A really great way to start researching a new topic is by getting an overview or in-depth background information.  One of the (many) great things about reference works in theater is that they are written by scholars in the field and often include references to additional secondary and primary sources.

• Specialized dictionaries and encyclopedias in theater such as those listed below.
  
  Note: Print reference sources are located in the Reference section, on the 1st Floor of the Library. Print and online reference sources are findable via OneSearch.

• General online reference sources such as: Gale Ebooks or Oxford Reference.
  
  Note: These online sources cover a wide range of subjects, not just theater, but sources like Drama for Students is included in Gale Ebooks, and sources like the Oxford Dictionary of Plays is included in Oxford Reference. 
   
• Bibliographies in theater such as those listed below.

While the list of titles on this page includes a selection of both contemporary and older reference works, older works may be helpful with historical research, and/or may give you an indication of a particular call number range that could be relevant to your research. (Note: Call numbers allow books to be shelved by subject. So if you find one book about Broadway musicals, browse that section to find additional, related works.)

• Theatre: History, Criticism and Reference by David Cheshire 

  Call Number: Brooklyn - Reference - Z5781 .C48 1967

  Publication Date: 1967
   
• American Theater and Drama Research by Irene Shaland

  Call Number: Brooklyn - Reference - Z 1231 .D7 S53 1991

  Publication Date: 1991
   
• The Performing Arts: A Guide to the Reference Literature by Linda Keir Simons

  Call Number: Brooklyn - Reference - Z6935 .S56 1994

  Publication Date: 1994
   
• Performing Arts Research: A Guide to Information Sources by Marion K. Whalon (Editor)

  Call Number: Brooklyn - Reference - Z6935 .W5 1976

  Publication Date: 1976