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IOWA THESPIAN ASSOCIATION: Difference between revisions
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IOWA THESPIAN ASSOCIATION. Considered the first amateur dramatic company in Iowa, the Association was formed by a group of young men in Dubuque in 1838. It may also signal the beginning of Iowa's theatrical history since prior to its formation entertainment consisted of acrobats, mimics and wild animal acts that visited towns along the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. | IOWA THESPIAN ASSOCIATION. Considered the first amateur dramatic company in Iowa, the Association was formed by a group of young men in Dubuque in 1838. It may also signal the beginning of Iowa's theatrical history since prior to its formation entertainment consisted of acrobats, mimics and wild animal acts that visited towns along the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. | ||
The Association chose as their theater Charles Corkery's [[SHAKESPEARE | The Association chose as their theater Charles Corkery's [[SHAKESPEARE HALL]] near Main and Second [[STREETS]]. A stage three or four feet was constructed above the floor across one corner of the room. It was supplied with scenery and a brightly painted front curtain. Heat was supplied by a large fireplace. Footlights were provided by candles. | ||
The Association members provided escape of audiences on long winter evenings with performances of "Pizarro," "The Glory of Columbus," and "England's Iron Days." Between scenes, comedy dialogues were performed and songs ended he evening's entertainment. The first season was a grand success. | The Association members provided escape of audiences on long winter evenings with performances of "Pizarro," "The Glory of Columbus," and "England's Iron Days." Between scenes, comedy dialogues were performed and songs ended he evening's entertainment. The first season was a grand success. | ||
Interest in theatrical performances declined after several years and the Association disbanded. | |||
See: [[JULIEN THEATER BUILDING (MASONIC HALL) | |||
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Revision as of 18:27, 6 August 2019
IOWA THESPIAN ASSOCIATION. Considered the first amateur dramatic company in Iowa, the Association was formed by a group of young men in Dubuque in 1838. It may also signal the beginning of Iowa's theatrical history since prior to its formation entertainment consisted of acrobats, mimics and wild animal acts that visited towns along the MISSISSIPPI RIVER.
The Association chose as their theater Charles Corkery's SHAKESPEARE HALL near Main and Second STREETS. A stage three or four feet was constructed above the floor across one corner of the room. It was supplied with scenery and a brightly painted front curtain. Heat was supplied by a large fireplace. Footlights were provided by candles.
The Association members provided escape of audiences on long winter evenings with performances of "Pizarro," "The Glory of Columbus," and "England's Iron Days." Between scenes, comedy dialogues were performed and songs ended he evening's entertainment. The first season was a grand success.
Interest in theatrical performances declined after several years and the Association disbanded.
See: [[JULIEN THEATER BUILDING (MASONIC HALL)
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Source:
Briggs, John Ely, "Exploring the History of Iowa," Carroll Daily Herald, January 13, 1936