The Federal Theatre Project was a program established in 1935 as part of the New Deal, aimed at providing jobs for unemployed artists during the Great Depression. It was funded by the federal government and focused on producing theatrical performances across the United States, making the arts accessible to a wider audience. The project was known for its innovative productions, including the famous Living Newspaper series, which dramatized current events and social issues. It employed thousands of actors, directors, and writers, contributing significantly to the development of American theater before it was disbanded in 1939 due to political pressures and budget cuts.