Tom Thumb, Mrs. Tom Thumb, and
Tom Thumb's brother, undated

The collection documents the work of women in the performing arts, especially American actresses, women playwrights, and dancers. There are biographical files on individuals such as Maude Adams, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Doris Day, Marlene Dietrich, Isadora Duncan, Cloris Leachman, Ida Lupino, Tatum O'Neal, Mary Pickford, Lillian Russell, Marlo Thomas, and Cicely Tyson, among others. Articles and dissertations include topics related to women in theater and dance, including biographical writings on Hallie Flanagan, Lillian Helman, Katherine Cornell, Eva LeGallienne, Olive Logan, Alla Nazimova, Cornelia Otis Skinner, and Ruth St. Denis. Also included are several contemporary plays by women, and printed material on women filmmakers and feminist theater.