The Louis Simon papers contain newspaper clippings, photographs, programs, and correspondence relating to Federal Theatre in New Jersey and New York.
Louis Simon papers, C0223, Special Collections and Archives, George Mason University Libraries.
Louis M. Simon worked for the Federal Theatre Project as New Jersey State Director and later as Production Director in New York State.
The Federal Theatre Project was a division of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which provided employment for large numbers of artists, writers, and performers during the Great Depression (1929-1939). The Federal Theatre began in 1935 and, until its end in 1939, flourished as the first and only federally sponsored and subsidized theater program in the United States. Directed by Hallie Flanagan (1880-1969), it was a way for theatrical professionals to gain employment during the Depression. Jobs were provided for many people, including actors, playwrights, scene designers, scene builders, seamstresses, lighting experts, ushers, box-office men, and stagehands.
There are no access restrictions.
There are no restrictions on personal use. Permission to publish material from the Louis Simon papers must be obtained from Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.
Processing and EAD markup completed in September 2012 by Greta Kuriger Suiter.
Donated by Louis Simon to Special Collections and Archives October 25, 1976.
The Works Progress Administration oral histories collection, the Federal Theatre Project collection, the Federal Theatre Project photograph collection, as well as numerous other personal papers.
Organized alphabetically by folder title.
Correspondence and papers. Identification cards; correspondence between Louis Simon and Hallie Flanagan regarding the movie Run Little Children, the municipal and the music theatres and The Trial of Dr. Beck.
Letter from Hal Smith; handwritten notes.
Six photographs (one black and white, five color) of a New Jersey production of The Emperor's New Clothes.
Programs: Nine Pine Street; The Playboy of the Western World; Treasure Island; The Trial of Dr. Beck; Birds; Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.