The Department of Theater Studies at Duke University offers courses on the critical evaluation, writing and performance of dramatic works. The department seeks to promote an artistic culture at Duke by bringing professional theatrical performances to campus. The Department of Theater Studies records is composed of administrative materials and records related to both departmental and professional performances staged at Duke.

The Department of Theater Studies Records, 1969-2002 contains correspondence, planning documents, slides, photographs and audiovisual materials related to the administration of the department. The collection also includes materials from a diverse array of student and faculty theater productions. The Department of Theater Studies Records also contains correspondence, planning documents, clippings, promotional materials, slides, photographs, audiovisual materials and electronic records from professional productions brought to campus through the Theater Previews series.