Production histories tell you which theatre performed the play, the first performance, etc. There are many different ways to approach researching a production history. Things to consider are how well known is the play and when was the play produced. It's very likely that you will not find a source to find a source that lists every production of a specific play.
The information on this page will hopefully get you started. Contact a librarian if you need further assistance.
Newspapers are helpful in locating information about production history. When searching for newspaper articles questions to ask yourself include is there a specific time period that you are interested in researching or a specific country or region?
Below is a list of newspaper databases to help get you started. Please note that the South Caroliniana Library holds South Carolina newspapers. The Government Information, Microforms, & Newspapers Department holds on microfilm older editions of some national newspapers.
When doing a keyword in Find It @ USC, limit to USC Libraries add "stage history" after the name of a playwright. However, a playwright may not have a stage history written about him/her.
Therefore you can also try adding one of the following terms to the playwrights name when doing a keyword search: appreciation, influence, dramatic production. These are terms used in Library of Congress Subject Headings.