The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1857-11-12
From Me Ncu York Lea.lcy.
MY FIRST APPEARANCE ON THE STAGE
BY FOB.


badly at some period Of his existence bcc
afflicted with that easily satisfied desire O
appearing before the footlghts in SOM
tragic or comic character. They have, per
haps, witnessed the tragic Forrest or tn,
inimitable Burton, and imagine that thes,
two wcllknown members of the profession
would sink into insignticancc and cndeavo
to hide their diminished heads, could the,
but view SINE" performing the characters
which they assume. This cgotsn seem:
to have been born in the minds of those
youths who are SO fortunate g as to liv,
an a proximity to theatre, or us a worthy
Brooklyn divine styles it, a hel:ish hot
house, tiiesways from which lead only tc
destruction" Let him have his own way
for shall not weary my readers with a
dong discussion on the merits or Icmcr.s o
the playhouse, but will confinc my pen to
the object for which, took it up, viz: my
first appearance as an actor.
Il had been a constant attendant at the
only place of,amuscment in the quiet city
of. B, where had witnessed tragedy
comedy, farce, pantomimc, and SO on to
the end Of the chapter. ! became cuvo,,s
Of those persons who were permitted to
take leading characters, and considered il
an honor to be favored with an introduction
to no greater personages than the supcrnu-
meraries, or TO speak in common rarancc,
the supes. The acquaintance WAS kept up
by means of sundry visits to the bur alja-
cent to the theatre. I also bought Il dozen
or SO tickets ofadmission on "Tickct night"
This secured me q welcome behind the
scenes, where became instructed iii the
mysteries of the green room, WIS allowed
on particular occasions to shove the scenes.
but never would the stage manager cast me
for character.
Perhaps he was aware that my "Lig
brother" ght take offence should he do
so, and lie well knew that said 4" big brother
was a stoutcr man than he. Therefore |
could never obtain the mucl, wi>hcdfor
boon of showing the good people Of B---
that they mad Il youthful prodigy among
thenr, by displaying my talents on the
boards of the theatre, for the reason that
ttley (tlne talents) were hid for Il time under
a bushel.
1 was destined, however, soon to have a
chance Of displaying them to good advan-
tage. for shortly altcrwarl, on looking
over the advertisements in an evening paper,
my eye caught one that hit my TASTE to Il
certainty. There was no mistakiny it, for
these. the words "TmEsrIAxs Ar
TEND.-A few more l;,dics and gentlemen
wanted to make up the limited number of
members Of the B-Dramatic Academy.
Address, postpaid, Box"
Here was chance for me to make the
city ring with the praises of the promising
young actor. Lwasted not moment, for
fear that the "limitcd number" would Le
taken ere 1 could gain admittancc, but seat.
sing myself at my desk, with hand trcm
bling with agitation, penncd my application
.in,tlie humblest terms imaginable. l ais
took particular pains to request the offc
clerk to place it Immediately in the bo
designated Ly the advertisement. l eve
watched him until saw it safely lcpositc
in its haven, or rather tic haven Of M
:. hopes then slowly sauntercd homcwar
>bowing complacently to my acquaintanc
rs we passed each other, twirling my ca
and stroking my beardlcss chin.
Il had no appetite for supper, and mer,
slipped a little tea and cat few crumbs
cake,sfor had heard that actors eat VI
sparingy of supper Then proceeding
a book store near by, purchased all
modern standard drama, and retired to
room to study. My grcat difficulty was III
selecting character to commit to memory
with view Of performing it. at last hit
upon Richard The Third, and soon rccitinp
to myself Now is the winter Of our dis.
. content, DC" to my perfect satisfaction
Bntlit soon grew. tedious, for Shakspcre
was unfathomaLle to one Of my dull com
lpteheBsion, so threw the book aside and
bay down 10 dream Of crowded houses, dc.
Sighted audiences and immense applause
that cursed bell" soon awaking me to the
realities of life.
Hurrying on my clothes, swallowing my
breakfast and rushing to the post Office was
the work of but few moments. There
was letter in the box-yes, twas directed
to pelsWIth trembling hands | broke
MG4eH and read my admittancc as mem.
bertelthe B. D. A. I thought of imme
diatsy resigning my position as runner Of
+ the bank, but dame Prudence whispered in
my ear, what if you should faila" ain
the vocabulary Of youth there is no such