Showmen's Trade Review (Apr-Jun 1939)

June 24, 1'^S9 SHOWMEN'S T R A I) I-". R !•: V I I-: W Page 39 Theatre Housekeeping — Cleaning Up for Profit (From Encyclopedia of Exploitation) □ What is condition of roof equipment? Roof should be clear of all debris, to prevent stopping of drains and consequent leaks. □ Is the FLASHING in good repair? □ SKYLIGHTS? □ VENTILATING LOUVRES (if automatic, do thev work) ? □ Revolving turret draft VENTILATORS — are thej^ in good repair, do they revolve freely? □ Are EXHAUST FANS and power source in good repair and lubricated regularly? □ Are FIRE ESCAPES to and from the roof safe? □ Is STAGE KEPT CLEAN, whether in use or not? O Is equipment in perfect working order? □ If stage is not in use, are the stage ropes and rigging inspected regularly? □ IS THE ASBESTOS CURTAIN IN PERFECT WORKING ORDER? □ Is unused scenerj^ properly stored? □ Is the SWITCHBOARD PROTECTED? □ Is SPRINKLER SYSTEM regularly inspected and in proper working order? FIRE EXTINGUISHERS should be stationed on both sides of stage. Stage manager should have an extinguisher convenient, near switchboard. Stagehands should know locations of extinguishers and exit doors. At least one light on stage should be kept burning at all times, night and day. Smoking on stage should never be permitted. MICROPHONES USED ON STAGE should be kept covered with cloth cover when not in use, to prevent dust accumulating. □ Are DRESSING ROOMS backstage in good condition? If in use they should be cleaned daily. Even if not used, they should be kept clean and ready for instant use; should be kept locked when not in use, making certain, first, that no lights are left burning in them. □ How about other store-rooms and closets that are kept closed — is it possible that lights might be left burning in them? □ Are ELECTRIC SWITCHES guarded? Are they clean of dust and dirt (careful in dusting or cleaning them)? Q If heat is being used, is heating unit entirely satisfactory? O Is excessive amount of FUEL used? □ Any way of saving? n If gas is used, are meters okay? □ If heating equipment is not in use is it in condition to be put in use when required? □ Is it in need of any repairs, or cleaning? □ Have grates, fire-boxes, ash-pits, back connections, all oil-burning equipment been cleaned? □ Check for necessary' adjustments, damper regulations, safety valves, gauges. Check, clean and replace flues or chimney boiler sections and tubes. Check, cement and repair any air leaks. Check pumps, leaking pipes, motors. Has boiler been inspected? □ Is engine room clean, painted, clear of all debris, and is brass brightly shined? The average theatreman knows more about show business than the exceptionally well informed patron who fcuys a ticket to his show — but he doesn't know anything more about cleanliness than the average house-wife. This latter truism is worth remembering. Women are the most important patrons of the theatre. Sell the women, and they'll bring the men along. That's a-b-c stuff. But how well is it remembered in all its implications? Cleanliness about the theatre is something that should come first with every theatremanager — and there isn't a really sucessful manager or owner in the country who won't come right out and say so. These showmen make it a practice to see that the house staff is diligent about keeping the theatre clean, neat and well-groomed. Training the Staff In the lobby the doorman functions as the guardian of cleanliness. Staff men are instructed to keep the floor perfectly clear at all times of such litter as cigarette butts, cigar stubs, matches and paper, and once at least during the show the lobby is swept out, regardless of how clean it may appear on superficial glance. Assuming that the theatre is given a thorough vacuum cleaning every morning, with complete and efficient cleaning throughout, there is still the necessity of keeping the well-groomed house looking that way from the beginning of the first show to the closing of the last show at night. Thus in the foyer and auditorium all employes should be required to keep carpets and floors free of all litter. In walking up and down the aisles the ushers should make it a point to pick up waste paper such as candy wrappers, burnt matches, etc., or have a porter, or himself, obtain a dustpan and brush and clean the floor of any discarded matter littering the floor. Save Those Carpets One of the most destructive things that can happen to floor covering is for chewing gum to become matted into the carpet. Instant removal of this destructive stuff means a great saving of time later on and also eliminates a source of aggravation should some patron, innocent of the habit of tossing gum about, be afflicted with the nuisance of removing it from his or her own shoes. Frequent visits by employes to the rest rooms is another means of keeping the theatre in the good graces of those who are particular about these matters of cleanliness. Above all things get fresh air into the lounges and rest rooms, and if a good amount of ventilation can't be introduced because of lack of window openings and cross-ventilation, then put in some one of many devices that are now available for freeing these enclosed rooms of objectionable odors and stale air. STRONG Nothing less t-han a pict-ure with depth and definition, one which brings out delicate details and fairly sparkles with realistic effect is acceptable today. Exhibitors everywhere are crediting Strong Arc Lamps for giving them this improved projection. You, too, can enjoy the economy of using these modern lamps. Their higher efficiencies result in a tremendously increased volume of light without a corresponding increase in operating costs. For Sale by Independent Theatre Supply Dealers everywhere. Demonstration in your own theatre without obligation. Write today for free catalog on Strong unconditionally guaranteed products — your guide to better projection. ELECTLIC COHPOHATION 2501 LAGRANGE STREET • TOLEDO, OHIO £xport Office: noom 2002, 22Q W. 42ad St, York City