Coit, Dorothy, 1889-1976

Dorothy Coit (1889-1976) and Edith King (1884-1975) began working together on children’s theatre productions while at the Buckingham School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 1922, Coit and King relocated to New York City and opened their own arts school and children’s theatre in 1923. The King-Coit School and Children’s Theatre offered arts programs for children from five to twelve, and featured acting and dance classes led by Coit, and drawing and painting classes taught by King. The studies were aimed toward a theatrical production. Roles were not assigned until shortly before the performances, and children learned the entire script. Coit wrote any adaptations and directed all productions, while King designed the sets and costumes, often based on off historical manuscripts, books, and art. The plays would each run for a few weeks, and the plays were repeated over the three decades the King-Coit School and Children’s Theatre operated. The institution closed in 1959 when King retired due to health concerns, and Coit continued to teach occasional classes at other schools through the 1960s.

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Edith King (1884-1975) and Dorothy Coit (1889-1976) first collaborated on children's theater productions while they were both employed at the Buckingham School in Massachusetts. The success of these productions led them to open their own school and children's theater in New York City in 1923. The King-Coit Children's Theatre and School offered arts programs for children (5-15 years old) on weekday afternoons and weekends. King taught drawing and painting classes, while Coit was responsible for acting and dancing. The student body included many children of the rich and famous, and included such notables as Anne Baxter, Madeleine L'Engle, and Lee Remick.

The school was unique in its teaching style. Studies were guided by the ultimate goal of producing a play. Students were immersed in the time period of the chosen story, including intensive study of its music and artworks. The philosophy was to make the children feel comfortable in the given culture, so the acting would feel and look as natural as possible. The stated goal was for perfection. Through weeks of repetition, all the children would learn the entire script, and specific roles weren't assigned until shortly before the performances. Though the children's paintings and drawings often served as inspiration for King's set and costume designs, the children were seldom involved in the actual construction of sets, costumes, or properties.

The plays were well reviewed and popular, but were performed for short runs in small theaters, and ticket sales did not supply much funding. The school and theater relied heavily on grants and private donations throughout its existence. It finally closed in 1959 when health concerns led to King's retirement. Coit declined to continue King-Coit without her valued partner, but did continue to teach occasional classes at other schools throughout the 1960s.