The Beginnings of American Theatre

American theatre began in the early 18th century. It is not entirely known exactly when or where the first theatrical production was performed in North America, but historians do have some rough ideas. It is known that some performances occurred in the late 1600’s, professional acting went on in New York, and a professional theatre was built with running performances in Williamsburg, Virginia around 1716. It is believed that theatrical performance was used mostly in the South where there were people were less prejudice towards the performing arts. In northern states theatrical performance was frowned upon for religious and moral reasons. In 1750 the General Court of Massachusetts passed an act that forbade all types of stage plays from being performed in the state, though some were performed anyway. But ironically, the first kept records of theatrics were found in New England states. Records have also been found of a play performed by Harvard students in the 1600’s. This tragedy “Gustavus Vasa” by Benjamin Colman is the first known play written by an American and performed in America. The newspapers of the time just short of forbade any articles of performances or playhouses, perhaps explaining why historians have found such little information about early American theatre. Without newspaper advertisement, the actors themselves would bring “handbills” to the doors of theatre-goers to advertise upcoming performances. Although theatrics were often looked down upon, eventually people started to realize the greatness of the performing arts.

http://www.theatrehistory.com/american/hornblow01.html