Robert W. Upton: Information from Answers.com

Upton, Robert (fl. mid‐18th century), manager. Although he has been called “the first advance agent and business manager in America,” little is known about his history. He was sent by the elder Lewis Hallam to America in 1751 to prepare for the coming of the Hallam troupe. Instead he set up his own company, with himself and his wife as leading performers, and in 1751–52 gave a brief New York season. The repertory included the first known American mounting of Othello, as well as Venice Preserved, Richard III, and The Provoked Husband. The season failed, so rather than confront Hallam he sailed for England in 1752. Thereupon he disappears from the records.