papp took a keen interest in preservation of the historic broadway/times square theater district. in the early 1980s, he helped lead the "save the theatres" movement, and to found "save the theatres, inc.", along with a number of actors, directors, producers and other theatre, film and television personalities. the movement's aim was to preserve vintage playhouses that were then being threatened with demolition by monied manhattan development interests. papp's initiative was sparked by the impending demolition in 1982 of the historic morosco and helen hayes theatres, as well as the old piccadilly hotel, on west 45th street.