Neighborhood Playhouse scenarios

1914-1931

In 1905 Irene and Alice Lewisohn began classes and club work at the Henry Street Settlement House in New York. While at the Settlement House they also began to present performances featuring dance and drama. In 1915, the sisters opened the Neighborhood Playhouse on the corner of Grand and Pitt Streets, where they offered training in dance and drama to children and teens. Irene Lewisohn oversaw the dance training and production, with the assistance of Blanche Talmud, while Alice Lewisohn led the dramatic work.

In 1928 the Neighborhood Playhouse became the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater. Martha Graham and Louis Horst were put in charge of the dance department, while Irene Lewisohn continued to administer the program.

Throughout her time at the Neighborhood Playhouse, Irene Lewisohn actively produced and wrote action interpretations for “orchestral dramas,” or expressive movement pieces set to musical compositions. She also wrote and helped in the staging of various ballets, pageants, and festival performances. Some of this work is documented in this collection of scenarios.