Special Collections and Archives, part of the Missouri State University Libraries, recently unveiled a new exhibit in the lobby of Craig Hall at the entrance to Coger Theatre. The exhibit features Theatre and Dance programs and promotional items from the Leslie Irene Coger Collection. The exhibit is free and open to the public. It will be on display through the summer months. 

Library Associate Jeffrey Lawson chose items from Dr. Coger’s collection and, with assistance from intern Ashley Morrill (pictured with the finished display), arranged them in the display case at Coger Theatre. The items on display date from the 1940s through the 1970s, during Dr. Coger’s tenure at the university. Many of the productions were directed by Dr. Coger herself and were performed at the auditorium at Carrington Hall—the main performance venue on campus before the construction of Craig Hall. Besides programs for various plays, items on display include season brochures for what was then known as the Department of Speech and Theatre, programs for Readers’ Theatre productions, and Tent Theatre promotional items.

Users may contact Archives@missouristate.edu with any questions concerning the exhibit or the Leslie Irene Coger Collection.