The
Federal Theatre Project (1935–39) was a
New Deal program to fund
theatre and other live artistic performances and entertainment programs in the
United States during the
Great Depression. It was one of five
Federal Project Number One projects sponsored by the
Works Progress Administration. It was created not as a cultural activity but as a relief measure to employ artists, writers, directors and theater workers. It was shaped by national director
Hallie Flanagan into a federation of regional theatres that created relevant art, encouraged experimentation in new forms and techniques, and made it possible for millions of Americans to see live theatre for the first time. The Federal Theatre Project ended when its funding was canceled after strong Congressional objections to the left-wing political tone of a small percentage of its productions.