First Theater in America

A careful essay first presented to the New York Historical Society, this study revisits the origins of professional theatre in the colonies. Drawing on decades‑old newspaper archives and the diligent research of early chroniclers, the author reconstructs the public debate that once credited a mid‑century troupe with planting drama on American soil. The text is reproduced faithfully, with a brief supplement that updates the findings for modern readers.

The investigation turns up surprising evidence of a New York playhouse as early as 1733, long before the famed Hallam company arrived. By tracing advertisements, official petitions, and contemporary reports, the author shows how a modest venue on Nassau Street staged Shakespeare’s works under official permission in 1750. This reassessment invites listeners to reconsider how the first American stage emerged, offering a vivid portrait of colonial cultural life while leaving later developments for further exploration.