Mrs. Ruland's U.S. History Class Project
The Federal Theatre Project
Overview:
The Federal Theatre Project (FTP) was created as a branch of the Works
Project Administration (WPA) made by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt
in his New Deal program. It lasted from 1935-1939 and was specifically
designed to give new jobs to unemployed theatre workers. Most of these
theatre workers had lost their jobs to the new, more popular radio personalities
and actors in motion pictures. The FTP was plagued by various problems
early on including censorship, political problems, and inefficiency. Soon
enough, it was shut down by Congress after speculation of Communists and
others existing within it. The Federal Theatre Project brought theatre
into the lives of millions of Americans that had never seen it before,
and helped out many actors/actresses financially.
Links:
The WPA Federal Theatre Project, 1935-1939
This resource displays the various things that happened to the Federal Theatre Project throughout its existence. It also provides many other links that allow a more in depth look at the actual documents presented by the Federal Theatre Project, the locations of the actual theaters, and a focus on the specific relief in New York.
The Federal Theatre Project: From Start to Finish
This resource provides a background of the Federal Theatre Project and Project Works Administration. It also shows key names or phrases that help you understand the specifics of the Federal Theatre Project. In addition, posters of socially significant plays are shown, and clips from the actual play are displayed.
An Interview With An FTP Employee
This resource shows one man's view on the Federal Theatre Project. Milton Meltzer, a publicist for one of the theatre groups, explains to Elizabeth Stevens, in an interview done in 1978, the controversy and vibrant memories of one of the most eventful projects that was part of the New Deal's Works Progress administration.
The Federal Theatre Project and the Living Newspaper
This resource explains the beginnings of the FTP, and seeks to explain to the reader various aspects of the numerous plays performed by the actors in the project. Also, the website explains one of the problems of the project, the Living Newspaper, and the criticisms of the Newspaper and the Project.
The Melodrama, Social Protest, and Genius of the FTP
This resource takes the reader from the humble beginning of the Project, to the plays performed by the troupes. Then, the reader can see the eventual downfalls and failings of this hotly debated WPA project. Finally, at the end, the reader is able to find out about the futile drive to try to preserve and the ultimate death of the project.
The Creation and Existence of the Federal Theatre Project
This resource includes information on the beginnings of the FTP, the people who contributed to its survival, and many of the plays and events held and shown during its brief, yet helpful life. It discusses the aid to the millions of unemployed actors and artists that soon found new jobs working in the FTP. Finally, it includes information on the demise of the Federal Theatre Project in 1935.
This website not only gives you in depths look at the FTP, but also explains the Negro Repertory Company, which was a branch of Seattle's FTP. In addition, the site talks about one of the FTP's most controversial and famous plays, One Third of a Nation .
The Great Depression and the Arts
This website explains the Projects Works Administration, and how the FTP was created and developed. It also goes into Roosevelt's second inaugural address, and the famous plays associated with the FTP. In addition, activities for students are given to enhance the learning and understanding experience of the FTP.
New Deal Cultural Programs Including the FTP
This resource discusses the cultural programs included in the Federal Theatre Project and the use of the WPA to set up the smaller “cultural” programs of the New Deal. Some programs set up by the WPA that related to the Federal Theatre Project are discussed in the resource and include the Federal Writers Project and the Federal Music Project.
Recollections of the Federal Theatre Project
This resource includes many actual experiences in the Federal Theatre Project and therefore provides a well-balanced and accurate account of its existence during the New Deal. It also includes an extended account of the many plays and shows that the program put on during the FTP in the 1930's.
By Brian, Eric, Jonathan, and Matt
Last updated March 28, 2005
© Marcella Ruland 1998-2008, All rights reserved
