John Callahan papers

Collection

Identifier: Coll2022-008

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Scope and Contents

The collection, 1930-2013, is primarily comprised of records and materials related to Callahan's work in theatre as an actor, producer, and teacher. It includes production materials for plays, including scripts, programs, publicity, cast lists, and photographs. The collection also contains personal records and materials belonging to both of his parents, yearbooks, photographs, ephemera, and audio recordings from Callahan's rap group Age of Consent.

Dates

Creation: 1930-2013

Creator

Callahan, John F. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to researchers. There are no access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the ONE Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at USC Libraries as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Biographical Note

John Callahan was an activist, educator, actor, producer, and director. He was born in Massachusetts on February 2, 1945 to Aurelia Jeanne Sousa Callahan while his father, John F. Callahan, was stationed in Burma during World War II. Callahan grew up in Chelmsford, Massachusetts and attended Chelmsford High School, State College at Lowell, and the University of Denver. After graduating college, he taught theatre at Alice Lloyd College and Foxborough High School.

Callahan married Donna Sprague after college, the couple had a daughter, Lisa. They divorced several years later.

Callahan moved to Los Angeles in 1980, where he took a job in the legal department of Getty Oil Company. In 1981, Callahan, along with collaborator David Hughes, founded Age of Consent, "the world's first gay and bisexual rap group". Callahan was a member of Age of Consent for three years before deciding to move on and become more involved in the Los Angeles theatre community. He became the artistic director for Celebration Theatre and also worked with several other theatrical and performing arts associations in Los Angeles.

Callahan met and married Bradley Rader in 1987, the two were together for 27 years before Callahan's passing in 2013 from prostate cancer.

References: https://ageofconsentrap.com/, https://www.facebook.com/john.f.callahan/

Extent

8.67 Linear Feet (7 boxes.)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

John Callahan was an activist, educator, actor, producer, director, and co-founder of the gay and bisexual rap group Age of Consent. His collection, 1930-2013, consists of personal papers, theatrical production materials, teaching materials, photographs, and audio recordings for Age of Consent.