Pine Bluff daily graphic. (Pine Bluff, Ark.) 1893-1942, 1919-06-01

nldCely Lo,UOO,OUU. 1IeSc llSuIes siloW
the success and popularity Of the
shows produced by the army; they
prove that soldiers were constant in
their attendance at the theatres and
huts, and they illustrate the great
/ scope of the work accomplished by the
entertainment bureau.
Work Was Efficient.
! The way the army has handled iN
big job of entertainments job as
big as any ever undertaken by any
privately owned amusement enter
prise-has been very thorough. Men
of theatrical experience and those
with theatrical talen have been train
ed, costumed and equipped, and shows
+ have been written and produced with
speed and efficiency that would
amaze veteran producers.
| At S. O.. S. headquarters at Tours
was located a novel organization that
has been the keystone of the whole
army entertainment structure. 1t was
the play factory.
stone building in the historic old RAN
mes barracks it soon outgrew it's home
and, as the entertainment forces of
the army increased in numbers the
play factory increased in size until it
possessed three big rehearsal rooms,
as many stages, large and complete
ly equipped costuming and equipping
department, and a staff of writer's,
coaches and producers. The play fac
tory has been directed by Maurice
Stewart of the Y. M. CA, a noted
actor and theatrical producer from
California and Sgt. "Ted" Symans, of
Denver, Colo, playwright adm maya
zine writer. These men have been
assisted by staff of musical writer's
and directors, scenic men, costumers,
and coaches.
Talent Developed.
! To the play factory were sent SOL
idiers who had stage experience and
soldiers who possessed musical or
dramatic talen. The qualifications of
these men were noted by the play
factory staff and they were given
parts in theatrical productions fitted
to their individual abilities.
Like a Mecca to which pilgrims
flock the play factory was magnet
that attracted the player-men of the
army. At al times scores of soldier
stage aspirants were housed in the
players barracks, near the play fac
tory. waiting for places in army pro-
auctions.
AS plays were written and cast by
the workers of the play factory the
performers were chosen from the men
present and drilled and released in
their roles while costumes and scenes
were being made ready. After the
productions had been fashiend to the
satisfaction of the directors of the en-
tertainment bureau they were sent
out on the long theatre circuit that
covered the entire A. E. F. Vaudeville
actors with single acts or short
sketches were also handled at the
play factory. They were coached,
their acts strengthened and polished,
and equipment and costumes supplied.
Throughout the busy months of
March, April and May the play fac
tory was truly factory, turning out
with machine-like speed and perfect
ion hundred of shows that spread
Laughter throughout France.
! And let it not be thought that these
shows were crude, amateurish pro-
ductions. Dozen of musical comedies.
many of them having as many as $50
men in the cast. have been produced
at the play factory. These shows
were elaborate. In settings, costumes
and personnel they rivalled some of
the biggest shows on the professional
| stage of America. Out of the ranks
of the army came many stars who in
civil life were footlight favorites.
These men gave of their best. to make
the army entertainment program a
success.
Women Volunteered Aid.
. In the feminine roles of the army
, plays-comedies, musical extrava-
ganzas and dramas-were many pro-
fessional actresses who volunteered
their services for overseas work. In
!, addition to these there were many
. female impersonators who became
bewitching chorus girls under the
!, tuition of the army play directors
! and coaches. Frequent shaving, skill
!. full makeup, and pretty gowns made
fascinatingly beautiful principals and
!, chorus ladies Of many husky soldiers.
A booking office was opened at the
: entertainment bureau in Tours and
: placed in charge Of men who had
J theatrical booking office experience
before entering the army. A system
Of booking was introduced that pro-
, yided constant entertainment for all
units in the S. o. S. and that made
] possible the exchange of shows be-
4 tween the S. o. S. and the Third ar
my in Germany. In spite of the diff
culties of transportation in many
!. lparts Of France the thorough system
: of routing devised by the booking
: men enabled the entertainment forces
s to reach into every corner of the A
e E. F. with an unceasing barrage Of
: fun and laughter that effectually
{ prevented the demonds of gloom from
Y ever gaining entry to an American
!. camp.