The Sun.
London, England, 1868-01-06 00:00:00

HINTS TO A2IIA7EUI?S.

In order to render effective service to dramatic
amateurs, we must not limit ourselves to records of
their successes and statements of their necessities.
We must not be ever adverting to the bright side in
language pleasing and agreeable, but turn occa-
sionally into the shade of their proceedings, and
point out with an unflinching yet friendly hand
their obvious neglect of duties and defects. Amongst
these, the most injurious to themselves as also the
most trying to their friends and ad nirers before the
curtain, is their want of punctuality in commencing
the performance, and the lengthened delays which
are allowed to occur between the several parts of
the evening's entertainment—and even between the
acts of the same piece. Now all of these arise from
neglect and want of proper management. There
are, we know, many laughable incidents connected
with them, many anecdotes and sources of future
mirth. Not so very long ago, and in a country
town of considerable importance, no boots were to
be found in the several bundles of costumes for
Charles 11. (which formed the middle and principal
piece on the programme) ; these needful articles
having been abstracted by the wag of the society
previous to leaving London. What was to be
done ? All sorts of useless suggestions were
of course made, and so much time consumed
that the ennui of the audience was becoming insup-
portable and vacant seats were rapidly increasing in
number. What was to be done? Claim the indul-
gence of spectators or apologise on conclusion? The
latter alternative was adopted, and the curtain
rose on performers in the apparel of the middle of the
seventeenth century-with the exception of the upper
leathers. The audience was taken by surprise.
Roars of laughter greeted the entry of each actor on
the stage, wearing, without a single exception, the
hotlines of the present day, with elastic sides. The
novelty produced infinite amusement, beyond a
doubt, for the apology was wisely never made, so
the censorious few (and these are ever present) de-
clared the success—such as it was—depended on the
boots, though, in truth, artistic talent of no common
order was apparent amongst the actors. Any-
thing similar to thd foregoing cause of de-
delay is, of course, exceedingly rare, but amateurs
will frequently set their hearts on some peculiar
alteration of dress, or on some whimsical addi-
tion to it, which is commonly never detected
till the last moment—nay, when they ought,
in fact, to be on the stage, and without it they will
not consent to appear.: Then, again, hindrance
frequently proceeds from sudden bashfulness in one
of the gentlemen. He had learn t his part thoroughly,
had rehearsed it creditably ; but now when he has
to appear his memory fails him and his courage
wholly evaporates. Neither force nor entreaty can
get him before the lights, so the stage manager has
to step forward with" Ladies and gentlemen, —We
have to throw ourselves on your generous considera-
tion, &c, &c., and to inform you of the sudden,
serious, and unaccountable indisposition of Mr.
Clytus Muff, which will prevent that gentleman
(much to his deep regret) from contributing
to the evening's entertainment. We, therefore,
solicit your kind indulgence for Mr. Bounce, who
has consented to read his part at the last moment,
&c., &c." Although the causes of the delays just
enumerated should not be allowed to occur in any

well-regulated club, they tend, nevertheless, in
some slight degree towards their mitigation ; but
we have known a company of Thalians, fully
equipped for performance, unpardonably indulge
in some light, joyous frolic or merry dance, utterly
forgetful, in their exuberant spirits, of the pain-
ful weariness which had settled on the audience
beyond the curtain.
We have written in no churlish spirit, in no love
of the cynical, but in all sincerity to carry out the
object we have stated at the commencement of this
article—that of rendering service to amateur so-
cieties. We have written in the desire to make
each member taking a share behind the curtain
bear in mind what he has himself frequently endured
before it, and thus be never forgetful of the utter
dreariness of long delays to his audience. His pride
should not be merely to equal the celerity of pro-
fessionals, but, if possible, to surpass it, and—per-
forming, as he most frequently does, in some gal-
lery or concert room, on a temporary stage fitted
with 'simple scenery easy of adjustment—this,
and -r proper management, eupported by a befit-
ting spirit, may readily be effected. To the consi-
deration of this management, therefore, we now
draw his attention.
The utmost care should be given to the selection
of a stage manager, for it is of the highest import-
ance to obtain a gentleman thoroughly efficient and