New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-05-06
PLANS UPL|FT OF STAGE
Federation of Theatre Clubs
Holds Its First Meeting.
AIM is FOR BEST PLAYS
Messrs. Thomas, Lackaye and
Resented Tell of Objects of
New Organization.

The public as producer. hacker, critic ana
audience OF its PLAYS all In one y the
hope held out by the National Federation
Of Theatre Clubs. whose first meeting was
held at Walack's Theatre last night.
The plan Of the recently formed organiza-
ton was outlined by several speakers, In
Guiding Augustus Thomas, James w. Os-
borne. sydney Roscnfeld. Mrs. Belle de
Rivera. Wilton La"kaye ard others.
Primarily. the object Of the association
Is 10 produce meritorious new plays. II in
tends to do this through the aid OF It's
membership. which. It is hoped, Will short
~ include the full rosters Of such clubs
end ORGANIZATIONS a. tho Lambs, the Green
Room Club the Players, the Actors
Church Alliance. the Playgoers. the Cen
fury Theatre club. the New York Theatre
club. the Actors Society and the Drama
League. with its many branches.
Last nights programme. which was 70
be opened by the federation's president,
sydney Rosenfeld. started instead with
Augustus Thomas. who apologiZed. say
Ing that he had an innexible engagement
1T was AT the Lambs Club
The new federation" said Mr. Thomas,
who declared he was proud TO he idenu-
fed with il. will produce plays. not so
much for art for arts sake, and not neces-
sariy plays hv we'll known writer's, but
plays Of high ideals. stimulating plays
that the American people can remember
without blushing for their support.
Wilton Lackaye also had an inheXible
engagement. Gust whore, II could not be
learned After Juggling at the tails or
his evening coat he began by defending
the theatrical managers as whole from
the assaults usually made upon them by
those who hold them responsible for the
wickedness OF some plays. Mr.. Lackaye
thought the public was TO blame, save In
very few instances.
Most OF the people who cry for the up
lift Of the theatre are those who go in on
passes. and the public would not be up
lifted. even II you gave II a pass" he said.
The theatrical managers, with the ex-
ception Of few who are low fellows in
themselves. are for a clean stage. And the
sooner these low fellows are driven out
the better II will he for all concerned"
Here Mr. Iackaye called attention TO
the fact that money more than resolutions
and high flown talk would help the move
ment along. and reminded all that annual
dues were only 81 Many signed the sub
scriptIon blanks which were handed out
by ushcrs
Mr.. Rosenfcld spoke next. and pointed
out tina. not only would the federation be
OF assistance to the public and TO the
playwrights, but would also he OF aid 10
the managers. who would be able TO see
the plays of authors produced on the stage
instead OF hearing them read. And all the
cost would be borne entirely by the dues
of the members OF the federation.
1--WE are charging too much at the
theatres for what we give" SAID Mr..
Rosenfeld I'VE are entitled 10 the best
at the lowest cost, and 81 should be
enough"
Charles Frohman had to go away before
his turn came TO speak.
There was Il short programme Of, en-
tertainment including recitation of Kip
ling's "If' by Mary Shaw. Edith Wynne
Matthison also recited. There will be a
business meeting Of the federation on
Nav a.