Federal Street Theatre


The Federal Street Theatre, also known as the Boston Theatre, was located at the corner of Federal and Franklin streets in Boston, Massachusetts. It was "the first building erected purposely for theatrical entertainments in the town of Boston."

History

The original building was designed by Charles Bulfinch. It was "the first professionally designed American theater by a native architect." It occupied land formerly owned by Thomas Brattle, Edward H. Robbins and William Tudor. In 1798 fire destroyed the theatre; it was rebuilt the same year. The second building existed through 1852.
Management included Charles S. Powell ; John Steel Tyler ; John Hodgkinson ; John Brown Williamson ; John Sollee ; Giles Leonard Barrett ; Joseph Harper.
Musicians affiliated with the theatre included Trille La Barre; Peter Von Hagen Sr.; R. Leaumont; and Gottlieb Graupner. Scene painters included Christian Gullager.
The British actress Charlotte Wattell appeared here in about 1811.

Events