Since 1970, the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive (TOFT) has preserved live theatrical productions and documented the creative contributions of distinguished artists and legendary figures of the theatre. With the consent and cooperation of the theatrical unions and each production's artistic collaborators, TOFT produces video recordings of Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theatre productions, as well as dialogues between notable theatre personalities. Learn more about this division.
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
40 Lincoln Center Plaza (entrance at 111 Amsterdam between 64th and 65th)
Third Floor
New York, NY 10023
40 Lincoln Center Plaza (entrance at 111 Amsterdam between 64th and 65th)
Third Floor
New York, NY 10023
212-870-1642
Directions
Open today
12 PM–8 PM
Regular Hours
Theatre on Film and Tape Archive
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday: | 12 PM–8 PM |
| Tuesday: | 12 PM–6 PM |
| Wednesday: | 12 PM–6 PM |
| Thursday: | 12 PM–8 PM |
| Friday: | 12 PM–6 PM |
| Saturday: | 12 PM–6 PM |
| Sunday: | CLOSED |
About the Division
On View: 50 Years of the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive
Betty Corwin, director of the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive, and Richard Ryan, technical assistant, reviewing a videotaping of the stage production Amadeus
Our show celebrating the 50th anniversary of Theatre on Film and Tape displays a myriad of excerpts from Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theatre productions, interviews and dialogues with prominent theatre figures, and more. The exhibition is on view through February 25, 2023 Read more about the exhibition.
Visiting the Collection
Can researchers walk in to access the collection?
Yes, we offer walk-in access to our research collections, but for faster access we encourage researchers to make an appointment. For an appointment, please call (212) 870-1642 or email toft@nypl.org.
Are virtual consultations available and are they required before making an onsite research appointment?
Yes. For the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive, consultations occur by phone or email. For an appointment, please call (212) 870-1642 or email toft@nypl.org.
What else do researchers need to know about accessing the collection?
To access the special collections materials at the Library for the Performing Arts, patrons must first create a Special Collections account.
Who can researchers contact with further questions?
Please email us at toft@nypl.org or call (212) 870-1642 with any additional queries.
Theatre on Film and Tape Archive (TOFT) Announcements
3/4" Video Temporarily Unavailable
- Titles on the 3/4" U-matic videotape format are unavailable until transferred to DVD.
Featured at TOFT
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AMI Preservation and Access Initiative
Learn more about this major initiative here.
Current Exhibitions
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Focus Center Stage: 50 Years of the Theatre on Film and Tape Archive
Through June 24, 2023The New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsA look back at the archive, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Theatre on Film and Tape and how it affected theatre history.
