Eleanor Roosevelt (1935)

Hello everyone, it is a pleasure to be in this room with you all. As you know, I am Eleanor Roosevelt, but please, call me Eleanor. Today, for the very first time, a dear friend of mine, Lorena Hickok, has asked me to join your Thoughts for Theatre group meeting! Now, ladies, as you know, being the First Lady is taxing/ but one thing I enjoy is talking about my husband’s endeavors. The topic of choosing today is The New Deal Program, which Franklin and I have been talking about for a while. One organization that is a part of the New Deal is the WPA, the Works Progress Administration, which strives to create jobs for the less fortunate during this hard time. This initiative aims to provide a stable income for the unemployed, provide long-term benefits to local communities, and contribute to the nation's infrastructure! This could skyrocket our country’s employment rates. Say, Lorena, wouldn't you love to provide for your family for a change? Yes? Well, keep listening, it gets better. A favorite project of mine within the New Deal is the FTP, the Federal Theatre Project. The Roosevelt Administration’s goal is to organize and produce theatre as a community, while also giving many the opportunity to explore their options. Such as becoming a Stage Manager, a Costume Designer, or even starring in a lead role! Everyone deserves to dip their toes into something fun and new! The New Deal Program will make this happen, I believe it will take us to new heights we aren't ready to experience. Now you know everything, I need your help! Get your flower clubs involved, get those mouths a chattin’, and don’t forget, tell your husbands! Thank you so much for having me.