The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-09-04
SIGNS POINT TO
END OF ACTORS
WALKOUT SOON
Managers Await Guaran-
tees That Closed Shop
Will Not Prevail.
LOOK TO STAGE HANDS
Variety Performers Call a
Meeting and Threaten
to Bolt.
OBJECT TO AGENTS. FEES
Producers Going Ahead With
Plans to Open StrikebOund
Houses.
LOOK TO STAGE HANDS
OBJECT TO AGENTS. FEES

The theatrical managers, after day
Of conferences with representatives Of
playwrights and stage hands, still
were sitting up late with the actors
strike last night Provided they OBJ
tsiIed satisfactory guarantees from
the stage hands that the latter would
rot insist on a closed shop for actors
irditatons were that the strike. would
lt sctt.ed in y day or SO, with recog-
t!lioN OF the Ae,ors Equity Associa-
tscg IS part of the protocol of peace.
Nevertheless members of the Pro-
Gucing Managers Association were 60
irg ahead with preparations for reviv-
ing paralyzed plays. in case the war
vent on. and two new openings were
announced as ready to be thrown into
the breach soon.
! development of yesterday was the
possibility that the unrest which had
led TO the actors walkout may spread
10 the vaudeville wing of the histrionic
tribe.
Renewal of the crisis In the variety
field seemed probable yesterday when
the announcement was made that an
open mass meeting would be held to-
morrow night by the vaudeville, circus
and burlesque branch of the Associated
Actors and Artists of America, to which
even Chautauqua performers are invited.
This gathering, which is the first open
meeting of any vaudeville organization
outside the National Vaudeville Artists
in more than two years. will be held at
the Amsterdam Opera House at IL AS
p. W, that hour being chosen to give all
the players a chance to attend. rather
than with any ;5ss o. srete.ns- ceni-'
petition with the free show which the
Actors Fidelity League is likely to put
on at the Hotel Biltmore earlier on the
same evening.
The chair viii be taken by Francis
Wilson, president Of the Actors Equity
Association, who at the recent affllation
Of the Equity with the American Fedora
ton Of Labor through 1uncture with the
four AS, headed the cast of the latter
body also as International president.
The list Of speakers brings personally
into the limelight for the first time
since the strike started James William
Fitzpatrick and Harry Mountford, the
former dual control of the defunct White
Rats, who now decorate their names
with the titles respectively OF interna-
tional vice-president of the four AS and
president OF the F. A. v. A. and inter-
national executive of the four AS and
executive secretary Of the F. A. v. A
Concerning the true inner meaning of
this last cabalistic arrangement OF
Initials world shaking revelations are
promised.
object to Commissions.
II is also promised that the top will
blow off the volcano which has been
tnouldering among a disaffected portion
sf the vaudevilians since the White
Rats struck several years ago. One
Of the chief grievances which these
players allege centres about the rate
Of commission for encouragement. which
y fixed by law at per cent. but which
r said to reach usually 10 or is per
tent. because after the booking office
has been satisfied the agent who greases
the skids has to gorge his I'LL on the
vaudevillian's pocketbook
THE actor who has to give up this
commission every week." said one OF
the vaudeville organizers yesterday.
pays more to 20 In the stage door
than the audience to go in the front
door"
The performer, II was said, not only
has to pay for his costumes and trans
portation but runs the risk of being dis
carded after he has paid his railroad
fare by a manager who suddenly de-
cides to cut q couple of acts out OF his
bill. feeling he Is overloaded with more
talent than the public can stand at one
session. A minimum of three perform
ances a day is scheduled to be among
the demands at to-morrow's meeting,
based on the plant that in some OF the
small time circuit players have to go
out and act joyful four or Ave times a
day.
In addition to this they claim their
temperament has been rufied by having
the house manager stands In the wings
ana hiss, Hurry UP, get through with
IT. The aim of the manager, II was
carefully explained. wasn't a reflection
on the performers art but desire to
get new crowd into the house.
They Are All Numbered.
To look into these grievances an or.
ganization has been formed, In which
with all the elaborate mystery of q
secret order In Russia, members are en-.
rolled by number instead of by name
Their membership Is drawn from among
the $4,000 vaudeville troupers in the
country who give the nation the time
OF It's life at the 100 big time and 65C
small time houses throughout the land
The booking for the big time or two
day houses is done through the United
f, locking Offices at the Palace Theatre
''re ard V, " A'hee. heed Of this
crganization, said he had heard of nc
trouble among the faithful. unless "out.
tGers are trying to foment it,. Mr.
Nlhee, who developed the n. V. A. and
Established a sumptuous clubhouse for
Hs 10000 members said the vaudeville
actors were never In better circum.
fifLces than at present. He denied EN-.
pnatically that an actor must be q
member Of the N. V. A. before he car
lie himself TO a contract,
Two new plays were announced fol
p'nauction In the near futwA, In add.