Margo Jones

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Margo Jones (December 12, 1911 – July 24, 1955) was an influential American theatre director and producer who played a significant role in the development of professional theatre in the United States. She is best known for her pioneering work in promoting and producing regional theatre, as well as for her efforts in championing new plays and playwrights, including the premiere of Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie.

Early Life and Education

Margo Jones was born in Livingston, Texas, and developed an interest in theatre from a young age. She pursued her passion for the arts by studying at the Texas Woman's University, where she graduated with a degree in speech and drama. Jones' early career was marked by her dedication to education and theatre, working as a teacher before moving into directing and producing.

Career

Jones' career in theatre took a significant turn when she co-directed the world premiere of Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie in 1944, in Chicago. This success helped to establish her reputation as a talented director and an advocate for new American plays.

In 1947, Jones founded the Dallas Theater Center in Dallas, Texas, which was one of the first professional, regional theatres in the United States. Her vision was to create a theatre that was away from the commercial pressures of Broadway, where new plays and playwrights could be nurtured and developed. The Dallas Theater Center became a model for regional theatres across the country.

Jones was also known for her innovative approach to theatre production. She was a proponent of "theatre-in-the-round," where the audience surrounds the stage, creating a more intimate and immersive experience. This approach was revolutionary at the time and has since become a common practice in theatre design and staging.

Throughout her career, Jones remained committed to the development of new talent and the production of new works. She was instrumental in the early careers of many playwrights and actors, providing them with opportunities to work and develop their craft.

Legacy

Margo Jones' contributions to American theatre were profound. She is credited with helping to establish the regional theatre movement, which has become a vital part of the American theatre landscape. Her commitment to new plays and innovative production techniques has left a lasting impact on the way theatre is produced and experienced in the United States.

Jones' legacy is also preserved through the Margo Jones Award, which is given annually to individuals, organizations, or institutions that have demonstrated a significant impact on the American theatre.

Death

Margo Jones died on July 24, 1955, at the age of 43, due to complications from polio. Her untimely death was a great loss to the theatre community, but her influence continues to be felt through the work of the many theatre professionals she inspired and mentored.

See Also

• Regional theatre in the United States
• Theatre in the round
• Dallas Theater Center
• Tennessee Williams