The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-10-18
MRS. LOIS 8. FOLEY,

suade your neghbor to do likewise. You, who have seen and admired the moun- tain peaks with double delight. cannot get any pleasure, from the low and vul- gar, nor can you descend there-nay 1t would offend you-but you can help to raise your neighbors. You have not only studied but witnessed on the stage, the true drama, the drama of Shakespeare, the minor light of whose imagination has kndled your interest and entertain ed your fancy, and who with unerring certainty has pierced to the centre of all human conduct. How he and his compeers, Moleire with his modern comedy of man ners and Goethe dealing with the mystery of sin and fate, have aroused sympathies, indignation joys, sorrows in our brief life here, opening the mind and enlarging the view Those of us who have been ani- mated by these must conclude that the drama-the true drama-is a profound medium for good"
 Mrs. Tolleys informal talk at the club was most appropriate in a programme on stage topics. Many in her audience were surprised that school of expression could be so comprehensive in it's course of study, and as Mrs. Toley would take up point after point the stage was more intellgently comprehended and dramatic art was seen to be after all only intelligent expression of all the faculties.
  ley that you will be interested to know something of the school of expression in Birmingham and the aims and general importance of the work to be accomplish ed therein l will say that the first aim is culture; that is an endeavor to im- prove the voice and bearing for society and the home, an effort to train students to live, as well as to prepare themselves for profession.
 "rhe importance of expressive training and it's practical uses, while almost uni versaly recognized theoretically, are practically ignored in modern education. Some of the advantages of the study of expression which the school of expression offers may be summarized as follows:
 '1 Man is, enabled to communicate more satisfactorily with his fellowman.
 "2 The voice is so trained that econ- omy of strength is effected, freedom from sore throat is secured, and speakers and teachers thus enabled to do their work more easily and adequately
 '3. The student is brought into sym pathetic appreciation of the best in liter ature.
 A. practical and natural means of studying literature is furnished Proper vocal expression calls for comprehension of literature to precede the interpretation of spirit. The common method of acquir- ing facts about literature violates the | best methods of education.
 '5. The student acquires an art by which to mould, entertain or teach his | fellows
 "The call for good teachers and public readers Is so great that in this work more l than in any other field, mastery of ex- pression brings financial reward. Those who wish to study for the stage or for any form of dramatic art secures training | of mind body and voice similar to pub lie readers, with special courses in acting | and stage business. Dramatic rehersals will be given in every form of art
 "The difference between bulesque, farce, comedy and mlodrama and tragedy will be studied and practically applied to dramatic rendering. Many ask thls ques- tion; Of what practical value will a course in expression be 10 me unless l mean to be teacher, reader or actor? My answer is this Expression complete mans men. | tai conceptions No one can have clear ideas until he can give adequate express | sion to them.
 "The study of expression tests the &C., curacy and assimilation of knowledge. It | gives mans faculties and powers vigor-