George Brendan Dowell was born in New York City on December 15, 1909. He spent his life working in the theatre and academic institutions. In 1933 he received a certificate in playwriting from Yale University. In 1939 the Federal Theatre Project produced The God Innis, a play Dowell wrote. Dowell met Hallie Flanagan while working with the Federal Theatre Project and continued to work with her throughout his career. He served with the Army in World War II from 1941 to 1943. In 1946 he graduated from New York University and received a doctorate from Columbia University Teachers College in 1949. He worked at Smith College from 1949 to 1955, first as a Visiting Lecturer of Theatre and then as an Assistant Professor of Theatre from 1950 to 1955. Dowell and Flanagan worked together on the play "Heritage" in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of Smith College in 1950. After teaching at Smith he went on to work at Skidmore College (1954-1956), Vassar College (1957-1961), and Goucher College (1962-1975). His work at Vassar College revolved around their Centennial Celebration in 1961. At Goucher College he was instrumental in developing the drama program and held the position of Associate Professor of Speech and Drama. He died in Towson, Maryland, in January of 1997.
This collection contains personal papers donated by George B. Dowell and includes playscripts, programs, photographs, correspondence, and publications relating mostly to theatre activities with the Federal Theatre Project, Smith College, and Vassar College.
Arranged alphabetically by folder title.
There are no access restrictions.
There are no restrictions on personal use. Permission to publish material from the George B. Dowell papers must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.
Donated by George B. Dowell in May 1987.
George B. Dowell papers, C0219, Special Collections and Archives, George Mason University Libraries.
The Works Progress Administration oral histories collection, the Federal Theatre Project collection, the Federal Theatre Project photograph collection, as well as numerous other personal papers.
Processing and EAD markup completed in November 2012 by Greta Kuriger Suiter.
Draft with handwritten notes by Hallie Flanagan.
Pertains to play writing in general.
Includes two photographs of George Dowell and Hallie Flanagan at the 1961 Vassar Centennial.
Script adapted from the publication Fear by A. Afinogenov. Written by Hallie Flanagan for the Vassar Experimental Theatre.
7 photographs of the Helen Tamjris Dance Unit performance of Hecuba and Cassandra.
Two letters to Dowell regarding The God Innis; typewritten account of visiting Federal Theatre productions in Seattle - "Seattle Saga - Battling in the Western Wilderness", letter to Flanagan.
Brochure for Grinnell College and receipt for contribution gift in memory of Murray Flanagan.
Two published copies; note from Hallie Flanagan to George Dowell.
Roosevelt newspaper advertisements; menu for The Lambs restaurant; organization chart for Teatro Colon (Spanish); Emlyn Williams as Charles Dickens poster; American tour of players summer tour of Britain itinerary; Holiday card from Julia Thorn Kuhl to Dowell.
Three issues: May 1929; March 1931; May 1931.
The Dream and the Deed: Seattle's official centennial play by Glenn Hughes; American Art Today: New York World's Fair published by National Art Society (catalogue); And There Were Voices: An Abraham Lincoln play in three acts by Robert Knipe; The Living Theatre Repertory 1959-60; Theatre U.S.A.: A catalog of books and plays forming a history of the American theatre from circa 1750 to the present.; Yale Drama, alumni newsletter.
One program from 1933, mostly 1950s teaching and conference materials from Smith College and New England.