Blog #21

What was the Federal Theater Project? Why was it created?
The Federal Theater Project was created to attempt a combat towards the Depression during that time. It offered unemployed actors and people who were in the artistic film industry to have job opportunities. Harry Hopkins, leader of this project, also wanted to incorporate “free adult uncensored theater.” People who wanted to join in on this project had to follow a set of requirements which were to get on the welfare rolls first, you also had to be homeless and not have a penny with you at all. The people that were involved made mini plays throughout twenty-two different states in the United States. They were usually performed in schools, and community centers. Even though the performers were only paid a minimum of $22.73 a week, the FWP employed many of the talented American artists. After several years of continuing with this project, in the course of three years they achieved to have over twelve million people attend performances in the city.

Explain two reasons why the Federal Theater Project was important in the history of the United States.

Glenn Hughes, the first regional director of Washington State's Federal Theatre
Program, who also worked to improve and expand the drama program at the
University of Washington. (Courtesy of the Museum of History and Industry photograph collection.)

Poster for Federal Theatre Project production of Androcles And The
Lion, November 1937Courtesy Free, Adult,
Uncensored

Harlem Federal Theatre Project Production of MacBethImage Courtesy of the Library of Congress