Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-08-24
LIFE OF A CHORUS GIRL.
DECLARED NOT TO BE SUCH A VERY
HARD LOT, AFTER ALL.
Members of the Chorus Earn More Than
Shop Girls, and are Treated
Fully as Well.

the city, probably few of them give
thought to the girls of the chorus, beyond
observing their uniformity of dress, singing
and acting. And yet the chorus girl is a
permanent theatrical feature, increasing
daily in numbers, and is entitled to as
much consideration as any woman who
does her work conscientiously and thor
oughly. She comes on the stage in the
scantiness oftights and the glitter of tinsel,
with blonde wig over her raven locks,
her olive skin hidden under pink powder,
and she seems to be an ephemeral creature
intended only to futter in the glare of the
footlights. When the play is over, the
curtain down and the lights out, she is for
gotten by those who a few minutes before
vehemently applauded her.
But is she the butterfly she appears
and from what class of society does she
cone?
A Star reporter had talk the other day
with Manager CANDY, of Francis Wilson's
Opera Company, and he says that the av-
erage chorus girl is not butterfly, and
that she comes from every class.
1t is a mistake" he says, ito think
that the chorus girls all come from the
middle and lower classes. Many of them
are of excellent families, and are well ed
ueated. They become chorus girls for the
purpose of acquiring the rudiments of the
profession, having, of course, talent for
music, some of them belonging to musical
families. And from the chorus have come
many of the most prominent stars in comic
opera. | could mention several who be-
gan their theatrical careers in the chorus.
They are thoroughly drilled, you know,
and if they have real talent for acting it
soon becomes known, and a chance is given
them, when possible, to show what they
can do. They are bright girls, and | dare
say that the majority of them could any
day go creditably through one of the
principal parts if called upon to do So
Many of them who come to US are
very badly stagestruck, but the majority
Of them go upon the stage for the pur-
pose of being self-supporting. 1t is gen.
orally matter OF necessity. You see,
girl loses her money, or her father loses
1t for her, and she finds that she must do
something to help herself. Almost every
educated girl has some knowledge of
music, and, naturally, she turns to the
stage. There are many such instances that
have come within my own observation,
including several girls from the South of
most excellent family"
rs it not a trying position for refined
woman ?"
swell, not more so, perhaps, than some
other ways of making a living. The stage
hos laol to do IL
ing life difficult for the chorus, it is true
serve than another man. OF course, there
are managers and managers, and some of
them are as cordially liked as others are
disliked by the chorus. In the latter case,
every order that is given seems to be
specially given to annoy the girls"
what is the salary?'
SIN the city 1t is from Sl2 to $50 a week,
on the road from SIG or SIS to S25. And
the duties are not very exacting, at least
compared to some other work that women
do. Shop girls, for instance, lead tedious
lives, | imagine. Prior to the production
of new play, there are constant rehear-
sails for five weeks, occupying three or four
hours a day, and the members of the
chorus are probably playing in another
piece at night They are fined for being
late at rehearsals. 1t is impossible to gov
ern large body of persons without some
such rule; but the majority of the girls
are very attentive and are called upon to
pay few fines. | must say that, as rule,
women are far more conscientious in this
respect than men, and are far easier to
manage"
Are they expected to furnish their own
wardrobe out of their salary?"
ooh, no; their costumes are furnished
them, and they are only required TO take
care of them. Beginners always object to
wearing tights, which, of course, the chorus
must do sooner or later in comic opera.
They do not know what to expect, and ask
if they must wear tights When / tell
them yes they say theyB never could do
that, and ask if they may not take some
position where they would not be obliged
TO put on the Objectionable garments. |
always tell them frankly that | may be
able to give such positions for short time,
but that if they remain with us they will
eventually be compelled to appear in
tights. Sometimes they go away and give
up all idea Of becoming chorus girls, but
more often they conclude to try it. We
do not want beginners, however. We
much prefer to have girls who have had
some experience on the stage and who
know what viii be required of them. Be-
ginners are troublesome. Occasionally
girl comes who has money and wants to
join the chorus for the purpose OF learn
ing, or, perhaps, for excitement. But she
does not remain long"
"But, seriously, do you not think a
woman appears much more graceful in
skirts ?"
"That may be, but in comic opera there
is so much music written for female voices
where male dresses must be worn that we
cannot do away with tights. And, really,
the girls don't think of them; they soon
become accustomed to wearing them, and
look upon it in business way. They do
not consider that they are doing anything
immodest, and they are really modest
girls"
Is the discipline severe ~
No not more so for the chorus than for
the others. There are simply the ordinary
stage rules, which must be upheld in every
theater. They are required to take care
of their costumes, to be panctual at re-
hearsal, and are not allowed to recognize
any friends in the audience while they are
on the stage. Their absence from re-
hearsal in case of illness is exeusable, of
course"
What is the average age Of a chorus
girlY'
Well, | should say it is about twenty
three. Most of the girls with US now have
been associated with Mr. Wilson for several
years, and are thoroughly trained. Some
girls who are far from young make up re-
markedly well, and on thestage look many
years younger than they really are. The
public likes to look at fresh young faces,
and we prefer young girls Generally
speaking, though, it is easy enough te
make the face satisfactory the arms and
throat are more difficult to manage. OF