| Citation |
MG-A(G.770.026
4 Oct 1770:3682 (1308)
Annapolis, October 1, 1770. A well regulated Theatre has
been allowed by men of liberal sentiments, in all ages, and
in all countries, where the polite arts have been cherished,
to be a noble institution; calculated, according to Addison,
for the improvement and refinement of human society; to be
the most rational entertainment an enlarged mind can enjoy;
and of the utmost utility to the Commonwealth, by polishing
the manners, and forming the taste of the people.
The encouragement that the ladies and gentlemen of
Maryland have always given to theatrical representations,
and the approbation that has attended the performances of
the American Company, though under every disadvantage from
the situation, size, and aukward construction of the House,
induce Mr. Douglass to imagine, that if a commodious theatre
was erected in a convenient part of the city of Annapolis, a
decent company, and he flatters himself his friends are not
too partial when they pronounce the present to be such,
might, for about six weeks every year, including the
Autumnal Provincial Court and Races, be resorted to by
sufficient audiences, to stimulate them to a grateful
exertion of their faculties for the entertainment of the
publick, whose favours this season they acknowledge to have
been infinitely superior to their expectations.
But as the expenses of building a Theatre would be more
than the company could possibly pay out of the receipts of
one season, after deducting the incidental nightly charge,
and allowing the performers a moderate support; Mr.
Douglass, urged by a number of his friends, begs leave to
solicit the assistance of the publick to a scheme, which
will enable him effectually to carry the design into
execution, and at the same time will not be disadvantageous
to the ladies and gentlemen, whose publick spirit, and taste
for the rational entertainments of the stage, may lead them
to patronise the undertaking.
It is proposed, then, to deliver to any lady or gentleman,
subscribing five pounds or upwards, the value of their
respective sums in tickets; one half of which will be
admitted the first season, and the remainder the season
following; the money to be deposited with William Paca and
Samuel Chase, Esqrs; of the city of Annapolis, and the land
conveyed to them in trust to the subscribers, until the
House is built, and this proposal be fully complied with on
the part of the company.
Copies of this address will be circulated in the different
counties, and as soon as a sufficient sum, not exceeding
L.600, is subscribed, the tickets will be made out, signed
by Mr. Douglass, and delivered; when it is hoped the money
will be paid, that materials may be collected in time, and
an engagement entered into with a builder, to complete the
theatre for the next season.
* * * Subscriptions are taken in at Mr. Colin Campbell's
store, at the Printing-Office, at Mr. Cornelius
Garrestson's, and at Mr. Whetcroft's.
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