Evening star., 1941-03-04

dramatlc ability winch Is JUST walt
ing to be discovered. And even II
two or three of the group fatty re-
fuse to smear their faces with grease
paint and mug across the footlights,
remember that you'll need ward
robe mistress, q stage manager and
q property man. You can find q
place for everybody in this little
project.
If you plan to make money out
Of the show, your first concern Is a
competent director. Even in a small
community there is apt to be an
adult, or an older fellow or girl,
who has had some experience in
amateur theatricals. Try to get the
best one available, and be prepared,
If necessary, to pay him for his
trouble out of the box Office receipts.
Good direction is important; 1t can
make or break your play.
Probably the next step should be
the selection of q committee to find
and choose q play. Your local Ii
brarian can help you here. She can
give you copies of plays to read, and
tell you what publishers you should
write to get catalogues Of other
available dramas. The matter OF
royalty will be q consideration in
your choice; also the simplicity and
cost of costumes, properties and
scenery.
Don't be too ambitious. Avoid
stark, somber tragedy-even II
Rosemary Is convinced that she
would be a WOW in q deathbed
scene. Remember that most audi
ences like comedy, particularly when
it touches familiar characters and
situations.
If you're rank beginners, reject
any play that's too long, with diff
cult, lengthy speeches. A program
consisting of two or three one-act
plays might be better for you than
a three-act drama. And choose
something that has plenty Of action
in it. Talky shows bore an audience
even when done by competent pro-
fessionals. Don't handicap your
selves with something in which the
characters merely sit around and
discuss the Meaning of 1t All.
Nor do you have to plan an entire
evening Of theater in order to give
q public exhibition of your efforts
A one-act play followed by dancing
perhaps with the audience sitting al
tables night-club style, would make
a novel and enjoyable party for late
spring.
Or you might even put on youl
show in somebody's recreation room
with an audience made up only oi
your friends, families and other peo-
pie who wouldn't yell for theil
money back If the project laid ar
egg, complete with ham actors.
II you're going to give q perform.
ance for pay, you'll want to select g
business manager who will hire the
hall, have tickets printed, advertise
the performance and arrange fol-
printed programs, ushers, etc. Per.
haps he can even get q few loca-
merchants to underwrite the cost OF
the programs by buying advertising
space on them.
In making q final selection Of q
play, lend an earnest ear to YOU
directors advice, and discount tn,
violent arguments of Eddie j. il
favor of some drama which h,
thinks has part that just fits him
OF course, If you're doing this jus'
for fun, you may want to write youl
own play. In that case, remember
our advice about action rather thar
words. Also, keep down the num-
Der OF scenes to avoid boring wait.
during the performance.
In another column, coming mex
week, we'll give you some hints or
casting your show and on preparing
for the big performance.
II you like other ideas for
putting pep into your club, send
for our "Club Names and Club
Activities" 1t contains plenty Of
tips, including money making
ideas, and 1t costs you just 5
cents. Address Kay Caldwell and
Alden Harrison, In care Of this
newspaper.