Federal Theatre In Los Angeles (1936 Original Black & White Film)

Step back to 1936 with *Federal Theatre in Los Angeles*, a documentary that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the hard work and creativity that went into the Federal Theatre Project’s productions in Los Angeles. The film opens with brief shots of rehearsal and pre-rehearsal activities, including costuming, stage setting, and script preparation, offering a glimpse into the collaborative process that makes live theatre come to life.

The documentary also showcases scenes from several memorable Federal Theatre productions, including *Arabian Nights*, *Hansel and Gretel*, *Don Quixote*, *The Merchant of Venice*, and *Seventh Heaven*, illustrating the range of performances that the Federal Theatre Project brought to audiences during the Great Depression.

*Federal Theatre in Los Angeles* highlights the dedication and artistic innovation behind these groundbreaking productions, celebrating the role of the WPA in providing both entertainment and employment during difficult times.

Source: National Archives. (1936). *Federal Theatre in Los Angeles*. [Video] Retrieved from the National Archives Catalog, https://catalog.archives.gov/id/12377