Guide to the Robert Prosky papers, 1909-2007 Robert Prosky C0022

Guide to the Robert Prosky papers, 1909-2007

A Collection in
Special Collections and Archives
Accession Number C0022


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George Mason University Libraries

2006 By George Mason University Libraries. All rights reserved.

Processed by: Special Collections and Archives Staff

Repository
George Mason University. Special Collections and Archives
Collection number
C0022
Title
Robert Prosky Papers 1909-2007
URL:
http://sca.gmu.edu/finding_aids/prosky.html
Physical Characteristics
9 linear feet (16 boxes)
Creator
Robert Prosky, 1930-2008
Language
English
Abstract
Consists of documents spanning Prosky's career in theatre, film, and television. Materials include playbills, photographs, scripts, reviews, fan letters, scrapbooks, and audiovisual.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There may be duplication restrictions because of copyright.

Preferred Citation

Robert Prosky papers, C0022, Special Collections and Archives, George Mason University Libraries.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Robert Prosky in 2007-2008.

Processing Information

Processed in 2008 by Sarah Patton, Jennifer Munson, and Jordan Patty. EAD markup completed in 2008 by Jordan Patty and Jennifer Munson.

Biographical Information

Born in Philadelphia, Robert Prosky (1930-2008) spent much of his career as an actor in more than 200 plays at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., on Broadway in New York City, and in regional theatre. Prosky's association with the Arena Stage included more than 130 productions over the course of 20 years. His Broadway appearances included "Glengarry Glenross," "A Walk in the Woods," and "A View from the Bridge." Highlights from regional theater include "Death of a Salesman," "Twelfth Night," and "You Can't Take It With You." He also performed on stage in the Moscow Art Theatre in Russia, the Gate Theater in Dublin, Ireland, as well as in a Chinese theater in Hong Kong.

Beginning in the 1980s, he began regularly appearing in films and television shows. His films include "Mrs. Doubtfire," "The Natural," and "Dead Man Walking." Television credits include three years on "Hill Street Blues," many television films and guest shots.

He received or was nominated for two Tony awards, two Helen Hayes awards, an Emmy, the Drama Desk award, and the American Express Tribute To An American Actor. He continued to perform on stage and present lectures on his long career at universities, film festivals, for theater benefits, business groups and on cruises. He died on December 8, 2008, in Washington, D.C.

Scope and Content

Consists of documents spanning Prosky's career in theatre, film, and television. Materials include playbills, photographs, scripts, reviews, fan letters, scrapbooks, and audiovisual.

The collection consists of six series. The first series contains documents from his professional career divided into three subseries and arranged alphabetically by play, film, or television title, then chronologically. Subseries 1.1 includes playbills that date from his early performances at the Quarterdeck Theatre to his most recent performances in Washington, D.C. There are also numerous reviews as well as a few scripts with Prosky's handwritten notes. Subseries 1.2 contains mostly clippings and reviews about Prosky's film career, but there are a few scripts and emphemra, such as the trading card from "The Last Action Hero." Subseries 1.3 contains documents from his television career, mostly clippings from his time as a cast member on "Hill Street Blues" and "Veronica's Closet." Note that there are additional professional documents, such as posters, in the oversize series.

The second series contains personal documents and is divided into two subseries and arranged alphabetically and chronologically. Subseries 2.1 consists of correspondence to and from Prosky. The bulk of the correspondence concerns Prosky's family and close friends. There are also many greeting cards wishing Prosky luck on opening nights as well as offering congratulations and thanks. Subseries 2.2 contains many biographical articles discussing Prosky's life as an actor. The articles also discuss Prosky's wife and sons. Also contained in the subseries are clippings, programs, and certificates from awards ceremonies that Prosky participated in as a nominee and won. Of particular interest are transcripts from an autobiography by Prosky. Note that there are additional biographical articles in the oversize series both loose and in scrapbooks.

The third series contains photographs of Prosky' professional and personal life. Many of the photographs document Prosky's theatre and film career. There are also photographs from his personal life, such as family snapshots. The photographs range in size from 3"x5" to 8"x10". Most of the theatre and professional photographs are larger and in black and white while the personal snapshots are smaller and in color. Arranged by category, then production title or other description, and then arranged chronologically. Note that there are additional photographs in the oversize series both loose and in scrapbooks.

The fourth series consists of copies of Prosky's film and television appearances, particularly "Veronica's Closet." There are also copies of public service announcements and commercials. Most of the media contained on VHS cassettes and reel-to-reel audio tapes. There are also DVD copies of speaking engagements at George Mason University and other locations.

The fifth series contains items too large for the other series. Included are photographs, scrapbooks, and posters documenting Prosky's professional career and personal life.

The sixth series consists of objects from Prosky's professional career and personal life, such as opening night gifts and production souvenirs.

Arrangement

Organized into six series:

Series 1: Professional, 1954-2007 (Boxes 1-5) Series 2: Personal, 1909-2007 (Boxes 5-8) Series 3: Photographs, 1930s-2005 (Boxes 9-11) Series 4: Audiovisual, 1960-2007 (Boxes 12-13) Series 5: Oversize, 1950s-2006 (Boxes 14-15) Series 6: Realia, 1998-2004 (Box 16)

Related Material

Special Collections and Archives also holds the Records of Arena Stage.

Index Terms

    Persons:

  • Prosky, Robert, 1930-
  • Corporate Names:

  • Arena Stage (Organization : Washington, D.C.)
  • Subjects:

  • Actors--United States.
  • Motion pictures--United States.
  • Television--United States.
  • Theater--United States.
  • Theater--Washington (D.C.)

Significant Persons Associated With the Collection

  • Prosky, Robert, 1930-
  • Robert Prosky, 1930-2008

Contents List

Series 1: Professional, 1954-2007
(5 boxes)

Contains documents from his professional career divided into three subseries and arranged alphabetically by play, film, or television title, then chronologically.

  • Subseries 1.1: Theater, 1954-2007
    (2.5 boxes)

    Includes playbills that date from his early performances at the Quarterdeck Theatre to his most recent performances in Washington, D.C. There are also numerous reviews as well as a few scripts with Prosky's handwritten notes.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 1
      "An American Daughter" Printed Material, 2003

      Arena Stage. Contains press releases, reviews, and Arena Stage publications.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 2
      American Film Institute Preview Program Guide, March 1997

    • Box: 1 Folder: 3
      Anniversary Waltz, 1956

    • Box: 1 Folder: 4
      Arthur Miller Theatre Reviews, 1983-2005

    • Box: 1 Folder: 5
      "Awake and Sing" Printed Material, 2006

      Arena Stage. Contains press releases, reviews, and Arena Stage publications.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 6
      "Awake and Sing" Playbill, 2006

      Arena Stage.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 7
      Arena Stage 30th Anniversary Season Annual Report, 1981

    • Box: 1 Folder: 8
      Arena Stage Production History, 1998

    • Box: 1 Folder: 9
      "Bad Seed" Playbill, 1956

      Quarterdeck Theatre.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 10
      "Barnum" Playbill, 1983

      Gonzaga College. Prosky not in cast.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 11
      "Battle Dream" Playbill, 1963

      Arena Stage.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 14
      "Camping with Henry and Tom" Playbill, 1995

      Lucille Lortel Theatre.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 12
      "Camping with Henry and Tom" Review, 1993

      Berkshire Theatre Festival. Review by Herbert Wolff.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 13
      "Camping with Henry and Tom" Reviews, 1993-1995

    • Box: 1 Folder: 15
      The Best of Broadway Newspaper Article, 1995

    • Box: 1 Folder: 16
      "Caucasian Chalk Circle" Reviews, 1977-1978

      Arena Stage.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 17
      "The Chase" Playbill, 1954

      Old Academy.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 18
      "Dear Charles" Playbill, 1956

      Quarterdeck Theatre.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 19
      "Death of a Salesman" Reviews, 1974

      Arena Stage.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 20
      "A Delicate Balance" Playbill, 1982

      Arena Stage.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 21
      "Democracy" Playbill, 2004

      Brooks Atkinson Theatre.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 22
      "Democracy" Script, 2004

    • Box: 1 Folder: 23
      "The Dybbuk" Reviews, 1975

      Arena Stage.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 24
      "Galileo" Review, 1980

      Arena Stage. Review by Mel Gussow.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 25
      "Inherit the Wind" Reviews, 2000

      Ford's Theatre.

    • Box: 1 Folder: 26
      General Theatre Reviews, 1971-2007

      Also contains television reviews and biographical information.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 1
      "Glengarry Glen Ross" Playbill, 1994

      Goodman Theatre.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 2
      "Glengarry Glen Ross" Playbill, 1994

      John Golden Theatre.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 3
      "Glengarry Glen Ross" Clippings, 1994

    • Box: 2 Folder: 4
      "The Golem" Clippings, 2002

      Manhattan Ensemble Theater. Also contains postcards with advertisements.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 5
      "The Happy Time" Playbill, 1958

      Fred Miller Theatre.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 6
      "The Hollow" Playbill, 1958

      Arena Stage.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 7
      Hong Kong Arts Festival, 1980

    • Box: 2 Folder: 8
      "Inherit the Wind" Playbill, 1973

      Arena Stage.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 9
      "Inherit the Wind" Reviews, 2000

      Ford's Theatre.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 10
      "A Life in the Theatre" Flyer, 1998

      Lee Strasberg Theatre Center.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 11
      "The Matchmaker" Reviews, 1993, 1995

      Delaware Theatre Company (1993) and Arena Stage (1995).

    • Box: 2 Folder: 12
      "Moonchildren" Poster, 1970s

      Douglass College.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 13
      "Moonchildren" Press Releases, 1971

      Arena Stage.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 14
      "Noises Off" Research Packet, 2006

      Arena Stage.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 15
      "Noises Off" Script, 2006

    • Box: 2 Folder: 16
      "Picnic" Playbill, 1957

      Fred Miller Theatre.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 17
      "The Price" Playbill, 1968

      Morosco Theatre. Prosky not in cast.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 18
      "The Price" Playbill, 1994

      Arena Stage.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 19
      "The Price" Playbill, 2004

      Gate Theatre.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 20
      "The Price" Poster, 2004?

      Cape May Stage.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 21
      "The Price" Reviews, 1993-1994

      Arena Stage. Also contains a pre-production announcement.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 22
      "The Seven Year Itch" Playbill, 1956

      Quarterdeck Theatre.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 23
      "Shakespeare in Hollywood" Printed Material, 2003

      Arena Stage. Contains press releases, reviews, and Arena Stage publications.

    • Box: 2 Folder: 24
      A Short History of the Booth Theatre, 2003

    • Box: 2 Folder: 24
      "Sketches of War" Flyer, 1988

      Colonial Theatre.

    • Box: 3 Folder: 1
      "The Solid Gold Cadillac" Playbill, 1956

      Quarterdeck Theatre.

    • Box: 3 Folder: 2
      "Three Men on a Horse" Review, 1974

      Arena Stage.

    • Box: 3 Folder: 3
      "Twelfth Night" Press Release, 1971

      Arena Stage.

    • Box: 3 Folder: 4
      "A View from the Bridge" Playbill, 1955

      Coronet Theatre. Prosky not in cast.

    • Box: 3 Folder: 5
      "A View from the Bridge" Playbill, 1983

      Ambassador Theatre.

    • Box: 3 Folder: 6
      "A View from the Bridge" Playbill, 1983

      Royal Poinciana Playhouse. Prosky not in cast.

    • Box: 3 Folder: 7
      "A Walk in the Woods" Playbill, 1988

      Booth Theatre.

    • Box: 3 Folder: 8
      "A Walk in the Woods" Playbill, 1989

      One copy entirely in Russian and one with only the title translated.

    • Box: 3 Folder: 9
      "A Walk in the Woods" Reviews, 1988

      Booth Theatre. Also contains some correspondence.

    • Box: 3 Folder: 10
      "A Walk in the Woods" Script, 1988

    • Box: 3 Folder: 11
      Washington Theatre Review, 2005-2006

      Contains stories on Zelda Fichandler and Robert Prosky.

    • Box: 3 Folder: 12
      "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" Playbill, 1958

      Fred Miller Theatre.

    • Box: 3 Folder: 19
      "You Can't Take It with You" Playbill, 1980

      Hong Kong Arts Festival.

    • Box: 3 Folder: 20
      "You Can't Take It with You" Playbill, 1997

      Guthrie Theatre.

    • Box: 3 Folder: 21
      "You Can't Take It with You" Postcard, 1998

      Arena Stage.

    • Box: 3 Folder: 22
      "You Can't Take It with You" Reviews, 1979-1980, 1997-1998

      Also contains advertisements, rosters, and announcements.

  • Subseries 1.2: Film, 1980-2007
    (1.5 boxes)

    Contains mostly clippings and reviews about Prosky's film career, but there are also a few scripts and emphemra, such as the trading card from "The Last Action Hero."

    • Box: 3 Folder: 23
      "Broadcast News" Reviews, 1987

    • Box: 3 Folder: 24
      Casting Clippings, 1986-1987

    • Box: 3 Folder: 25
      "Christine" Poster, 1983

    • Box: 3 Folder: 26
      "City of Ember" Script, 2007

      Also contains correspondence.

    • Box: 3 Folder: 27
      "Grandfather's Birthday" Printed Material, 2000

      Contains production facts, one color production still photograph, and one black and white photograph of the director Gayle Knutson.

    • Box: 4 Folder: 1
      "Last Action Hero" Trading Card, 1993

    • Box: 4 Folder: 2
      "Lords of Discipline" Clippings, 1983

    • Box: 4 Folder: 3
      "Mrs. Doubtfire" Script, 1993

    • Box: 4 Folder: 4
      "The Natural" Clipping, 1984

      Also includes information on "Glengarry Glenn Ross" and television work.

    • Box: 4 Folder: 5
      The New Jersey State Film Festival, 2001

    • Box: 4 Folder: 6
      "The Thief" Reviews, 1981

    • Box: 4 Folder: 7
      "The Thief" Script, 1980

    • Box: 4 Folder: 8
      "Things Change" Clipping, 1999

    • Box: 4 Folder: 9
      "Washington Monuments" review, 1987

  • Subseries 1.3: Television, 1984-2007
    Physical Location:
    (1.5 boxes)

    Contains documents from his television career, mostly clippings from his time as a cast member on "Hill Street Blues" and "Veronica's Closet."

    • Box: 4 Folder: 10
      "ER: Family Business" Script, 2007

    • Box: 4 Folder: 11
      "Frasier: A Cranes' Critique" Script, 1996

    • Box: 4 Folder: 12
      "Hill Street Blues" Clippings, 1984

    • Box: 5 Folder: 1
      "Hill Street Blues" Clippings, 1984-1988

    • Box: 5 Folder: 2
      "Home Fires Burning" Press Releases and Clippings, 1989

    • Box: 5 Folder: 3
      "Into Thin Air" Review, 1985

    • Box: 5 Folder: 4
      "The Murder of Mary Phagan" Clippings and Reviews, 1987-1988

    • Box: 5 Folder: 5
      "Old Dogs" Clippings and Reviews, 1987

    • Box: 5 Folder: 6
      "The Practice" Clipping, 1997

    • Box: 5 Folder: 7
      "Veronica's Closet" Clippings, 1997

    • Box: 5 Folder: 8
      "Veronica's Closet" Production Directory and Publicity Questionnaire, 1997

Series 2: Personal, 1909-2007
(4 boxes)

The second series contains personal documents and is divided into two subseries and arranged alphabetically and chronologically.

  • Subseries 2.1: Correspondence, 1909-2007
    (1.5 boxes)

    Subseries 2.1 consists of correspondence to and from Prosky. The bulk of the correspondence concerns Prosky's family and close friends. There are also many greeting cards wishing Prosky luck on opening nights as well as offering congratulations and thanks. Arranged alphabetically by name type of correspondence, then chronologically.

    • Box: 5 Folder: 9
      Aunt Vi, 1981

    • Box: 5 Folder: 10
      Casey, Phil, 1972

    • Box: 5 Folder: 11
      Family and Friends, 1978-1997

    • Box: 5 Folder: 12
      Fan Letters, 1978-1988

    • Box: 5 Folder: 13
      Fichandler, Zelda, 2006

    • Box: 5 Folder: 14
      Ginsburg, Ruth Bader, 2006

    • Box: 5 Folder: 15
      Greeting Cards, 1980s-2006

    • Box: 5 Folder: 16
      Law, Lindsay, 1986-1988

    • Box: 5 Folder: 17
      Miscellaneous, 1984-2007

    • Box: 5 Folder: 18
      Miscellaneous Postcards, 1909, 1939

    • Box: 5 Folder: 19
      Opening Night Cards, 1987-2006

    • Box: 6 Folder: 1
      A Proposal for a Trust for the Acting Company of Arena Stage, 1990

    • Box: 6 Folder: 2
      Prosky Family, 1990-1998

    • Box: 6 Folder: 3
      Sasser, Bill, 2006

    • Box: 6 Folder: 4
      Schatz Orstein Studios, 2006

    • Box: 6 Folder: 5
      Thank You Cards, 1988-2006

    • Box: 6 Folder: 6
      "Thief", 1981

    • Box: 6 Folder: 7
      Universal Studios, 2006

      RESTRICTED

    • Box: 6 Folder: 8
      Vinograd, Marty, 1981

    • Box: 6 Folder: 9
      "A Walk in the Woods", 1988

      Also includes correspondence about Prosky's Tony Award nomination.

    • Box: 6 Folder: 10
      Washington Post, 2003

  • Subseries 2.2: Biographical, 1967-2007
    (2.5 boxes)

    Contains many biographical articles discussing Prosky's life as an actor. The articles also discuss Prosky's wife and sons. Also contained in the subseries are clippings, programs, and certificates from awards ceremonies that Prosky participated in as a nominee and won. This subseries also contains transcripts from a self-recorded autobiography by Prosky. Arranged alphabetically by article title and type of document, then chronologically.

    • Box: 6 Folder: 11
      "Actor Bob Prosky - Johnny Haas Relatives", 1988

      Post Eagle newspaper.

    • Box: 6 Folder: 12
      "Ah, Prosky!", 1978

      Columbia Flier newspaper.

    • Box: 6 Folder: 13
      "An American Actor", 1978

      America 275 Illustrated Story no. 11-79.

    • Box: 6 Folder: 14
      Antoinette Perry (Tony) Awards Playbill, 1984

      Prosky nominated for "Glengarry Glenross"."

    • Box: 6 Folder: 15
      Antoinette Perry (Tony) Awards Playbill, 1988

      Prosky nominated for "A Walk in the Woods".

    • Box: 6 Folder: 16
      Atlantic City Film Festival Award Certificate, 2000

      Prosky won best actor in a short film for "Grandfather's Birthday".

    • Box: 6 Folder: 17
      Autobiographical Text, 2006

    • Box: 6 Folder: 18
      Biography Draft 1, ca. 2000

    • Box: 6 Folder: 19
      Biography Draft 2, ca. 2000

      Folder 1.

    • Box: 6 Folder: 20
      Biography Draft 2, ca. 2000

      Folder 2.

    • Box: 6 Folder: 21
      Biography of Robert Prosky, ca. 1987

      Cynthia Snyder Public Relations.

    • Box: 7 Folder: 1
      Birthday Scrapbook, n.d.

    • Box: 7 Folder: 2
      "Bob Prosky: Twenty Years of Arena Stage", 1970s

      Article by Zelda Fichandler.

    • Box: 7 Folder: 3
      Cafe du Soleil Celebrity Recipes, 1980s

    • Box: 7 Folder: 3
      Cafe du Soleil Celebrity Recipes, 1980s

    • Box: 7 Folder: 4
      Career Clippings, 1967-1987

    • Box: 7 Folder: 5
      Career Chronology and Credits, ca. 2007

    • Box: 7 Folder: 6
      "Celebrity of the Day", 1988

    • Box: 7 Folder: 7
      Charity Clippings, 1986-1987

    • Box: 7 Folder: 8
      Cosmos Club Certificate of Appreciation, 1993

      Presented to both Prosky and his wife Ida.

    • Box: 7 Folder: 9
      "An Evening with Robert Prosky" Invitation, 2001

    • Box: 7 Folder: 10
      "The Friends of George Spelvin" Pamphlet, n.d.

    • Box: 7 Folder: 11
      "The Grocer's Kid", 1988

      Philadelphia magazine.

    • Box: 7 Folder: 12
      The Helen Hayes Award, 1985

      Prosky served as the master of ceremonies.

    • Box: 7 Folder: 13
      The Helen Hayes Award, 1991

      Prosky nominated for his role in "Our Town".

    • Box: 7 Folder: 14
      The Helen Hayes Award, 1998

      Prosky honored with the American Express Tribute.

    • Box: 7 Folder: 15
      "He's Made a Career of Being an Old Man", 1972

      Washington Post newspaper.

    • Box: 7 Folder: 16
      "He's Quite a Character", 1968

      Roxborough Times newspaper.

    • Box: 7 Folder: 17
      "Hill St. Dad visits new RU grad", 1985

      Home News newspaper.

    • Box: 7 Folder: 18
      "Hoffman: A Fresh Face Even as Age Catches Up", 1998

      New York Times Newspaper.

    • Box: 7 Folder: 19
      "I Don't Know What I'm Doing", 1998

      Equity News newsletter.

    • Box: 7 Folder: 20
      "In Russia He Heard No One Cry Out", 1974

      New York Times newspaper.

    • Box: 7 Folder: 21
      Jewish Council on Aging Acceptance Speech, 2005

    • Box: 7 Folder: 22
      "A Life in the Spotlight: An Afternoon with Robert Prosky" Program, 2004

    • Box: 7 Folder: 23
      "A Life in the Spotlight: An Evening with Robert Prosky" Program, 2003

      Arena Stage.

    • Box: 7 Folder: 24
      List of Accomplishments, 1990s

    • Box: 7 Folder: 25
      Local Interest Clippings, 2004

    • Box: 7 Folder: 26
      Miscellaneous Artwork and Stamps, n.d.

    • Box: 7 Folder: 27
      Miscellaneous Clippings, 1973-2002

      Folder 1.

    • Box: 8 Folder: 1
      Miscellaneous Clippings, 1973-2002

      Folder 2.

    • Box: 8 Folder: 2
      National Association of Television Broadcasters Award, 1972

      Presented to Prosky for his role as Mr. Buchanan in "Jabberwocky".

    • Box: 8 Folder: 3
      "N. Va.'s Theater Scene is Flourishing", 1999

      Sun Weekly newspaper.

    • Box: 8 Folder: 4
      Notes for Class Taught at Arena Stage, n.d.

    • Box: 8 Folder: 5
      "On the Move", 1984

      People Weekly magazine.

    • Box: 8 Folder: 6
      Ovation Awards Nomination Certificate, 1996

    • Box: 8 Folder: 8
      Prosky's Most Recent Credits, 1998

    • Box: 8 Folder: 9
      Prosky, Ida, Job Description, 1998

    • Box: 8 Folder: 10
      Resumes, 1970s-1980s

    • Box: 8 Folder: 11
      "Robert Prosky: Distinguished Actor", 1991

      Relax magazine. In Polish.

    • Box: 8 Folder: 12
      "Robert Prosky: Hey...Don't I Know You?", 2006

      New Jersey Lifestyle magazine.

    • Box: 8 Folder: 13
      "Robert Prosky: Performer and Penmaker Extraordinaire", 1996

      Pen World magazine.

    • Box: 8 Folder: 14
      "Robert Prosky: The Actor Struts and Frets", 1978

      Washington Post Magazine.

    • Box: 8 Folder: 15
      Rutgers Press Release, 1985

    • Box: 8 Folder: 16
      "The Sarge and His Son", 1995

      Daily News newspaper.

    • Box: 8 Folder: 17
      "The Sayings of Director Joe", n.d.

    • Box: 8 Folder: 18
      "Second Stage: Washington's Own Robert Prosky Finds a New Arena in Hollywood", 1987

      Dossier magazine.

    • Box: 8 Folder: 19
      "Signature, First Amendment Rule", 1995

      Washington Times newspaper. Article mentions Prosky's Hayes award for "The Price".

    • Box: 8 Folder: 20
      Sketches and Magazine Photograph of Prosky, 1980s

    • Box: 8 Folder: 21
      "Theatrical Prosky Family Together Here or on Stage", 1995

    • Box: 8 Folder: 22
      Tony Awards Clippings, 1988

      Also includes correspondence.

Series 3: Photographs, 1930s-2005
(3 boxes)

Contains photographs of Prosky' professional and personal life. Many of the photographs document Prosky's theatre and film career. There are also photographs from his personal life, such as family snapshots. The photographs range in size from 3"x5" to 8"x10". Most of the theatre and professional photographs are larger and in black and white while the personal snapshots are smaller and in color. Arranged by category, then production title or other description, and then arranged chronologically.

  • Box: 9 Folder: 1
    Appearances, "Dedication of Kreeger Stage", 1970s

  • Box: 9 Folder: 2
    Appearances, "Hands Across America", 1986

  • Box: 9 Folder: 3
    Appearances, [Hands Across America. St. Patrick's Day. Washington D.C.], 1986

  • Box: 9 Folder: 4
    Appearances, Parade, 1980s

  • Box: 9 Folder: 5
    Appearances, [Prosky speaking at Credit Union National Assoc. Inc.], 1980s

  • Box: 9 Folder: 6
    Appearances, Sardi's, 1980s

  • Box: 9 Folder: 7
    Appearances, [Stop Arthritis Telethon], 1988

  • Box: 9 Folder: 8
    Appearances, Tim Conway Golf Classic, 1986

  • Box: 9 Folder: 9
    Appearances, [Unidentified], 1980s

  • Box: 9 Folder: 10
    Appearances, [Unidentified], 1980s

  • Box: 9 Folder: 11
    Appearances, "A View From the Bridge" [Opening Night after Theatre Supper], February 3, 1983

  • Box: 9 Folder: 12
    Appearances, "WYKS" [Hyatt Regency Washington D.C.], 1980s

  • Box: 9 Folder: 13
    Commercials, "Central Charge Credit Card" 1970s

  • Box: 9 Folder: 14
    Commercials, [Unidentified], 1970s

  • Box: 9 Folder: 15
    Commercials, Volkswagen and men from Arena Stage, 1991

  • Box: 9 Folder: 16
    Film, "Age Isn't Everything" [Original title "Life in the Food Chain"], 1991

  • Box: 9 Folder: 17
    Film, "Brother's Destiny", 1995

  • Box: 9 Folder: 18
    Film, "The Chamber", 1996

  • Box: 9 Folder: 19
    Film, "Christine", 1983

  • Box: 9 Folder: 20
    Film, "Dudley Do-Right", 1999

  • Box: 9 Folder: 21
    Film, "Far and Away", 1992

  • Box: 9 Folder: 22
    Film, "Funny About Love", 1990

  • Box: 9 Folder: 22
    Film, "Grandfather's Birthday" [Theatre Photo], 2001

  • Box: 9 Folder: 24
    Film, "Gremlins II", 1990

  • Box: 9 Folder: 25
    Film, "Hanky Panky", 1982

  • Box: 9 Folder: 26
    Film, "Hoffa", 1992

  • Box: 9 Folder: 27
    Film, "The Keep", 1983

  • Box: 9 Folder: 28
    Film, "Lords of Discipline", 1983

  • Box: 9 Folder: 29
    Film, "Mrs. Doubtfire", 1993

  • Box: 9 Folder: 30
    Film, "The Natural"; [Baseball Hall of Fame Donation], 1984

  • Box: 10 Folder: 1
    Film, "The Scarlet Letter", 1995

  • Box: 10 Folder: 2
    Film, "Thief", 1981

  • Box: 10 Folder: 3
    Film, "Two Thanksgiving Gentlemen", 1981

  • Box: 10 Folder: 4
    Miscellaneous, Broadway Reunion 1988

  • Box: 10 Folder: 5
    Miscellaneous, Characters at Kalt Tavern in Milwaukee n.d.

  • Box: 10 Folder: 6
    Miscellaneous, [In library with Ida Prosky and others], 2000s

  • Box: 10 Folder: 7
    Miscellaneous, Lucille Lortel 1988

  • Box: 10 Folder: 8
    Miscellaneous,[NBC 75th Anniversary], 2002

  • Box: 10 Folder: 9
    Miscellaneous, Negatives and slides 1950s-1980s

  • Box: 10 Folder: 10
    Miscellaneous, The Helen Hayes Awards 1992

  • Box: 10 Folder: 11
    Miscellaneous, [Standby Broadway], 1950s

  • Box: 10 Folder: 12
    Miscellaneous, [White House photo, President Clinton and Robert Prosky], December 1997

  • Box: 10 Folder: 13
    Modeling Jobs, 1960s

  • Box: 10 Folder: 14
    Personal, Childhood/Highschool, 1930s-1940s

  • Box: 10 Folder: 15
    Personal, Family/Friends, 1950s-1990s

  • Box: 10 Folder: 16
    Personal, Miscellaneous slides, 1950s-1980s

  • Box: 10 Folder: 17
    Personal, Portraits, 1950s-1980s

  • Box: 10 Folder: 18
    Personal, Portraits, 1960s-2000s

  • Box: 10 Folder: 19
    Personal, Portrait, 1980s

  • Box: 10 Folder: 20
    Personal, Portraits [Arena Stage shots to show versatility], 1960s

  • Box: 10 Folder: 21
    Publicity, "People Weekly", September 3, 1984

  • Box: 10 Folder: 22
    Publicity, [Russian Publication], 1970s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 1
    Television, "Cheers", 1992

  • Box: 11 Folder: 2
    Television, "Hill Street Blues", 1984-1987

  • Box: 11 Folder: 3
    Television, "Home Fires Burning", 1989

  • Box: 11 Folder: 4
    Television, "Veronica's Closet", 1997-1998

  • Box: 11 Folder: 5
    Theatre, "All My Sons", 1950s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 7
    Theatre, "The Caine Mutiny Court Marshall", 1960

  • Box: 11 Folder: 8
    Theatre, "Awake and Sing", 1971

  • Box: 11 Folder: 9
    Theatre, "Camping with Henry and Tom", 1993-1995

  • Box: 11 Folder: 10
    Theatre, "Caucasian Chalk Circle"[front], "National Health"[back], 1977-1978

  • Box: 11 Folder: 11
    Theatre, "The Chemmy Circle", 1970

  • Box: 11 Folder: 12
    Theatre, "The Cherry Orchard", 1960-1970

  • Box: 11 Folder: 13
    Theatre, "Dear Charles", 1950s-1960s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 14
    Theatre, "Death of a Salesman", 1974

  • Box: 11 Folder: 15
    Theatre, "Democracy", 2004-2005

  • Box: 11 Folder: 15
    Theatre, "Diaboliqle", 1950s-1960s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 16
    Theatre, "A Doll's House", 1950s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 17
    Theatre, "Front Page", 1958

  • Box: 11 Folder: 18
    Theatre, "Galileo", 1980

  • Box: 11 Folder: 19
    Theatre, "Girls in 509", 1950s-1960s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 20
    Theatre, "He Who Gets Slapped", 1965

  • Box: 11 Folder: 21
    Theatre, "Hotel Paradiso"[front], "Sergeant Musgrave's Dance"[back], 1963-64, 1966

  • Box: 11 Folder: 22
    Theatre, "Idiot's Delight", 1979

  • Box: 11 Folder: 23
    Theatre, "Inherit the Wind" [Russia], 1973

  • Box: 11 Folder: 24
    Theatre, "Jabberwocky", 1960s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 25
    Theatre, "La Fille Du Regiment" signed photo-Joan Sutherland n.d.

  • Box: 11 Folder: 26
    Theatre, "Lower Depths"[front], "National Health"[back], 1977

  • Box: 11 Folder: 27
    Theatre, "The Madwoman of Chaillot", 1961

  • Box: 11 Folder: 28
    Theatre, "Matchmaker", 1960s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 29
    Theatre, "Middle of the Night", 1960s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 30
    Theatre, "Millionaires", 1950s-1960s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 31
    Theatre, "Misalliance", 1962

  • Box: 11 Folder: 32
    Theatre, "Moon in the Yellow River"[front], "Time of Your Life"[back], 1962

  • Box: 11 Folder: 33
    Theatre, "Mr. Welk and Jersey Jim"[front], "Three Men on a Horse"[back]; "Three Men on a Horse", 1959,1966; 1971

  • Box: 11 Folder: 34
    Theatre, "No Time for Sergeants", 1960s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 35
    Theatre, "Our Town"[front], "Leonce and Lena"[back]; "Our Town", 1974,1990-1991;1991

  • Box: 11 Folder: 36
    Theatre, Photograph Album 1950s-1960s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 37
    Theatre, "Picnic", 1957-1958

  • Box: 11 Folder: 38
    Theatre, Portfolio Binder 1950s-1960s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 39
    Theatre, "The Price", 1994

  • Box: 11 Folder: 40
    Theatre, "Reluctant Debutante", 1950s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 41
    Theatre, "Remny Baker", 1960s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 42
    Theatre, "The Ruling Class", 1971

  • Box: 11 Folder: 43
    Theatre, "Separate Tables", 1950s-1960s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 44
    Theatre, [Shakespeare in Hollywood photo collage poster], 2003

  • Box: 11 Folder: 45
    Theatre, "Streamers", 1970s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 46
    Theatre, Unidentified 1950a-1960s

  • Box: 11 Folder: 47
    Theatre, "A Walk in the Woods", 1988

  • Box: 11 Folder: 48
    Theatre, "You Can't Take It With You", 1998

Series 4: Audiovisual, 1960-2007
(2 boxes)

Contains copies of Prosky's film and television appearances, particularly "Veronica's Closet." There are also copies of public serve announcements and commercials. Most of the media contained on VHS cassettes and reel-to-reel audio tapes. There are also DVD copies of speaking engagements at George Mason University and other locations.

  • Box: 12 Folder: 1
    Grandfather's Birthday, 2001

    VHS, 18 minutes, color

  • Box: 12 Folder: 2
    Little Detroit Commercial,

    Audio reel.

    Available on digital format.

  • Box: 12 Folder: 3
    Public Service TV Spot "Grade School", 1960

    Reel, 60 seconds, color.

    Available on digital format.

  • Box: 12 Folder: 4
    Public Service Announcement "Shirley Safe Goes West",

    Reel, 60 seconds, color, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Food Safety and Quality Service.

    Available on digital format.

  • Box: 12 Folder: 5
    Show Demo,

    Audio reel

    Available on digital format.

  • Box: 12 Folder: 6
    Veronica's Closet - "Veronica's Blackout", 12 March 1998

    VHS, #466216, Final Viewing Cassette

  • Box: 12 Folder: 7
    Veronica's Closet - "Veronica's Bridal Shower", 2 April 1998

    VHS, #466217, Final Viewing Cassette

  • Box: 12 Folder: 8
    Veronica's Closet - "Veronica's Man in a Suitcase", 9 April 1998

    VHS, #466218, Final Viewing Cassette

  • Box: 12 Folder: 9
    Veronica's Closet - "Veronica's All Nighter", 16 April 1998

    VHS, #466219, Final Viewing Cassette

  • Box: 12 Folder: 10
    Veronica's Closet - "Veronica's Mole", 30 April 1998

    VHS, #466220, Final Viewing Cassette

  • Box: 12 Folder: 11
    Veronica's Closet - "Veronica's Mole", 9 May 1998

    VHS, #466221, Final Viewing Cassette

  • Box: 12 Folder: 12
    Warren Alder, Blacky's Restaurants, October 28, 1971

    Audio, 6 Demo spots, 7.5 IPS

    Available on digital format.

  • Box: 12 Folder: 13
    Washington Monuments, 1987

    VHS, 30 minutes

  • Box: 13 Folder: 1
    An American Daughter, April 25-June 1 2002/2003 season

    CD, Arena Stage press photos

  • Box: 13 Folder: 2
    An Evening with Robert Prosky DEMO, October 24, 2007

    DVD, DEMO

  • Box: 13 Folder: 3
    An Evening with Robert Prosky, October 24, 2007

    DVD, Tape 1, Harris Theatre GMU

  • Box: 13 Folder: 4
    An Evening with Robert Prosky, October 24, 2007

    DVD, Tape 2, Harris Theatre GMU

  • Box: 13 Folder: 5
    An Evening with Robert Prosky, October 24, 2007

    DVD, Clips for Lecture

  • Box: 13 Folder: 6
    Bob Grant Show about New York at Noon, May 16, [1985-1986]

    Audio cassette tape, WABC Talk Radio 77am

  • Box: 13 Folder: 7
    Crystal Cerise Lecture, ca. 2000s

    DVD

  • Box: 13 Folder: 8
    EPA-FEA "Gas Station", August 31, 1976

    Video reel, 60 seconds.

    Available on digital format.

  • Box: 13 Folder: 9
    Harris Theatre tape, October 24, 2007

    Audio cassette tape, Tape 1

  • Box: 13 Folder: 10
    Harris Theatre tape, October 24, 2007

    Audio cassette tape, Tape 2

  • Box: 13 Folder: 11
    Robert Prosky-Faiga Levine Interview, April 1985

    Audio Cassette Tape, WTOP Radio

  • Box: 13 Folder: 12
    Oral History, November 8, 2007

    DVD

  • Box: 13 Folder: 13
    Unlabeled Audio Reel, n.d.

    Audio reel.

    Available on digital format.

Series 5: Oversize, 1950s-2006
(2 boxes)

The fifth series contains items too large for the other series. Included are photographs, scrapbooks, and posters documenting Prosky's professional career and personal life.

  • Oversize 14 folder: 1
    "Thief", 1981

    Black binder with "Thief" label

  • Oversize 14 folder: 2
    Robert Prosky,

    Black binder with Robert Prosky

  • Oversize 14 folder: 3
    Modeling Jobs, 1960s

    Photograph

  • Oversize 14 folder: 4
    "Legends of Golf Celebrity Pro-am" [Liberty Mutual], 1987

    Photograph - Appearances

  • Oversize 14 folder: 5
    "The Hostage", 1972

    Photograph - Theatre

  • Oversize 14 folder: 6
    The Television Movie Awards, 1985

    Nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Movie "Into Thin Air"

  • Oversize 14 folder: 7
    Headshot portfolio, 1980s

    Six different shots

  • Oversize 14 folder: 8
    Russian magazine, 1979

    Interview page 37

  • Oversize 14 folder: 9
    Portraits, 1980s

    Three matted portraits

  • Oversize 14 folder: 10
    "The Price", August 23- September 23, 2006

    Autographed film poster

  • Oversize 14 folder: 11
    "Inherit the Wind", September 26 - November 5, 2000

    Production poster

  • Oversize 14 folder: 12
    Portrait photograph, ca.2000s

  • Oversize 15 folder: 1
    Early career scrapbook, 1950s

    Photographs, newspaper clippings, playbills

  • Oversize 15 folder: 2
    Theatre career scrapbook, 1950s-1980s

    Blue album with flowers on cover, photographs, newspaper clippings, playbills

  • Oversize 15 folder: 3
    "My Life With Bing", 1983

    Autographed copy by Kathryn Crosby

Series 6: Realia, 1998-2004
(1 box)

Consists of objects from Prosky's professional career and personal life.

  • Oversize 16 folder: 1
    "Democracy", November 18, 2004

    Paperweight

  • Oversize 16 folder: 2
    "Democracy", November 18, 2004

    Miniature briefcase

  • Oversize 16 folder: 3
    Director's chair back support, n.d.

    Robert Prosky's name monogrammed on one side.

  • Oversize 16 folder: 4
    "Inherit the Wind", 2000

    Ford's Theatre, Dog tags

  • Oversize 16 folder: 5
    P.B.A. Honorary Membership Award, 1988

    Plaque

  • Oversize 16 folder: 6
    Roxborough High School 50th Class Reunion (Class of 1948), 1998

    Souvenir bag