William Hallam (theatre manager) facts for kids

William Hallam was an English actor and theatre manager who lived in the 1700s. He is famous for organizing the very first professional theatre group to perform in the New World, which included the American colonies.

Who Was William Hallam?

William Hallam was born in England around 1712. His father, Thomas Hallam, was also an actor at the famous Drury Lane theatre in London. In 1731, William married an actress named Anne Berriman.

William became a manager of a theatre called the New Wells Theatre in Goodman's Fields, London. He competed with another famous theatre manager, David Garrick, who ran the Drury Lane Theatre. By 1750, William's theatre ran into money troubles.

Bringing Theatre to America

Even though he faced financial difficulties, William Hallam had a big idea! In 1750, he put together a group of actors. He sent this group, led by his brother Lewis Hallam, to the North American colonies and the British West Indies. This was a huge step for theatre in the New World!

The Journey Across the Ocean

Before the actors sailed, they worked very hard. They studied 24 different plays, plus shorter shows called farces and medleys. They even rehearsed these plays while they were on the ship, whenever the weather was good enough! They also brought all their costumes and scenery with them.

Starting Performances in the Colonies

In June 1754, William Hallam himself sailed to the North American colonies. He landed in Philadelphia. He stayed with the acting company for about a year. However, he did not perform on stage himself. He was there to help organize everything.

After about a year, William sold his share of the company to his brother Lewis. He then returned to England in 1755. He passed away soon after that, around 1758. William Hallam played a key role in bringing professional theatre to a new part of the world!