The Washington times., 1904-04-17
The Girl and the Stage.
Eugene Blair's Sound Views on an Old
Subject.

1T depends upon the girl whether
the stage as a profession is the proper
one TO choose. says Eugene Blair
Its allurements are many, and in this
day Of success, when money constitutes
such a large factor in the problem Of
selecting one vocation, the young and
ambitious girl is apt TO think the ques-
ton is easily settled by going upon the
stage. this solution seemingly present
ing the most pleasant. attractive and
substantial method of solving the great
subject of independence
1t is undoubtedly true that the stage
offers larger returns than almost any
other profession open to women. but
this is not an invariable rule; indeed.
IL is the exception. because the statis-
tics of the theatrical profession demon
strate that for every ten who achieve
success there are hundreds who fail
completely. and still others who pass
their lives in narrow grooves, sking
out existence in small parts. hoping
waiting. and living from season
to season in this unsatisfactory manner
They devote their youth, their middle
age. TO the stage and the last stage
OF all finds them helpless. knowing not
where 10 go, what to do.
Good Looks and Their Value.
so many girls think that pretty face
and a striking figure are the only ad-
juncts for success upon the boards
These qualifica dons are useful only
when combined with intelligence juds-
ment and discretion, to say nothing of
the temperament which Is so important
a characteristic for the actress who de-
sires prominence.
The life is by no means an easy
one. and many sacrifices must be made
Among others, that of home and dear
ones is the most cruel. Stage means
farewell 10 your comfortable home and
relatives. and in exchange. the four
walls OF a hotel bedrOOm-and a very
cheap room and very small room il is
at first. The companionship Of d few
photographs which can be carried in
trunk. brought out for five days. slowed
away for the sixth and seventh until
the next town is reached, is about all
ore can expect. Later on. when one is
accustomed TO the life and has risen
in the profession and finds a way 70
secure a little more leisure. then one
can arrange TO have a wee bit more
pleasure and a few more friends. One
cannot do this often nor whenever one
chooses; still. conditions are decidedly
better. Hard experience has taught
me that living in trunk is no empty
phrase.
Some one may cirque that travelling
Is delightful and affords opportunity
for meeting people and studying new
places. Travelling is pleasant when one
has time, which one has not when
acting The novelty soon wears off.
and after a season or so it becomes
actually mOnOtonous. SO much OF il
must be done at night il simply becomes
a case Of spending the night in a stuffy
sleeping car instead Of in q cOmfOrta BILE
bed To one who loves ventilation and
space, this Is very trying.
Sacrificing the Open Air.
Il am never so happy as when in
the open air. / believe that everyone
should have as much OF this tonic as
possible. There is nothing like IL for the
nerves. All the medicines on earth
cannot help 8 nervous person as do air
and sunshine. This is especially true
OF stage people. who need more sleep
I'm order 10 repair the wear and tear
upon the brain and nerves.
The public win tell YOU that we
have all day in which TO rest and sleep.