The Federal Theatre Project

The Federal Theatre Project (FTP) was a New Deal program in the 1930s that provided jobs for theater workers and made affordable, socially relevant plays for the public. Funded by the U.S. government, it aimed to support the arts during the Great Depression while fostering diverse, innovative productions that addressed contemporary issues and offered entertainment and education to a broad audience. The FTP also aimed to showcase American culture and talent, helping to keep theater alive during tough economic times.