Thanks to a grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), awarded by the State Library of Ohio, CSU’s Michael Schwartz Library and Theatre and Dance Department are pleased to announce the restoration of a historic model of the Globe Theatre to be used for classroom instruction, research, and campus exhibitions.
The model, built in 1935 by H. Ernest Conklin, has been an important resource for the Theatre & Dance Department and others on campus who are interested in the history of theater, English playwriting, architecture, costume and set design, or other aspects of European history. The conservation process, performed by the Bonfoey Gallery in Cleveland, resulted in repairs to the model and allowed for its continued use as an educational resource and visual masterpiece for years to come. Questions about the model or interest in educational use are encouraged and can be directed to the Michael Schwartz Library.
The original Globe Theatre was built in London in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, Shakespeare’s playing company. Until the theater closed in 1642 it served as the primary playhouse for Shakespeare’s plays, which were popular during Shakespeare’s life and beyond. Although the actual dimensions of the playhouse are not known, various literary and historical clues have allowed historians to piece together the design of this important landmark. Most scholars estimate that the building was three stories high, open air, and could accommodate about 3,000 spectators. A modern reconstruction of the theatre, to scale, was opened in London in 1997, very near to the location of the original site.
The year 2019 marks the 420th anniversary of the original Globe Theatre being built, a magnificent architectural achievement destined to play host to many magnificent performances. The Globe Theatre model will remain on display in the library until September 2019, after which time it will be permanently relocated to the Theatre & Dance Department in the Middough Building.
Stop in and take a look!
(Watercolor sketch of the Globe stage by Walter Hodges, from the Folger Shakespeare Library)
Now on display:
Catch a behind-the-scenes preview of our new Mark Fitzgibbons Collection ahead of the special event at the end of the month. Now through October 1, explore the creativity and craftsmanship of Cleveland native Mark Fitzgibbons through a selection of his artwork, theater models, and production notes. Located on the first floor of the Michael Schwartz Library, this fascinating and varied exhibit is available for viewing any time the library is open.
The new collection, an important resource for teaching, research, and artistic inspiration, is especially valuable for students and faculty in Art & Design and Theater & Dance, directly supporting academic programs while offering something for anyone interested in the performing arts.
Location: First Floor, Michael Schwartz Library
Dates: Now through October 1
Hours: Available during all regular library hours
SAVE THE DATE:
Setting the Stage:
celebrating the artistry and craftsmanship of Mark Fitzgibbons
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Michael Schwartz Library, 1st Floor
The Michael Schwartz Library invites you to a special afternoon celebrating the artistry and craftsmanship of the Mark Fitzgibbons Collection. Discover the origin and significance of this unique archive, an invaluable resource for researchers and students of theater arts. Explore rare materials that reflect Fitzgibbons’ lifelong journey in theater, showcasing his legacy and lasting influence on theater and film design.
Event Highlights
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
About the Collection
The Mark Fitzgibbons Collection features a rich assortment of artwork, production paperwork, and theater models documenting his prolific career as a set designer and art director for stage and screen. Included are never-before-seen creations inspired by urban landscapes, which brought authenticity and artistic flair to theater environments.
Exhibition contents include:
About the Artist
Mark Fitzgibbons, a Northeast Ohio native, apprenticed at Musicarnival, a pioneering Cleveland-area summer tent theater. He earned his MFA from Kent State University, where he created and directed an adaptation of “A Tale of Two Cities,” later produced at the Cleveland Play House. Fitzgibbons’ resume includes work at Karamu House and The Cleveland Opera before moving to New York City, where he contributed set and stage designs for Broadway, movies, and television—including “The Nutcracker,” “Master Class,” “The Secret Garden,” “Mona Lisa Smile,” “The Lovely Bones,” “I Am Legend,” and “Late Night with David Letterman”