The Virginia Nelson playbills collection represents the rise and expansion of theatre and the performing arts in the Metro D.C. area, including a variety of performances at a multitude of venues over the course of eight decades, beginning in the 1930s and ending in the early 2000s. From plays and musical theatre, to opera, ballet, and musical acts, the gamut of the performing arts is represented within the collection. This collection contains playbills for performances at a variety of D.C. area venues, including the National Theatre, Arena Stage, the New Gayety Theatre, the Warner Theatre, Wolf Trap, Signature Theatre, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as well as other theatres across the nation and abroad, including those from Broadway in New York and the West End in London. Many of the playbills come from renowned "classic" performances of certain works, many starring famous actors. Also represented in the collection are smaller, local theatrical venues, companies, and performances. Note: Included in the collection were a number of Arena Stage Playbills, which were removed except for one that was not already included in the Arena Stage records. All other Arena Stage playbills (before the 2006/2007 season) are available in the