New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-05-20
THE SEASON OF ANGELS.
TIE COST OF PUTTING ON A PLAY.

In theatrical paTlancc the angelo is a person who
unexpectedly comes foeard with desire to float a
new star or play and pays salaries for night, one
week and sometimes, though not often. longer The
rustic Of the angels wings is generally heard about
this timo Of the year when the dramatic IL draw
ing to closc-and when IL becomes possible to Lease
NewYork theatre. AS might naturally be expected,
the angel Is more often Of the softer than of tho
sterncr Sex. She Is generally amateur actress who
las an unconquerabe yearnlng for the professional
stage, and who is apt to think that she has only TO
exhibit herself and her costumes and then the world
viii be at her feet. Sometimes she Is professional
actress who has struggled YEARLY in the ranks for
years, and has either saved enough money to make the
grand venture her own account has succeeded IN
mbung a capitalist with faith in her abilities. occa-
sionally ambitious playwright, to the merits OF
whose work managers have been sngulary and yet
unanimously blind brings out his play at his
pense and thus becomes worthy 10 be classed among
the angels.
Comparatively few people have any idea Of the cost
Of running theatre for even one week, and 1t may
a warning TO state approximately what this
is, and how extremely small the Offset in the shape Of
boXofiice receipts is likely 10 be- The first expense
IS naturally the hiring OF theatre This will range
from $1,000 to $4,000, according to the lateness Of
the season and the theatre selected For this amount
the manager supplies the theatre gas, ushefs, stage
hands, orchestra, tcetsellers and takers, gives the
use OF such scenery ana properties as there may Dc IN
stock, and furnishes very limited amount Of adver
Using In the daily papers Those items would at first
glance seem TO cover n good deal Of tho necessary
ground but in nearly every case extras will pile up in
surprising fashion upon the temporary lessee All
gas used rehearsals Will be extra, Will be the
stage hands If than the two three employed all
day I'm the theatre are needed and they certainly
rust be had for scenic rehearsas. The orchestra
likely to be smaller than will satisfy the elaborate
ideas OF the angel, and II incidental music has to be
arranged composed, the leader charges literally for
his ideas and time and for the services OF his copyt
The scenery is rarely found to be exactly what Is
needed and the individual who orders scene
finds that II is not elaborate the cost runs well
into the hundreds The stock of properties, generic
and comprehensive term for everything used upon the
stage that is not nailed screwed to the boards, Is
likely to be disappointing TO the star or playwright
who wants to the richly set. II inquiries
arc made as to the whereabouts of material used In
former productions the answer Is that they were only
borrowed have been taken to his house by the man
ager or been sent on the road with tho regular com
pany. Even the piano, which IS usually supposed to
be In every theatre is often missing Tho advertising
will have to DO much increased If any display 10 Do
made and large posters and the cost OF putting the
up must be added. Even when no photographic work
Is used the printers and posters bill VIII reach at
least 800, and no great amount OF snow VIII DC oO-
tained for that expenditure
IT, as Is most likely to be the case, the play IS
costume one-for angels are wont to aspire 10 DC
Jnllets Juas and PauInes-the hire OF wardrobe Tor
the company and supers may be estimated at mini
Of $50. The stars own wardrobe prooaDV
costs nearly $1,000 The salaries Of company de-
pend necessarily On the quality Of It's constituent
parts and Will range from 500 to Sl2oo; out iar
average is 81 900, which sum may be made to cover
the pay OF the supers It IS now customary to secure
a stage director TO put on new play. His services
Will from one to two numbered dollars, according
to his emlnence and the duration OF rehearsas. Inc
principal expenses have now been enumerated WIN
~ exception Of those included in the services OF a
business manager and assistant, who VIII ma pre-
limnary work for at least ono week before that OF
performance; but incldentas will crop up IN every
direction I'm the most unexpected and heart-rending
way. summary Of the cost Of a weeks performance
by a new feminine star IS approximately as follows: