Footlights Across America

"Footlights Across America" offers a comprehensive and foundational study of the non-commercial theater movement that swept across the United States in the early twentieth century. Written by influential theater critic and producer Kenneth Macgowan, the work explores the vibrant emergence of "Little Theatres," community playhouses, and university drama departments as vital alternatives to the commercial dominance of Broadway. Macgowan provides an in-depth survey of how regional theater became a cornerstone of American cultural life, fostering local talent and experimental storytelling.

Through meticulous research and firsthand observation, the book examines the technical, financial, and artistic challenges faced by these independent groups. It highlights the shift toward a more democratic and accessible form of dramatic art, emphasizing the importance of local engagement in the performing arts. For students of theater history and enthusiasts of the American stage, "Footlights Across America" remains an essential record of a transformative era in performing arts, capturing the spirit of innovation and the grassroots passion that reshaped the nation's theatrical landscape.

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