Illinois designated The Great American People Show as the official "state theatre of Lincoln and the American Experience" in 1995. A regional favorite for years, The Great American People Show is a theatre company known for plays about Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. The Great American People Show performs at New Salem State Park near Springfield, Illinois. Many states have recognized historic theatres, plays, musical and cultural symbols (see cultural symbols for 50 states).

The origin of theater goes back to prehistoric people acting out their hunting experiences and ancients singing and dancing for religious ceremonies. Theater as pure entertainment evolved slowly - the first recorded European theater was in ancient Greece about 600 BC (for a festival honoring the god of wine and fertility). A poet named Thespis won a dramatic play competition at this celebration and is so considered "the first actor" (origin of the term thespian).

Source:

History of the Theater: Kids Work!

Links:

Cultural Symbols - 50 states