Federal Theatre Project
The Federal Theatre Project (FTP) was a New Deal program established in 1935 as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression. Its goal was to provide jobs for unemployed theater professionals while making theater accessible to the public. The FTP produced a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and children's theater, often focusing on social issues and American culture.
The project was notable for its innovative productions, such as the controversial play "The Cradle Will Rock," which addressed labor rights. However, the FTP faced criticism and political challenges, leading to its closure in 1939. Despite its short lifespan, the FTP left a lasting impact on American theater.