Carnegie Mellon University Acquires William H. Putch Archives
A collection of materials from Carnegie Mellon University alumnus William H. Putch documenting his career as the artistic director of the Totem Pole Playhouse has been gifted to the Carnegie Mellon University Archives by his daughter, Pamela Putch, and son, John Putch.
Under his 30 years of leadership, the Playhouse, in central Pennsylvania, developed a large subscriber base that was hungry for professional quality theater. Putch, who graduated from CMU's College of Fine Arts in 1949, ran the Playhouse from 1954 to 1983, directing over 300 productions, many starring his wife, Emmy Award-winning actress Jean Stapleton from the classic TV series "All in the Family." It was during his tenure that the Playhouse came to national prominence.
The William H. Putch Collection includes items from his life's work as a theater professional. His Totem Pole Playhouse production photo albums from 1954 to 1983 feature many CMU classmates and alumni. Along with press books, programs and posters, the donation includes journals on his approach to theater producing.