Historic 1963 Hal Holbrook Stage Contract Archive
This museum-grade, multi-document theatrical portfolio—dated May 21, 1963—stands as an exceptional artifact of modern performing arts history and mid-century stage labor archaeology. Personally hand-signed across multiple principal lines by Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Hal Holbrook, this archive contains a fully executed Actors’ Equity Association Standard Contract for Stock Jobbing Engagements.
Finalized during a brilliant formative window in Holbrook's career—arriving right between his early off-Broadway triumphs and his definitive, world-renowned Broadway coronation in Mark Twain Tonight! (1966)—this document captures the backstage mechanics of a legendary dramatic master.
Production Specifications & Financial Tiers
The contract codifies an exclusive theatrical engagement under the strict regulatory guidelines of the national stage union:
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The Project & Role: Holbrook was officially cast in the leading character persona of "Andrew Mackerel" for the stage adaptation of Peter De Vries' celebrated satirical novel, The Mackerel Plaza.
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Geographic Stage Tracks: Scheduled a structured mid-summer indoor run at the historic Brown Theatre in Louisville, Kentucky, spanning from July 22 to July 27, 1963.
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Burgeoning Industry Value: The contract logs a lucrative active-era compensation of $750.00 per week, to be paid each Saturday, excluding separate rehearsal metrics.
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Elite Representation Routing: The contract explicitly indexes his core representation team at the powerhouse William Morris Agency on Broadway.
Dual Autograph Pedigree & Travel Riders
The archive showcases a multi-tiered presentation of industry authorizations, highlighted by two pristine cursive signatures:
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Principal Stage Autograph: Holbrook hand-penned an exhibition-quality signature reading "Hal Holbrook" across the designated "Actor" line, featuring his distinct, looping initial capitals. It is counter-signed by the manager of the Louisville Theatrical Association.
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Theatre Guild Travel Rider: Accompanied by an official corporate letter rider from The Theatre Guild (dated June 18, 1963), which establishes first-class travel protections between New York City and a summer run in Fayetteville, New York. Holbrook hand-signed a secondary, matching validation signature at the base.
Archival Condition
Dating back over six decades, this extensive multi-page portfolio is in magnificent vintage condition. The off-white paper stock sheets showcase sharp corners and uniform pre-printed typography. For strict data privacy compliance, sensitive Social Security account numbers have been cleanly blacked out. This certified archive represents the absolute zenith of premium theatrical heritage collecting.
