Many factors contributed to the changes to Broadway theaters in the 20th century. Broadway faced many problems during the period 1945-1955, solved by many different solutions. This included the impacts of World War II and the Great Depression, declining public interest, and the loss of many actors and producers. Broadway was extremely affected by the Great Depression and World War II. The Depression economy banned many shows, leading to a decline in shows in the 1940s. The number of people affected by the stock market crash on Broadway was countless. Many different people, from ushers whose rooms remained dark to producers like Flo Ziegfeld, were affected by the accident. Previous seasons, such as the 1929-1930 season, produced 233 productions, which dropped to only 95 productions in 1945. This is another reason why many theater actors lost their jobs. Many people also joined the Communist Party around the time of the Great Depression, believing that the American system was failing and that the Soviet system seemed promising. The need for money became greater and seemed more promising in Moscow where theater people actually earned their living. The mass shift to the Communist Party led to a change in the dramas of many off-Broadway theaters, which now included social protest, using the slogan "Theatre as a Weapon." After the war, the cost of putting on all Broadway productions "went out of control" faster than the price of a ticket, which doubled over the next ten years. The new Theater League and Theater Union produced passionate dramas to propagate the working class, and left-wing productions became fashionable. Despite the negative impacts on Broadway, these po...... middle of paper ......r Lady", the Gershwin brothers returned to Broadway and wrote more creative works that brought Broadway to greater success bigger than ever In conclusion, Broadway was severely affected by many factors in the early 20th century, including the aftermath of the Great Depression and the War following which there was a huge decline in shows, afterward; which many people joined the communist party, which made the costs of all Broadway productions higher than ever Another problem at this time was the decline in public interest the economic depression had banned most; shows, and the remaining shows lacked content, leaving audiences indifferent. Eventually losing actors, writers and producers, many artists moved to Hollywood and many songwriters were under movie contracts. Despite all the negative impact of Broadway during this period, Broadway was able to return to its former glory.