The Washington times., 1922-03-19
SPRING PLAYS
90 ON AS
USUAL
Drastic Orders Affecting Uss
f, Of Auditoriums Changed by
Commissioners Last Week.
b JAMES B. AswELI, Jr.
THE jinx that has been
4 4

I ~ eAAARSSosD sse AAVWns SnVVs
suditoriums will be available
for the long-looked -forward-to
spring plays, the District Com
missionsrs having modified
their original rather drastic
orders to close the halls.
For several weeks, members
Of the casts Of coming pro-
ductions and high school pupils
~ . body have had serious ap-
prshensions lest their annual
plays, which are the engender-
ers Of 20 much interest and
enjoyment, should find them
selves without accommodations
for production.
When orders to close the au-
ditorfums were first received.
amazement was expressed in
many quarters At some Of the
halls being considered dangerous
by fire chiefs.
NO EXCEPTIONS MADE.
II was especially surprising
that the new and spacious Gen.
trail auditorium should have been
deemed hazardous in case Of fire.
The chamber inSpires one with
Q sense Of complete safety from
the time Of entering it-with its
massive stze and numerous exits.
Lack Of an adequate water sup
ply nearby was the principal
reason. Il 10 understood. for
recommendations In this case.
It was an occasion Of much re-
joicing among amateur dramatic
enthusiasts when II became
known last week that the COM
missioners had determined on .
milder policy for recommends
ton to the board of education.
Many of these have worked hard
since the beginning of the pres
ent school year for parts In the
spring plays and It would have
been q crushing disappointment
to know the performances had
been called off.
The presence OF movable. and
inflamable scenery seems to be the
principal concern or the Gem
missioners and fire officials. In
some cases q restriction on seating
capacity was also laid Beyond
these precautions. however, most
halls win continue In use as here
tofore. The Recommendations,
which apply to the Junior and
senior high schools, were drawn
UP following Q conference Of the
commissioners, and the session OF
q special committee headed by E.
c. Graham. Mr.. Graham termed
the indication Of seating capacity
q good measure
SUGGESTIONS
Here are the specific recommen-
dations. ~ they apply to the var
ious high schools:
Central High School-Except in
case of plays involving movable
scenery, use Of auditorium not re-
stricted. Performances only To-
school purposes (this includes
plays) are to be given. Scenery
must be restricted to q minimum.
NICK n ey-Seating capacity,
TOO; platform too small for use
Of scenery.
Wilson Normal-Take all seem
cry from hall Use to full capac-
ity Of 500.
Eastern-Tor school use, capac-
ity $50; other purposes not over
500.
western-Scenery prohibited
without scenery use auditorium
to full capacity Of TAO. Moving pic
ture booth must Do discontinued
until fire regulations are compiled
with.
Tho Board Of Education immedi-
ately decided. upon receipt Of
same. to adopt the suggestions of
the Commissioners as a policy.
80 the spring plays win be given
~ usual. according to present pros
poets. And most Of them will DO
good ones. Central has Just an.
nounced the play Of her choice.
SEVEN Keys to Baldpate," with an
excellent cast headed by David
Tavan and James Corey. Plans
for plays at other schools are well
under way.
Chess Attracts