Explore the vast range of titles available.

This study presents the production history of the Children's Theatre Unit of the Federal Theatre Project in New York City from the start of the unit in November 1935 until the end of the Federal Theatre Project in June 1939. Chapter I gives background information on the early days of the Federal Theatre, an overview of work being done at that time by children's theatres throughout the country, and the early development and plans of the Children's Theatre Unit. Chapters II through V present the production histories of nine plays and three festivals produced by the Children's Theatre Unit: The Emperor's New Clothes, Horse Play (also produced by the Negro Theatre Unit), Flight, The Revolt of the Beavers, Jack and the Beanstalk, Pierre Patelin, Treasure Island, Mr. Dooley, Jr., and Pinocchio, and the Children's Autumn Festival of Art, Music and Theatre, the Children's Holiday Festival, and the Children's Easter Festival. Each performance is discussed in terms of script, personnel, production, and audience response. Each chapter also includes a summary of the problems being encountered by the Federal Theatre at that time. Conclusions are then drawn concerning the educational and social values of the work done by the Children's Theatre and the legacy left by the Unit to future generations of workers in children's theatre. An appendix includes audience surveys used by the Children's Theatre Unit, a list of members on the Unit's advisory committee, and programs and photographs from the productions. Research for this study was done at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., at the Library of Congress Federal Theatre Project Collection at George Mason University Library, Fairfax, Virginia, and at the Theatre Collection, Performing Arts Center, New York Public Library at Lincoln Center.