but found his interest lay in the theater. He acted in a number of Maud May Babcock's plays, and in collaboration with Robert Freed, became a co-founder, manager, and the director of The Playbox in 1937. As his fame spread, Wilson was invited to direct productions at Kingsbury Hall and teach courses in theater at the University of Utah. In 1956, Wilson received his M.A. from the University of Utah and was subsequently granted a full professorship in 1965. Upon the opening of Pioneer Memorial Theater in 1962, Wilson directed one to two main stage productions every season through 1982. Additionally, Wilson co-founded the Lagoon Opera House and was named Impressaro, a position he maintained through 1982.

Wilson constantly worked to keep up with the current trends in theater by taking annual trips to New York to view numerous theatrical productions between 1937 and 1984. He spent six extended study periods in London, England, viewing theater productions and observing techniques taught in drama schools. In addition to his directing skills, Wilson wrote fifteen plays, three of which have been produced on main stage at the Pioneer Memorial Theater.

Extent

7 Linear Feet

Additional Description

Abstract

The Robert Hyde Wilson papers (1931-1983) consist mainly of theater programs and notes, although some news clippings, correspondence, scrapbooks, and other materials are also included. Robert Hyde Wilson was co-founder of the Lagoon Opera House and directed productions at Kingsbury Hall and Pioneer Theater, both located at the University of Utah.