Thomas Rathburn Interview, 3 November 2005
Abstract
In this 2005 interview, Thomas Rathburn, a native Clevelander and accountant, describes his history as a theater volunteer since the mid 1960s, especially his experiences since 1988 as a volunteer tour guide for Cleveland Playhouse Square. Mr. Rathburn is a Baldwin-Wallace graduate, and studied theater as a graduate student at Bowling Green State University. Mr. Rathburn tells stories about the history of Playhouse Square, including how the play Jacque Brell is alive and well in Paris saved theater in downtown Cleveland, after Cleveland's theaters closed in the late 60s. He describes the theaters of Playhouse Square; how the theaters were renovated and restored to their grand early years; how the Playhouse Foundation works; and the role played by volunteers in keeping Playhouse Square vibrant.
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History 400: Local History
Interviews conducted by students in the Local History seminar (HIS 400) at Cleveland State University Department of History, supervised by professors Mark Tebeau and Mark Souther.