New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-05-24
NATIONAL THEATRE
Women Organize to Found Non
Commercial Playhouse.

->~reesive movement by woman Is
-.,,r,a,Iv interesting at all times; none
20 ,o than now. IL means the result
.aresll thought and preparation ana
,here is n determination TO succeed
~ Instantly commands attention.
,,s.sort heralding or blare OF trumpots
a.. Voman's National Theatre movement
- attained degree OF prominence
-.,cb bespeaks success. or course many
IN ouestion its practicability because II
,yo,,an's movement" but II is an
.oora,ea organization. under Delaware
49,. laws. and that means Il is founded
-, q sound business basis. With paid
confessional membership OF over 400
"a evidence OF financial interest. this
,.,hsrshlp is from all professions and
agrees OF society. and Is steadily grow
anu. thu woman's National Theatre
as Cor accommodation. II will seek
- "a self-supporting: but In practical
amer II will be thoroughly democratic
- administration: will not establish
',.sorship OF plays; exploit any member
= gamblers OF the theatrical profession,
- IN any manner oppose the producing
a,ssers: but II will aim TO encourage
,he highest ideals in the American actor
"a playwright. 1t is not being promoted
-. Srearers. but will be directed by a
S.a composed OF men and women OF
-,,s,,c attainments. tina woman's influ-
-. heing a dominant feature. The
,,,o,,sn's National Theatre will seek 10
"a, by the mistakes OF other idealistic
.ro-,. nreferring 10 begin in an humble
~,anner and expand with the growth OF
the effort
The fundamental principles have been
carried from the national theatres OF Eu-
,ooA and adapted 10 the needs Of the
,-n,,ss States. Its speciAc aims can best
"a explained by the following selections
from its prospectus:
"Si,c. three-fourths Of the audiences
., all theatrical performances are women;
zinc. women are actresses. producers,
nisywrights, theatrical agents, play brok-
ave theatre managers and dramatic
rifles: since the theatre is the most i'm
Dortant institution Of social influence. and
the wonan's movement the most import
ant social expression in the United States
,o-dav. and since the civic problem: How
occuny proftably and pleasurably the
Isisure OF the people,? is one OF the most
serious problems of the times. this COM
many ia formed by women to organize and
onerate theatrical companies, productions
and theatres within the City of New York
aud other cities Of the United States"
The principles actuating organization
are these:
ITO bring back TO the ranks OF the the
atre patrons the very large class who
have abandoned the playhouse as a
Injury beyond their means: TO give 10
the awakened desire OF the public at
minimum scale OF prices at nightly and
daily performances the truest interpreta-
tim OF American life through the most
human OF all the arts-that Of the stage.
To meet the desire OF the Church and
schools, that the stage may, through lis
farreaching power. become co-worker
for good in civic life and education. To
encourage and stimulate the American
actor. actress and playwright. To profit
by the example Of European countries en-
deavoring to implant love and under
standing OF the theatre in the hearts and
minds of the young
The founder and president OF the
woman's National Theatre Qnc) is Mrs
r. V. Martinsen, ST.. Hotel Somerset
New York City; vice-presidents. Miss
Mary Shaw, Mrs. Edith Ellis Furness and
Miss Jessie Bonstelle; secretary and treas
urer, Mrs Axel o. Ihlseng.