The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-01-05
HELP FOR THE BALLET GIRLS
The Theatrical Mission of London and
the Work 1t Performs.
Comfortable Places of Resort, and Healthful
Entertainment for Minor Employees
in the Great City's Theaters


Correspondence Of the India napoli6 Journal.
LONDON, Dec 22.-"All is not gold that gilt
tiers" is an old saying that is often pressed into
service, and this year it is used as motto for
the annual report of ''The Theatrical Mission"
The implication is that behind the glitter and
gayety which exhibit themselves on the stage,
there is for theatrical people another life of stern
and even bitter reality-one that is full of temp
tations and hardships, and which appeals
strongly for sympathy and help. To believe
this one does not have to rank himself among
those suspicious people, who, as an actress has
charged, Islander the good name of the profes
sion, and drive them in desperation to do that of
which they are falsely accused" The facts in
the case speak for themselves There are forty
theaters in London, and connected with these as
regular performers, ballet and chorus girls,
and as ushers, walters, etc, there is a small
army of from six to seven thousand persons
Most of these are young, the vast majority are
of the gentler sex, and many, 1T is well known,
are not wanting in the dangerous attraction of
good looks Partly from inclination and partly
from necessity, these people live in world by
themselves. Society throws few safeguards
about them, and beyoud the mere money
patronage of their calling, gives them
some avail themselves of its communion, the
mass are utterly beyond its pale. In this city
not one in hundred attends divine service
Whilst, therefore, we give the profession all
credit for doing as well as it does under the cir
cumstances and whilst we admit that there are
not few engaged in it whose virtue and benev-
olence are almost beyond praise we may still
hold that the rank and file are proper subjects
for special phlanthropc effort, and that there is
plenty of room and plenty of need amongst them
for such work as this Theatrical Mission pro
poses to do.
Not the least of the recommendations of this
society is the fact that it came into existence in
response to appeal from one who had had
long experience behind the scenes. In 1873 the
clown in the Crystal Palace Pantomime
shrewd clever man, of keen powers of observa-
ton, becoming anxious about the moral condi-
ton of his fellow performers expressed wish
that Christian people would look after them.
This wish met ready response, and during that
year and for two years afterward those who
took part in the London pantomimes
were entertained weekly at Free Teas,
where, in addition to refreshments,
wholesome advice was given them.
Here was the beginning of what has since devel-
Oped into organization which keeps open two
places of resort for theatrical people and whose
evangelizing agencies permeate the theatrical
world from top to bottom. The next step was
taken in December 1876, by G. E. Todd. the
present secretary of the Theatrical Mission This
gentleman, while working in connection with
the Teas in progress at the Crystal Palace be-
came strongly impressed with a desire to do
GOrep4bivp To bpna6+ bo
addressed letters to eight of the leading artists
connected with metropolitan theaters, and after
year of patient waiting he began to receive
replies. One informed him that his letter had
''preserved her honor and character in a pro-
fession exposed to many temptations Another
replies, Il fully appreciate the feeling which
dictates your letter, but | must tell you | am
strict Roman Catholic, and never for one day
miss attending my church and religious duties"
Others, before replying, sent relatives to see
that all right, and Mr.. Todd finally con
Guided that the work he had inaugurated could
be most effectively carried forward by ladies.
THE LETTER MISSION.
From this originated what is called 1.-THE Let
ter Mission" and 1 am informed that there are
now seven hundred Christian women, in differ
ent parts of the country corresponding regularly
once a month with no less than 500 actresses
In 1879 the enterprise took another step in adj
vance, by devoting special attention to the iuve-
niles of the profession. 1t was found that large
numbers of children were systematically brought
up for the stage by a course of instruction in
dancing and operate singing and in at least two
schools in London, those of tender age were
bound down by long terms of apprenticeship
seven, eight or nine years-to this work. The
pupils were found to be remarkably intelligent,
and even those qualifying for such novelties as
'infantile hornpipes, ranging from two to seven
years, betrayed a shrewdness and independent
womanly demeanOr that were quite surprising
Here it felt a fine field for philan-
thropic effort, and Immediately a system of tea
meetings WAS set on foot, one of the trainers of
the little folks writing, by way of encourage
ment: 81 appreciate the laudable object you
have in view, and have no doubt of the ultimate
success of your undertaking." Finally, Us the
outcome of these various experiments. there were
opened in October, 1880, what are known as the
''Theatrical Mission Reading Rooms" where fe-
males of all ages, engaged in theatrical business
fan 'O@ a amS sEeT as thy please
refreshment, and where in the three
years that have since interviewed no less than
5000 attendances have been registered Still
later, institute for theatrical boys was opened
on the same plan, the membership now number
ing over two hundred
The sporting and theatrical press have indorsed
this enterprise, though with a reservation. They
wish religion to be kept out of it as much as Dos
sible, and have especially requested that all
scriptural notices Shall be removed from the
rooms, a request of course which the manage
ment have not felt chat they could comply with
The 1essees of the London theaters are divided
in their opinions. Augustus Harris of Drury
Lane, is very much opposed to the mission but
Mr.. and Mrs. Bancroft Mr. and Mrs. Kendall
and Mr.. Wilson Barrett, with Others are Just as
warm in their approval None of these have as
yet been asked to subscribe but it is thought
they will be ere long, and one doubts that
their response will be prompt and generous
From some of the upper-class actresses, among
whom Autographed letters are circulated the
society gets many expression of good will and
the heartiest thanks for the interest it is taking
in their welfare But these, as rule, do notuse
the rooms, and do not care to have their connec