Costumes, Makeup and Actors - The History of American Theatre

The history of the American Theatre can be traced back as far as the history of the country itself. During the course of its history, the theatre has provided the American public with music and entertainment from modest colonial performances to modern technology used in current productions.

The American theatre history can be broken down into several historical segments, each advancing the work in the theatre. To help understand the changes throughout history, here is a collection of resources in each era:

Colonial Era

• The First American Theatre – informative article outlining the theatre activities in Colonial days dating back to 1752.
• Colonial America Stage – review of a book outlining the stage work of the Colonial Era.
• American Theatre History – timeline of the origins and subsequent changes in American stage history.
• American Theatre Origins – resourceful site showing the origins and development of the American Theatre.
• Roots of the American Theatre – New York Times article about the beginnings of American Theatre.

Post Revolution Era

• 19^th Century Theatre – information on the history of theatre during the 1800’s.
• John Durang – historical look at 19^th Century performer who was one of the pioneers of the theatre in the 1800’s.
• Early 19^th Century Audiences – informative look at the audiences of 19^th Century productions.
• Theatre Resources – resourceful site containing information on the American Theatre history.
• 19^th Century American Theatre – information on actors and plays of the 19^th Century.

Civil War Era

• Post Civil War Theatre – article listing difficulties during the post war theatre.
• Post War Theatre – eBook sample containing information on Post War theatre.
• Late 19^th Century Drama – information on how the theatre changed after the Civil War.
• 19^th Century Theatre – informative site listing information on the theatre in the 19^th Century.
• Early American Drama – useful information about drama in the 19^th Century.

Broadway

• Broadway Resources – informative site on the history of Broadway.
• Broadway 101 – very useful resource containing information on the history of Broadway.
• Variety Stage – useful information on the origins of Vaudeville and Broadway from the Library of Congress.
• History of Broadway – informative article on the history of Broadway.
• The Broadway Theatre – historical look at Broadway and its growth over the years.

Modern Stage

• Theatre and Performance Resources – resourceful site containing a variety of information on the theatre.
• American Theatre History – informative article about the history of American Theatre.
• Theatre Term Glossary – helpful site containing a glossary of many commonly used theatre terms.
• American Theatre Web – informative site containing information of national and regional interest to the acting community.
• Playbill – useful site containing information on a wide range of performances around the country.

Costume History

• Historical Costume Collection – historic costume information from Drexel University.
• Historical Resources – helpful resourceful research site for theatrical and operatic information including information on costumes.
• Costume History – comprehensive site covering several eras and the changes in costumes over time.

Article written by Janice D. McDonald