The key collection in this area is the J.C. Williamson Theatres Ltd Archive, an extensive paper-based collection featuring contracts, press books, scripts, set books, programmes, photographs and correspondence generated by 'The Firm' from 1882 to 1980. The Williamson Archive is complemented by a number of significant personality collections including those relating to the careers of musical comedy stars Evie Hayes, Maggie Fitzgibbon, Gladys Moncrieff, Charles Norman, Strella Wilson and magician Les Levante.
Material from the Tivoli Circuit, home to vaudeville and variety artists from 1901 to 1966, also forms a large part of the theatre collection. Central to this part of the collection are hundreds of costume and set designs by resident Tivoli designer Angus Winneke, many of which can be seen in photographic collections by Harry Jay and Zeus Merfield. Toni Lamond and Queenie Paul have also donated material relating to rival vaudeville managements run by George Sorlie, Max Reddy and Harry Wren.
Melbourne's lively contemporary comedy scene is well represented with Wendy Harmer, Max Gilles, Los Trios Ringbarkus, Rod Quantock and the Doug Anthony Allstars just some of the acts featured. The collection also reflects Melbourne reputation as a centre of creativity in all aspects of puppet theatre. A unique cast of characters in this part of the collection range from well-known and beloved iconic characters such as Hey, Hey It's Saturday's Ossie Ostrich and Shirl's Neighbourhood's Claude the Crow to puppets created by J.F. Ley, Joan and Betty Raynor, Pilgrim Puppets, Polyglot and Handspan for theatre audiences at home and abroad.
Several large collections highlight the contribution made at both a personal and company level to Australian theatre. Significant Australian artists represented in the collection include actors Barry Humphries, Coral Browne, Frank Thring and designers John Truscott and Anne Fraser. Company archives relating to the work of St Martins/Little Theatre, the National Theatre Movement, New Theatre, Handspan Theatre, the Gordon/Frost Organisation and The Bell Shakespeare Company also provide a valuable starting point for research.