Carlotta Freeman facts for kids

Carlotta Freeman (born around 1877, died June 11, 1954) was an important American stage actress. She was one of the first African American women to act in "legitimate theatre." This means she performed in serious plays and operas, not just minstrel shows or vaudeville.

Carlotta Freeman: A Pioneering Actress

Carlotta Freeman helped open doors for other Black performers. She showed that African American actors could star in important stage productions. Her career spanned nearly 50 years.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Carlotta was born Carlotta Thomas in Charleston, South Carolina. She started her professional acting career in 1905. Her first time performing on a New York stage was in 1912. This was a big step for her career.

Joining the Lafayette Players

In 1915, Carlotta Freeman became a founding member of the Anita Bush Stock Company. This group later became known as the Lafayette Players. It was one of the very first Black repertory theatre companies. A repertory company is a group of actors who perform many different plays. They often have a set list of plays they can perform. The Lafayette Players were very important. They gave Black actors a chance to perform in a wide range of roles.

Her Work with H. Lawrence Freeman

Carlotta Freeman was married to H. Lawrence Freeman. He was a talented composer and opera writer. Carlotta often starred in his operettas. An operetta is like a short, light opera. One famous operetta she performed in was called Voodoo. It first opened in 1928.

Later Years

Carlotta Freeman continued to act throughout her life. She passed away on June 11, 1954. She died in New York City, just a few months after her husband. Her work helped pave the way for future generations of Black actors.