The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-02-27


born nearly three decades age
Plans OF silas Z. Nielsen and
Charles T. Pearson. architects,
were prepared and headed for ac-
ceptance this week. The plans have
the enthusiastic approval Of John
Ashby Conway, production head OF
the department Of drama at the
University OF Washington.
The new theater win be
ready In time for the first fall
production" says Cecil Fuller.
chairman Of the building COM
mittee OF the drama league.
Opening night promises to be
much more than the mere dedica-
ton of a new theater II will be
a milestone in the lives of more
than 500 members of the drama
league. and the many more who
have invested their time, funds,
and generous support.
Revolving Stage
The structure. located at No. I'd
and l SITS, is to be remodeled with
aims. of a permanent theater in
mind.
It win have-pride of prides-a
revolving stage. The only revolv-
ing stage in the Pacific Northwest,
excepting only the Showboat on
the University Of Washington cam
pus.
The stage. operated like a turn
table, will make possible three full
stage sets, or myriad smaller sets.
Its simple construction will make
1t possible for a single person TO
revolve the stage, treadmill fash
ion.
Fulfills Long Need
Anticipated as long-needed
answer to the want for medium
of dramatic expression and crea-
ton, the theater will be an i'm
portant addition to the city's cul-
tural organization.
Its Importance is second only to
the value of the spirit that mott
Yates the drama league.
Barriers do not exist between
its members, for they are bound
together by common love for the
theater. Its members join whole
heartedly in their labor Of love.
They represent the cross-section Of
divergent groups to be found in
every young, energetic city.
Varied Occupations
Witness the occupations of
those who gather to rehearse a
typical play. A mail man, a bank
er, a telephone company employee,
an insurance agent, welfare
worker. a housewife. a high school
student, stenographer. an eleva-
tor operator, a radio announcer.
eff you like the theater, II
In Its service You find n medi-
UNI of self-expression whether
1t be In acting, producing, d.
recting. lighting, creation,
scene designing, study. busi-
ness-your place Is with us;
you are welcome"
Membership in the league costs
remarkably little, and its benefits
are great. They include annual Of
ferings OF five major productions.
two workshop plays, play reviews,
lectures. study groups, and a wide
range of supporting activities.
Outlet For Talents
Typical productions have been
stage Door" The Petrified For
est" "A Dolls House" The
Streets of New York. taken at
random from offerings of the past
few years.
That, to the league is not enough.
Tacoma must have an outlet for
the creative talents burgeoning
within her. Every opportunity to
keep alive an experimental thea
ter, experimental groups, will be
seized and held.
More and more both Broadway
and Hollywood are relying on the
little theater movement through
out the nation for their sources.
They are ignoring neither the act
ing or creative resources uncovered
there.
Thus, while Tacoma's drama
league has as its objective the
nurturing of live drama locally. II
has the possibility of providing
talent TO the capitals of stage and
celluloid.
VIII Seat 500