Rhode Island Theatre Collection (MSS 017)

Historical note

The first dramatic performance in Rhode Island was performed in Newport in 1761 by a comedic troupe lead by David Douglass. However, after a single performance by the company in Providence in 1762, the colony passed legislation making the staging of plays illegal – a law which applied until the 1790s. The popular era of theatre began in the late 19th century, but it was not until the 1870s that Rhode Island, specifically Providence, experienced a truly robust theatre scene. The heyday of Providence theatre, from the 1870s to 1940s, mirrored the popularity of theatre nationally. Providence became the center for performances and was home to a large number of theatres, music halls and theatre companies showing plays, musicals, vaudeville, burlesque and music concerts. While a number of venues closed in the latter half of the 20th century or were repurposed as movie theaters, Rhode Island has maintained a thriving and popular theatre and performance community.