The legacy behind Literature to Life: a history and narrative of Wynn Handman, The American Place Theatre and Literature to Life

Abstract

Literature to Life is a performance-based literacy program developed under the auspices of The American Place Theatre in New York City (1994). The American Place Theatre was founded in 1964 and stewarded by the artistic mission of Wynn Handman. It has earned its own place in American theatrical history. Prior dissertations have chronicled specific elements of the American Place Theatre (APT), but no account has bridged the history of APT and Wynn Handman's privately-run acting studio to the significant history of Literature to Life. The once New York City-based program that promoted English, cultural and theatrical literacy to students within the city's public school system, now has a strong national following and continues to inspire students and adults across the country. This thesis will chart an historical and narrative account of Literature to Life as it emerged from the embers of the American Place Theatre and rekindled the original mission of Wynn Handman, in a different setting and for new audiences.