Evening star., 1944-04-27

series Vi OpCTcttdS ~ CScllJCu OuI VI
doors. It is not intended, however,
that 1t shall be limited to merely
the outdoor season nor to the light
opera pattern. On the contrary, its
sponsors contemplate Offering the
atrical productions Of all types and
scope and on a year-around basis.
It's further object is to provide an
opportunity for the development Of
talent, particularly to promising
young performers in the teen-age
group and to Government employees.
These groups are now largely denied
the opportunity of professional en-
lgagements, especially in association
with outstanding performers in the
professional theater and light opera.
The idea for the development of
the Municipal Theater, patterned
after the elaborate enterprises which
have grown up elsewhere, was pre-
sented to the District Commissioners
by a committee representative not
only Of civic and business groups
but also of the professional theater.
It's members include Representative
Jennings Randolph, chairman Of the
House District Committee; James
E. Collidower, former president of
the Board of Trade; Floyd Akers,
chairman of the War Hospitality
Committee; Harry Anger, managing
director of the Earle Theater; DR..
Roy j. Deferrari, secretary general
lof Catholic University; Paul Schwarz,
president of the Municians' Union;
John Eberson, theater architect and
WPB's theater equipment division;
John j. Payette, zone manager of
Warner Bros. theaters; DR.. jose
phine Callan, Walter Kerr and
Ralph Brown of Catholic Univer-
Isity's speech and drama department;
Charles Stofberg, special assistant
to the president of the Board of
Commissioners; Very Rev. Lawrence
IC. German, s. j., president, George
town University; Carter Barron, d.
vision manager of Loew's theaters;
Gene Ford, managing director Of
Loew's Capitol Theater; Joseph B.
Brecheen, chairman of the motion
picture industry's War Activities
Committee in the Washington area.
Executive direction of the project
will be the responsibility of Father
Gilbert v. Hartke, head of Catholic
University's speech and drama de-
partment.
\. X * *
In giving their unqualified en-
dorsement to the Municipal Theater,
the Commissioners issued the fol-
lowing statement, addressed to
Father Hartke, through G. M.
Thornett, secretary Of the board:
Reply is made to your letter
dated April 20, 1914, relative to the
organization of the theatrical
project to provide the District of
Columbia with q theater organiza-
ton sponsoring the highest type of
stage entertainment throughout the
year.
II am directed by the Commits
sicners to inform you that they
have approved your request to
operate as the Washington Munic-
ipal Theater and unhesitatingly give
it their blessings and support.
There isa inclosed herewith al
copy of a statement relative to the
project which was approved by the
Commissioners at their board meet
ing today. s
"The statement follows:
"A group Of Washington citizens
interest in the development of
municipal theater, directed by Rev.
g. v. Hartke, o. p, has approached
the District Commissioners for en-
oorsement and support.
Recognized the need of such q
movement, which would embody
participation of Washington citi-
zens, particularly the teen-age boys
and girls and Government employees,
the Commissioners hereby approve
the development of this activity.
This activity will be known as the