The theatre of science; a volume of progress and achievement in the motion picture industry (1914)

of Science les musical field has become an established favorite in filmdom. From Oscar C. Apfel's very first entrance into the theatrical world he has always, in one way or another, been connected with stage management. Beginning in 1901 with a company playing a season of fortyseven weeks of one-night stands, Apfel was unanimously elected as "Props," besides playing three parts. The next season he Vv^as promoted, being stage manager with a real company, playing weeks' stands. From then on he has always been connected with the stage end, the best schooling having been made under the direction of the late Will Dean, of the Belasco forces, with whom Apfel was associated for several seasons in stock work. His ambition, however, was to direct. This ambition was realized when placed in charge of the Chicago Opera House Stock Company eight years ago by Mr. D. H. Hunt. Success in Chicago led to other engagements in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Toledo, San Francisco and other cities. It was hard work, but Apfel liked it. The berth of a stage director in stock companies is not a bed of roses, but the constant change, the thrill of the opening performance, always drew him back. The "movies" had interested Apfel for some time, so in 1911, he had an interview with Mr. Plimpton, of the Edison Company. He (Mr. Plimpton) didn't know whether a dramatic director would make a good picture director or not. Neither did Apfel, so both agreed to take a chance. It was a long chance, for Apfel directed with the Edison Company a year and a half. What appealed most, was the opportunity to give