The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-11
THEATRICAL NEWS
Players Would Be Glad Not to
Take Vacation.
From Twelve to Nineteen Weeks
IdIeness Expensive.
FEW CAN AFFORD 1T.
Those Who Receive High Salar-
les Enjoy Leisure.
Gossip of the Reputed Wealth
of Actors.
FEW CAN AFFORD 1T.

To ordinary folk the question of vaca-
ton is most pleasant; to most player
folk it is disagreeable. The actor must
take a holiday whether he wants it
or not. Generally he does not want ii.
None of US would if our vacations were
as long as his. His working year lasts
no longer than thirty-two weeks, or in
special cases forty-two weeks. Some
time in May his summer holiday be-
gins, and it lasts from twelve to nine
teen weeks He does not look on it
as a holiday, but as a period of en-
forced idleness, when his earning power
ceases. Only rich men can take such
a rest willingly. Few actors are rich.
Few PERSONS would regard the loss of
a quarter or a third of their income
with equanimity. The actor does not
make hay while the sun shines, but
while the snow flies. In the dog days
he lives on what store was accumu-
lated during the winter. In thirty-thre
weeks he must earn and save enough to
carry him through fifty-two.
Certain of our players earn high sal
aries. One of the best paid in America
IS Mrs. Leslie Garter, who for many
year has been receiving $500 each
week. out of that sum she has sent her
son through college and laid by tidy
fortune. John Drew receives $3.50 d
week, and. being of prudent disposition,
is reputed to be worth within Whistling
distance of $3.50, 900. Some years ago
h. II. Sothern made more money than
either of these. But as he assumes the
responsibility of his own productions he
runs the risk of losing more. Thus for
several seasons Sothern's profits were
around $4,000. Lately, however. GER
tain OF his plays have not suited the
public and much of his earnings has
gone hack.
Joseph Jefferson and Chauncey Olcott
risk nothing on plays and little on play
ers. and by pursuing this economic sys-
tenn for many years each is million
aire. Lillian Russell has received the
highest salary ever paid comic opera
prima donna in this or any other coun-
try. Her income began with SIS week
in a Fourteenth street concert hall and
reached 81, 500 a week with Weber &
Fields. During her twenty-five years
connection with the stage Miss Russell
has earned more than a million dollars
She is the most generous of singers and
IS still prodigal. She has kept her
daughter, Miss Solomon, away from
theatrical folk and given her a good
education at Garden City and abroad.
However, what with the diamonds, auto
mobiles and real estate given TO her by
admirers she never need have cause to
worry. What little is left at the close
OF her career as a star next season
probably will keep the grass cut for
year or two. Georgia Cayvan earned
5000 a week and saved most of it. yet
benefit was necessary last year to pay
her way in the insane asylum in Flush
ing. Henry Irving cleared close to $15,-
600 on his season in America, much
more than he can make in London. e.
S. Wizards income in America is at
least $500 a season.
Star actors risk more. but earn more.
than the best leading players Julia
Marlowe has made more than $500 900
and this season viii take a chance with
Z. Fl. SotheTn in ShallesDearean plays.
Both these players being scholars of the
Bard, the venture should swell their
bank ACCOUNTS. Most stars fortunes lie
in finding a new author of ability to
whom it is not necessary to pay much
of the profits. An untried dramatist,
eager to obtain hearing, is glad to ac-
cept almost any terms. Thus Charles
Barnard sold the entire rights of The
County Fair" to Neil Burgess for $500,
and out of the piece Burgess made a
million dollars. and 1t still is the great
est nloney-malker on the stage. The
star must give large percentage of his
earnings to a celebrated dramatist, and
therefore he looks. often Intellectually.
but still with hope. for one whose name
and terms are equally modest. If he
can find another Barrie or Barnard, Be
iasco or Potter. his fortune is made.
while that of the playwright is just be-
gun.
Vacation time Is a period of bliss to
these fortunate players. They live on