The Davies Memorial Building in Charles Farnsworth Park — where Theatre Americana performed for many decades — was built by unemployed Altadenans under the flag of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and completed in 1934. The achievement was the result of extensive community partnerships, including some of note, such as: Mrs. Ruth Thurber, William D. Davies (building was named in his honor), Altadena Women’s Circle, Altadena Women’s Club, author Zane Grey, and others.
During a time when radio and films were the only entertainment media, Theatre Americana exposed both adults and children to the enchantment of live theater. People learned to perform all functions involved in mounting a production and many went on to careers in the field. (Altadena Historical Society has much information documenting the difficulty of directing and staging a play that has never been produced).
“Theatre Americana was never just a building – nor was it just a little community theatre. Over time, it filled many other roles: a place to learn play-writing, stage production, decorating, set design, make-up/ costumes, acting and everything else that helped create an entertaining performance.” — Altadena Historical Society, The Echo, v. 90, no. 2
Several factors contributed to the decline of Theatre Americana, including the availability of television (videos, movies) in homes and a loss of funding due to Proposition 13.
But in 2008, Theatre Americana re-formed by joining forces with theater group Show of Support Productions. And while it performs at various venues, Theatre Americana’s mission is still the same: to produce original work by local playwrights and provide a culturally enriching theater experience for adults and children.
The exhibition will be on display until September 29, 2022 in the Main Library Community Room.