Byron McGrath papers, 1926-1993

Byron McGrath (1909-1983) was born in New York City and studied at the American Laboratory Theatre. McGrath studied acting, directing, theatre history, drama structure, dance, phonetics, and voice projection from multiple well-known professionals in New York as well as Literature and Speech at Columbia University. Then with the Cleveland Playhouse (1929-1930) and the University Players (1930), McGrath continued to star in Playhouse and Broadway productions. McGrath continued his studies with various individuals and Universities as he directed many off-Broadway productions and performed on radio shows.

In 1939, McGrath, along with his wife, toured the U.S. and played on Broadway with Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne in The Taming of the Shrew. McGrath joined the United States Army in 1943 and was assigned on various occasions to give instruction to army officers on communication. After being discharged from the army, McGrath returned to New York to produce and star in productions such as How I Wonder, Command Decision, and Rip Van Winkle. In 1952, McGrath opened an ice cream plant in Ecuador where he ran the plant and taught English for two years. McGrath then came to Salt Lake City, Utah to open a restaurant but then became an Assistant Professor of Theatre for the University of Utah's College of Fine Arts.

Grace Coppin McGrath (1910-1993) was born in Murray, Utah where she received her first acting position in the play Jacob Hamblin. Grace attended UCLA where she played roles at the Pasadena Playhouse as well as working with radio. In 1936, Grace went to New York City for a job in radio and received her first lead in a Broadway musical, Fireman's Flame the following year. It was during her involvement with the part that Grace met Byron McGrath. They were married before they toured performing The Taming of the Shrew. Grace continued to star in multiple productions as well as various motion pictures and radio soap operas. After having a son, Coppin became more involved with the role of theater in her community and began organizing a Youth Theatre in New York City. After going with Byron McGrath to Ecuador, they both came to Salt Lake City where she continued to act in multiple productions for Pioneer Memorial Theatre.