Guide to the Patricia Ryan Madson Papers SC1496
Presley Hubschmitt
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
September 2019
Green Library
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford 94305-6064
specialcollections@stanford.edu
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Patricia Ryan Madson papers
source:
Madson, Patricia Ryan
creator:
Madson, Patricia Ryan
Identifier/Call Number: SC1496
Physical Description:
2.5 Linear Feet
(2 half boxes & 1 flat box)
Date (inclusive): circa 1987-2007
Physical Location: Special Collections
and University Archives materials are stored offsite and must be paged 48 hours in advance.
For more information on paging collections, see the department's website:
http://library.stanford.edu/spc.
Conditions Governing Use
All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from, or otherwise use collection materials must
be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford
University Libraries, Stanford, California 94304-6064. Consent is given on behalf of Special
Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply
permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright
owner, heir(s) or assigns. Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the
original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational
purposes.
Preferred Citation
[identification of item], Patricia Ryan Madson papers (SC1496). Department of Special
Collections and University Archives, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
Conditions Governing Access
Materials are open for research use. Audio-visual materials are not available in original
format, and must be reformatted to a digital use copy.
Scope and Contents
The collection primarily consists of ephemera from Stanford events including, Founder's
Day, the Cornerstone Dedication, and the Cantor Museum of the Arts Opening Gala. It also
includes some photos, VHS tapes, and notes from various performances and speeches. Includes
copies of letters written by Leland and Jane Stanford that were used in performances.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift, 2019.
Biographical / Historical
Patricia Ryan Madson is the author of IMPROV WISDOM: DON’T PREPARE, JUST SHOW UP (Random
House, 2005) and a professor Emerita from Stanford University where she taught from
1977-2005. In the Drama Department she served as the head of the undergraduate acting
program and developed the improvisation program. In 1998 she was the winner of the Lloyd W.
Dinkelspiel Award for Outstanding Innovation in Undergraduate Education at Stanford. She
founded and coached the Stanford Improvisors and taught beginning and advanced level courses
in Improvisation for undergraduate as well as adults in Stanford's Continuing Studies
Program. In 1996 she founded the Creativity Initiative at Stanford, an interdisciplinary
alliance of faculty who share the belief that creativity can be taught. Patricia has taught
Design Improv for the School of Engineering, and was a guest lecturer for the Stanford
Technology Ventures Program and for the Mayfield Fellows program. (Excerpt from
https://profiles.stanford.edu/patricia-madson)
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Improvisation (Acting)
Performing arts.
Madson, Patricia Ryan
Madson, Patricia Ryan
Stanford University. Department of Theater and
Performance Studies -- Faculty
Stanford Improvisers (SImps)
Papers Accession ARCH-2019-214
Performances and Celebrations
Box 1, Folder 1
List of Jane Stanford Performances
1987-2007
Box 1, Folder 2
Commencement photographs and programs from Stanford events
Box 1, Folder 3
Materials from Stanford Cornerstone Dedication, Community Day, and Cantor
Museum of Arts Opening Gala
Box 1, Folder 4
Speeches and performance materials from various Stanford events
Box 3
Scrapbook, includes photographs, notes, and cards for Patricia
Box 2
The Arts at Stanford - SIMPS '97 2_01
1997 Jun
Physical Description: 1
videotape(s) (vhs)
Box 2
The Arts at Stanford - Stanford Improvisers in Theatresports 2_02
1006 Jun 1
Physical Description: 1
videotape(s) (vhs)
Box 2
Jane Stanford by Patricia Ryan - Edit Master 2_03
1987 May 12
Physical Description: 1
videotape(s) (vhs)
Box 2
Jane Stanford - Rehearsal - Master Tape 2_04
1987 May 12
Physical Description: 1
videotape(s) (vhs)
