The times., 1897-08-01

a recognized influence, for good OF FOR
evil, through it's teachings; when the preiu-
diees CT cuI forefathers are swept aside,
ana new recruits, young people cf family
and education, are daily adopting the stage
as profession and seeking through their
talents to carve honorable careers for them
selves, n word on soDle OF the trials and
trIbulations that heseJ beginners path
Elay be not aIliss.
Unless one is OF theatrical family and
has been horn and bred in that atmosphere
when, OF course, going on the stage is as
easy ane natural as ducks first plunge
into water-the matter OF obtaining first
engagement is a very serious question.
Managers generally have large array of
talent 10 pick and choose from, talent with
experience TO back ii. Therefore the raw
material rs not at q premium. In the YER
nacular CT the ooul.sse, TO have a ''Lull,
in other words through the influence OF
some person whose opinion has weight
with the manager. and whom he is anN-
ious t6 oijIiee. IL a method cften employed
In getting an opening, and many eN-
society women, anxious FOR an opportunity
TO display a fine wardrobe, have teen
known TO pay high price for the privilege
OF appearing behind the foOtlights. In
justice let it be said, however, this class
is small and their career usually short.
There are various reasons that prompt
young girl to turn 10 the stage. Some
times it is the Immediate and staring
necessity OF bread and butter, and in
the case Of a gin of average talents,
any profession in particular, nine times
out of ten the stage is the first source
she viii turn TO 10 gain her living as
the one most likely 10 yield her lucra-
tive returns
Sometimes il is the young woman who
wants an object in life. She is not usually
domestic in her tastes, but she has brains,
ambition and self reliance, and ally these
qualities 10 the impetuous vitality OF youth
and it is readily understood why she is
not satisfied 10 sit with folded hands, an
idle young lady in her fathers house.
Sometimes and iEis Ct this class speak
most reYerently-it is heavcn-born voca-
ton that speaks. The deep love OF the
art for arts sake-the resistless Impulse
10 obey the summons Of the spirit from
within-tO speak through the medium OF
0lN AAc AtNcedEt VI btduNA 10 Silc htNtQ-
If a girl know herself TO have talent
for If she has it she VIII know it-and
believes in herself from the start, then all
the small obstacles that beset a beginner
are as nothing 10 her Her feet may
stumble ana become bruised on the stones
IN her path, but her spirit, always calm,
sustained with the assurance that it is
suffering in the cause that ii loves, never
furFs 81
the stage through deep love Of the art and
the desire TO dedicate her life to its pur-
suit, who is equipped with the health to
carry out her intentions, and has the appli-
cation required 10 concentrate her powers.
this is the girl who is going TO succeed.
She may be penniIess, she may not have a
friend IN all the world. but she VIII not be
long in enlharking on the channel she has
chosen, with fair wind 4 q her sails To aid
in reaching the haven she longs for. 'C'est
lie premier pas qui coute." Whether be-
longing TO one or all three OF these classes
tits generally acknowledged as a very rare
occasion when beginner finds. without a
great deal OF trouble and perseverance, a
first engagement that offers itself, and is
In every way satisfactory
j had made many attempts with various
managers 70 get a position with little
success, and Mr. Augustin. DAILY was the
one manager TO whom 1t had never entered
my head 10 apply l had heard many
stories, quite untrue, ! have since dis
covered or the remarkable examinations
applicants TO him Were put through To
be thorough musician, vocal ana instru-
mental. tc read every tongue in the world
from sanskrit down, to have an Intimate
knoTledge OF the dramatic classics Of ali.
countries, and TO be past master in the
intricate arts Of fencing and dancing We're
among some OF the requirements / heard
would be demanded of me.
When, as luck woul6 have it, a benevo-
lent wind blew 10 me an opportunity of
seeing Mr.. DAILY, ] seized it more from
curiosity 70 ascertain if reports were true.
than from any hope of getting an engage
ment, and ! was greatly relieved TO see a
rather prepossessing man, with clever
head and queer boots. who sat in an
easy arm chair at his desk, and who in
stead or asking me ia what year Roscius |
was bonn, and whether preferred Con- |
gfeve or Cibber, looked at me for q mo- |
ment or two with eyes wherein kindness, |
shrcwdness and humor intermingle. and /
made the exceedingly practical inquiries |
OF whether had my parents consent To 90 /
on the stage, and ii would be willing TO
receive very small salary at first.
10 both OF these short but pertinent ques-
ions answered short but pertinent YES;
the matter OF contract was settled on the
spot, and was told to return at o clock
Tor rehe3rsal-my first initiation into the |
mysterious world behind the curtain.
was assigned a small part, and, having
little TO do. could occupy IN yself in stud wing
my new surroundings. Everywhere saw
girls, young; in most cases noticeable for
their refineme ment-nearly all of them he
ginners- But Daily likes to gather these
into his fold, TO watch ana aid
their Development Mr.. Daily rarely makes
contract FOR less than three years; its
at the end OF every year optional
with him.
Ihat is, as lie says, to guard against
greedy outside wolves coming in to pilfer
nongst his flock, and thus reap the bene
hts or his own care andtraining.
Tic Smallest details are personally super.
'lsed by Mr. DAILY in the production OF a
play He is consulted on every question.
ne is an autocrat, but kind and dis
'erning ole. as is proven by the devotion
lelnspires among hlssubjects He watches
very moment OF rehearsal with ewes that
never err BE win suggest a change of
Aeueuae or position in a stage picture,
'r ms quick ear VIII detect a word or
phrase wrongly accented, or he will
Introduce happy gesture, and Il is by
MS attention to these smaller points that
he sttains his perfect whole Sometimes
iiE creative mind turns out ideas so fast
hat he finds IL difficult to take the time