The Past, Present, and Future of American Regional Theatre

This book provides an overall history of the regional theatre movement in the US, while also utilizing specific accomplishments and failures in addition to crucial administrative and artistic decisions to chart larger developments in American theatre, most notably the craze for new play development, the death of resident companies in professional theatres, the passion to reflect social causes (especially social justice and the #MeToo movement), and the troubling economic state of contemporary regional theatres. The wide-ranging topics in the book examine all aspects of theatre, including its creation and reception, and provide the reader with an interdisciplinary understanding of how the establishment and growth of regional theatres reflected local economic and social developments. Jeffrey Ullom teaches theatre history and dramaturgy at Case Western Reserve University, USA, and serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies for the department. His research interests have focused on contemporary American theatre, especially new play development in the regional theatre circuit and on Broadway. Previous publications include The Humana Festival: A History of New Plays at Actors Theatre of Louisville (2008), and America’s First Regional Theatre (Palgrave Macmillan, 2014).