Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1912-02-26

%portunity for public presentation, the
author has established himself or her
self as a recognized playwright, whose
subsequent works would certainly
merit and doubtless receive attention.
The prize play has already the as
sured booking at two prominent thea
tres Directors, Newark, week of May
6, n Proctor's Broad Street Theatre,
Elizabeth, week of April 29), and those
who are familiar with the theatrical
profession know how difficult it is
sometimes to get a hearing or to get
their play ~"booked" afteR they once
have 1t ready. There are a great many
plays that are given 'tryouts,' in
which cases the producers must bear
the expense of their production and
of the time and money it takes to get
it ready, md hen it is often the case
that the play is not a success and con-
sequently fails to get any booking. The
average person that puts on a vaude-
vile act takes a chance, for even if his
play gets by" the manager it may not
"get past the audience, and her it
is surely doomed.
In the instance of The Stars plav-
writing contest the young author has
~ CiAdilCC0 ~ dhC bNtl u ltllilS Is III
his favor. The winning play will be
produced and advertised for hi.l and
there viii be nothing to worry about.
Their is no doubt thai the High
School pupils can write as interesting
a story as some of the professional
pIaywrights. Unfortunately it is the
case hat a play written by a man
whose reputationis made will be con-
sidered in preference to $ call 'un-
known writer's" but that is not be-
cause the well-known writer's plays
are necessarily better.
Playwriters with wide reputation can
dispose of their goods much the same
as certain names on merchandise will
sell the goods, ven though tn e are
others Just as good and perhaps less
expensive. But it must be remembered
that before reputation" as a play
wright is gained there must be some
merit exhibited and s7me ability dis
played. There must always be a be-
ginning and there can be no better
way to begin than to enter the con-
test now being promoted by The Star.
Contest Queries.
Play Contest Editor:
I am trying for the play contest prize
and I would like v\ry much to win;
| enclosed YOU will find Nmy application. !
would nketo know if you think the act
would be stronger If 1t had music to IT
ar isn't II necessary? FREDA A. ,.
Music is by no means essential to a
successful act. On he contrary the
young writer will find it easier to
write q good story than to compose
good music. While a musical act will
not be barred and an act with inciden-
tai music or a song will of course be
| considered, still | am of the opinion
that the strongest and best stories
will be told without any musical inter-
probation
If a writer wants effective music to
strengthen a part of his dialogue and
acting that will be entirely allowable
For instance, If there Is a sad part,
soft music would add to the scene
or If there was some lively action APP
propriate music. would help. In such
cases as these. however. it will not be
necessary for the pupil to be con-
cerned at all, All hat is needed will
| be to mark in you manuscript ("sof'
music''), giving the cues or lines where
the music should begin and where il
should cnd.-P. G. Editor.