Vaudeville trails thru the West (1919)

HERBERT LLOYD^S VAUDEVILLE GUIDE 5 SIMPLY SUGGESTIONS. Verify the railroad time of leaving and arrival, as possible changes may have been made. (The Author is not infallible.) If you have occasion to "tip" use "Thrift Stamps." They are very acceptable and at the same time you help the government. Never buy a "Noon Edition" of an evening newspaper if you are looking for the "write up" of the show, as nine times out of ten, it does not appear until the night additions, after 4:00 P. M. Nurse your voice when playing cities of high altitude. Do not cut your act, but take it easy and do not strain. As possible changes may occur in the management and staffs of some of the theatres, we would suggest that in event you write the manager, stage manager, props, etc., that you address your envelope simply to "Manager," etc., and in your letter to the party in person. This will insure your letter reaching the official in question, and at the same time allows you to address him by personal name, in your letter. If you make a hotel reservation, live up to it, as morally it is as binding as a signed contract. Animal acts can buy express tickets at Duluth, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Superior, etc., through to Portland or other far west cities and save express rates through Montana, which are three times the regular rate in that state. This means a very big saving and worth investigating. Don't ask for "props" that you have discontinued using. If your prop plot calls for it, the prop^rtyman naturally gets it for you, thinking you really want it. Scratch out of your prop list what you don't actually use with your present act. Sometimes the Circuit Press Bureau sends in your prop list for you with discontinued props on it. In that case notify them that you no longer require that particular prop or props. When crossing the mountains or desert and you pass any isolated farms or ranches, throw out any old newspapers or magazines that you are finished with. They will be greatly appreciated by these people who live out of the "beaten path." Avoid arguments with the other acts or the stage crews, as it injures both your act and your dignity and lessens your value to which ever circuit you may be playing. If the "other fellow" is billed more prominently than you, do not blame him, as the error, if it is one, was made by the head office of the circuit. Any conditions as regard your billing have stipulated in writing in your contract. Don't take any one's verbal agreement. If you should notice any mail in the mail box for some fellow per- former who is ahead of you on the circuit, or you know is at another local theatre, whether he is a personal friend or not, take time and re-address it to him. He may return the same favor some day. Don't critise a merchant in Canada if his price on some particular American article is a little higher than you can obtain it in the "states" as naturally he has to pay duty on it the same as if you bought it in Europe. Take in all the wonderful places of interest to be seen on this western trip. People, outside of show business, spend hundreds of dollars to see the same things that you can see virtually for nothing, while you earn a salary. In event you use an iron in the theatres, be sure and note the voltage, before attaching, which will save "blow outs" both to the electrical equipment and to the electrician's temper. A good plan is to "play safe" and ask the electrician's permission. He will undoubtedly grant it but otherwise if you cause a "blow out" he will naturally have to re"fuse". READ "THE PROPER SPIRIT" ON PAGE 69