The Federal Theatre Project’s Research Service
One significant example of the overarching organization of the FTP is found in the National Service Bureau, which was created in 1937 by combining the FTP’s Play Bureau and the Play Policy Board. The bureau provided play reading, research, and consultation services, it wrote, re-wrote, and translated plays, and it sent synopses and scripts to FTP units in thirty one states. Thirteen hundred plays were reviewed in the first six months of operation alone. Centered in New York City, the information provided by the bureau was instrumental in strengthening the nationwide program by supplying vital research support to the smaller units.
One significant example of the overarching organization of the FTP is found in the National Service Bureau, which was created in 1937 by combining the FTP’s Play Bureau and the Play Policy Board. The bureau provided play reading, research, and consultation services, it wrote, re-wrote, and translated plays, and it sent synopses and scripts to FTP units in thirty one states. Thirteen hundred plays were reviewed in the first six months of operation alone. Centered in New York City, the information provided by the bureau was instrumental in strengthening the nationwide program by supplying vital research support to the smaller units.