The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1871-05-18
A Warning to stage.struck Youths.

Nearly twenty years ago, says writer
in the La Crosse Democrat, we were, so
to speak, crazy to enter upon the mis-
cries or mysteries of theatrical hfe-to
explore the mysteries of the green-room
and attempt the vicissitudes of life be-
hind the foot-lights. One night we
visited Burton's Theatre Oh Chambers
street, witnessed his impersonation of
7oodles, and the next day called upon
the distinguished comedian to see it 1t
was possible for us to enter his theatre
as an apprentice with view to becom-
ing an actor. Burton was sitting in his
private office when we entered and in
troduced ourself. After stating to him
the object of our visit; telling him OF
our life, hopes, plans, fortune, prospects,
willingness to work, and determination
to be somebody, if nothing prevented,
he leaned back in his chair; looked at
us with kind, friendly, interested look
we shall never forget, it was SO pleasant,
and said.
"Young man, you had better go drown
yourself. If you have pluck, energy,
and ambition, you can find a better fu-
ture for you in other pursuits-with the
auditors rather than the actors. One
half the work required to make good
actor will make rich man in any other
profession. You have spoken to me
plainly and with earnest hopefulness
Allow one who is, comparatively speak
ing, all old man, to advise you never to
look to the stage as o means OF support
Every city is full of poor, miserable
devils, hanging about the doors of thea
tres, living in idleness, waiting for
chance to be put on in somebody's place
The tinsel of the stage and the reality
OF life are very different things. The
smiles, the laughs, the fun, and the well.
fitting costumes worn by the actors are
only for the occasion. But few smile!
come from the heart, they are only face
deep; while the clothes are left in the
wardrobe after the actors have donnec
their rags and gone home.
"If you are willing to work you hac
better do it outside OF theatre, it will
be better for you. Should you not hap
pen to possess those qualities which con
stitute good actors, to enter upon thu
life would effectually spoil you for any
thing else for once let the shiftlessnes
Of unqualified stage life be tasted, anc
the victim is forever spoiled.
"Should you be possessed OF mettl
and good material for an actor, just 81
fast as you go up others will pull yo'
down, or attempt to. You will encounte
chickering's and jealousies, and all sort
of combinations against you, for actors
like musical celebrities, are most jealou
of each other. The road to success is I
hard one while, as general thing, al
actors life is darker even than the stag
when the audience has retired, ana til
gas has been turned off.
"If, however, you wish to try it,
will give you chance. But it is dog
life you would enter upon. A situatio
one week-and ldleness for a month. !
little cheap applause from the boys i
the gallery, and e hungry stomach atte
you have gone home. Better stick t
type-setting-then you will have tn
making of yourself, and the making c
unmaking of actors besides"
Thanking Mr.. Burton for his advic
we bade him goodbye, and hastene
back to our case and type-setting.