The movement has been called “art theatre,” “little theatre,” “amateur theatre,” even “tributary theatre.” “Community theatre” was coined by Louise Burleigh in 1917.Īn identifiable “movement” was definitely underway in the early 1900’s. In 1877, the Footlight Club was founded in Jamaica Plain, MA and has been declared by AACT to be the oldest continuously producing community theatre in the U.S.Įven the name “community theatre” took some time to evolve. In 1874, two groups were founded: the Aurora Drama Guild in Illinois and the Concord Players in Massachusetts (by Louisa May Alcott). We know there were amateur theatricals during the Colonial and Revolutionary War times, and the Mormons founded the Deseret Theatre around 1850. No one seems to have been conscious it was a “movement” which needed to be set down for posterity. The beginnings of community theatre in the U.S. Theatre in America: Appraisal and Challenge It engages more people in theatrical activity, albeit part-time, than all the rest of the American theatre put together, including schools and colleges.” “Community Theatre occupies a peculiarly important position in the American theater picture.
0 kommentar(er)
