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Fun Facts About Theatre!
Did you know that… ?
While our modern form of theatre can thank ancient Greece for its origin in 535 BC, the first written legend of Gilgamesh actually goes all the way back to 3000 BC in Sumeria!
Within 200 years after the start of the Greek theatres, the first stage machinery and painted scenery were added to the shows.
At a time during the first century, the church actually opposed theatre. This even included religious plays!
Theatre has a longstanding history in America. The first theatre here was built in Virginia in 1716, 60 years before the Declaration of Independence!
Following suit, the first playhouse built in New York opened in 1750. However, the first play recorded in New York was 18 years prior to that.
Just two years before the U.S. became its own country, the Continental Congress banned plays in America!
The first theatrical degree program offered in the U.S. was not until 1914.
As of 2010, the New Jersey 27 O’Clock Players hold the record for the longest continuous dramatic performance.
New York City houses the greatest number of theatres, as well as number of seats per capita!
Minnesota actually holds the oldest continuously running theatre in America. The Old Log Theatre Company originated in 1940.
The Old Creamery is the oldest professional theatre in Iowa, beginning just 30 years after the Old Log Theatre Company.
By Olivia Molof, Marketing Intern, Spring 2014.