Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1893-02-25
KEEPS OUT OF SIGHT.
YET THE WORK or THE STAGE
CARPENTER IS IMPORTANT.

NexS To the stage Manager the Stage
Carpenter Is Probably the Person with
the Most Authority Behind the Scenes
of "a Thester-His Duties.
As the public must know every well
ordered theater has connected with Ii a
body of officials who are never seen on
lhe stage except by accident. This me-
chanical staff differs in size and ability,
sut a fair number for good house will
comprise stage carpenter and his as
sistant, property man, fiayman, two
! bremen and gasman. We still call
him "gasman, though the closet full
OF knobs and levers and buttons manipu-
late electricity instead OF gas in most
modern houses. The new mode Of
lighting is more expensive than gas, but
1t is easier to manage and there is much
less danger of fire from it.
BY the way, speaking OF fires, the
awakening of the authorities In most
cities to u consciousness OF the danger
from fires in theaters makes no end of
trouble for the stage carpenter, as well
Al vast inroads ON the pockets Of the
manager. In addition to the electric
lights, Mr. Albaugh has lately added to
his theater new asbestus curtain and
! great pipe for water. which runs along
, IN the flies and can be made to drench
, instantly every part of the stage should
, a lire break out among the infiammable
mass of scenery and properties which
must be always at hand.
Even in these days, when many COM
binations travel with carloads of special
| tb.a fhaafor hos Fat
a stock of it, own. Drawing room scenes,
q wood scenes, cottages, kitchens and even
n barns must he in stock. These can be
a changed indefinitely by a few small set
: pieces to he used in front. thus affording
a variety to those travelling companies
h who are willing to use the scenery be-
;. longing to the house. This is always
II desirable from the managers point Of
l. view ~ the cost OF getting special scene
"a ny in and ont of the theater is consider
a able and Is always ut his expense
q On the other hand, it is less trouble
q Rome than you would suppose to fit spe-
10 ciai scenery. when it il used. to the re-
, quIrements of different houses The
Il only difficulty arises in the case Of a
Ia very small theater, when the scene some
+. times has To be cut aud Tapped.
"a There In great deal of difference In
N the ease with which scenery may be
handled Take. for instance, the storm
,e scene in CLEOPATRA. The one used by
r.. Mime Bernhardt was made in France
A and was SO heavy and massive that il
m gave no end OF trouble wherever 1t went
ha Fanny Davenport's was much lighter
ID and more easily handled. although the
effect was more elaborate. We could
,it prepare 1t in very short time and with
in out the slightest hitch. Some actors and
All stage managers are much more fastidi
az ous than others.
ed Mr Mansfield is the most exactinl
n person in this respect that | know
al More things have 10 be hired for Mans
an held engagement than for any othel
.e three companies. Another very trying
season for the stage carpenter is wher
en- grand opera comes to town for IA weel
he and the bill is changed every night
at Seven performances. each one with diff
I'M ferent scenery and properties, involve
re lot of troublesome detail for some one.
sic Every theater has its own paint franz
and paint bridge, and when new scener.
cir Is required the scene painter usual!
ch comes and does the work on the spot
ck Everything concerned with stage settiEI
he IL short lived, and soon becomes yer,
nr shabby ON near view In drawing room
srs scenes the upholstered furniture is care,
inn for rs well as possible. but the constan
tn nasty handling soon makes it battere,
m and worn In fact. the best material
m. for mantels. cabinets. bric-a-brac o
ne large size, even for chairs. is the papie
We. muche. with which clever propert
mt man can work such wonders. Ii Is ligh
te- and easily handled. and stands har'
all knocks remarkably we'll
nd The stage carpenter usually gets hi
plan of the scenes required for 4 com
an ing attraction some time in advance o
ON the engagement He must meet q
ar many of the needs as he can out of hi
esa stock in hand, and then arrange for tn
his manufacture or rental of the rest Ii
IN. must be ON hand at every Performance
lit to see about the actual work of chang
he ing the scenes, and be ready to sc
straight any accident which may occur
4 q Els business Ii a regular trade, rs Il
he fact is that of every person on the me
.ha ehanieal staff of the house. The car
he penter must even accompany the fly
,rk man in his perilous duties aloft If occa
sion requires,
BY the way, once had a lyman VIII
was an old sailor. and found that n nau
IN teal career WAS the best possible train
ar. ing for the business He was the handi
lrt est man ut getting around ever saw
ar, and IL rope broke he could splice
with marvellous speed Besides all thes
duties the stage carpenter attends to re
pairs in other parts of the house, an
il makes improvements wherever he can
nave Just come this morning from tn
ny skylight. where we need larger opening
q" for the escape of smoke, warm mir. etc
)" The ventilation around stage must b
is quick and thorough. so that when pow
ng der is used in volleys all smoke and odo
of will pass quickly of. B. F. Morrison i
/ | Kate Fields Washington.
ID
N. Remains Regard for Animals.
NJ. Renan has known any number @
instances of superior sagacity in broo
en- hens He felt that he did not go too ia