American Drama is the only electronic collection to bring together--in fully-searchable electronic format--such an extensive and inclusive compilation of American dramatic literature.  Within the single resource are all the nationalities that formed the beginning of early American drama, as well as the ethnicities who contributed unique sensibilities to the dramatic canon of the U.S.  Both men and women playwrights are exhaustively presented.  Researchers and students can find the first American play written, the first American play to be peformed on an American stage: the first African American play, and the first play written and published by an American woman.  Early gems such as George Aiken's stage adaptation of Uncle Tom's Cabin, the most popular stage production of the 19th century, and seminal works by playwrights spanning into the early years of twentieth century are availablet. The collection now includes the entire printed record of African American drama to 1915, beginning with the extremely rare first edition of Ira Aldridge's play The Black Doctor (c.1847).

American Drama covers three centuries of rare and modern dramatic works that together have formed the internationally recognized voice that is American theater.  More than 1,500 plays are available, from over 500 playwrights.