The Mercury Theatre was a prominent American theater company founded in 1937 by Orson Welles and John Houseman. Located in New York City, it gained fame for its innovative productions and unique interpretations of classic works. The theater is best known for its groundbreaking adaptation of H.G. Wells's "The War of the Worlds," which was broadcast as a radio play in 1938, causing widespread panic among listeners who believed it to be real. The Mercury Theatre was instrumental in the development of modern theater and radio. Its productions often featured a blend of theatrical techniques and experimental storytelling, influencing future generations of artists. The company operated until 1940, but its legacy continues to impact the fields of theater and media.