Lewis Hallam facts for kids

Lewis Hallam (born around 1714, died 1756) was an English actor and theater director. He is known for bringing professional theater to the American colonies. He helped start one of the first major acting companies in North America.

Hallam's Theater Career

Lewis Hallam was likely born around 1714, possibly in Dublin. His father, Thomas Hallam, was also an actor. Many of Lewis's brothers and sisters were actors too.

Lewis and his brother, William, had some success as actors in England. However, they decided to try their luck in America. They wanted to bring their acting skills to a new audience.

Starting in America

Hallam arrived in North America in 1752. He came with his own acting group, called a theatrical company. His brother William helped organize this company. Lewis had acted in William's company in England, but it had not done very well. This led them to try the new adventure in North America.

Their ship landed in Yorktown, Virginia. This was an exciting new start for the actors.

First Performances

The company began their shows in Williamsburg. At that time, Williamsburg was the capital of the Virginia Colony. They rented a large wooden building there. They changed it to make it suitable for plays. The building was so close to the forest that actors could even shoot wild birds from the windows!

Their very first performance was a play called The Jew of Venice. Lewis Hallam advertised it as Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. Only one musician played the harpsichord for all the music. After their time in Williamsburg, the group traveled to Annapolis and Philadelphia.

Touring the Colonies

In 1753, Hallam took over the first theater in Manhattan. This was the Theatre on Nassau Street. He and his acting company toured all over the Thirteen Colonies. They brought plays and entertainment to many different towns.

Lewis Hallam later died in Jamaica. His company had traveled there to perform. After his death, his wife, the actor Sarah Hallam Douglass, married David Douglas. Together, they formed a new group called the American Company in 1758. Lewis's son, Lewis Hallam Jr., also became an actor. He joined his mother and stepfather's company.