The History of Theatre Theatre in America

A late start When Europeans came to the New World, they were slow to adapt theatre into the culture In the American colonies, theatre was either not practiced or outright banned. The first professional theatre in the US didn’t occur until 1767, with the opening of The American Company

First steps The first play presented in the United States was The Prince of Parthia, in Philadelphia The Contrast, performed in NYC in 1787, was the first comedy presented in the US. The Contrast presented the first theatrical depiction of an American character – Jonathan, a typical Yankee The first truly American comedy was Fashion, by Anna Cora Mowatt, in 1845

Theatrical families During the 19 th century, entire families became involved in theatre in America The most important and well known families were the Drews, the Barrymores and the Booths.

The Drews John Drew came from Ireland in 1846 Married Louise Drew and had three children The elder Drew died young, but his children continued the family legacy through the 19 th century Daughter Georgiana married into the Barrymores

The Barrymores Maurice Barrymore was an Englishman who was born in India, but he and his family had great influence on the American theatre He and wife Georgiana had three children, John, Ethel, and Lionel John’s granddaughter is actress Drew Barrymore

The Booths The Booths were at one time considered America’s premier acting family They specialized in playing Shakespearian roles and often appeared in the same play together Junius Booth came from England in 1821, and he and his mistress had 10 children Edwin was considered the greatest American Shakespeare actor of his day

Theatre entertainment the way Grandma liked it In the 19 th and early 20 th centuries, theatres were in most significant towns in the US Vaudeville was a variety of acts, which included actors, singers, comics, etc. Melodramas were broadly acted, moralistic plays which centered around good vs. evil Burlesque was a more risque version of vaudeville

On Broadway Until the early 20 th century, there was no real center for theatre in the United States In 1904, the first theatre on Broadway opened up, and an entire industry grew around it. Today Broadway is considered equal with London’s West End as a theatrical Mecca.

Awards for EVERYBODY! The Tony Awards are given out each year to the best Broadway and off-Broadway plays of the year First presented in 1947, the awards were named for Antoinette Perry (nicknamed Tony)

Levels and types of theatre in America Broadway Off-Broadway Regional Repertory Festivals Outdoor historical drama Educational theatre

Important names from the 20 th century George M. Cohan Irving Berlin Eugene O’Neill Paul Robeson Arthur Miller Thornton Wilder Lorraine Hansberry Neil Simon David Mamet August Wilson Sam Shepard Stephen Sondheim

Little quiz at the end When did the first professional theatre in the US occur? What was the name of the first American comedy? Name the three important acting faimilies of the 20 th century Who was the first successful African American actor?

Little quiz at the end What became the center of American theatre in the 20 th century? Name one important figure from 20 th century American theatre What is the name of the awards given out to Broadway productions each year? Name three types or levels of American theatre