Exhibitors Herald (1925)

8 BETTER THEATRES SECTION OF September 12, 1925 Organization and Procedure of Paramount Managers’ School Analysis of Course Shows Embryo Exhibitors W ill Take Up Many Subjects on Operation and Equipment Which Have Been Discussed in Better Theatres’ ’ Articles IN an interview with John F. Barry, director of the Paramount Theatre Managers’ Training School, certain facts were explained in connection with the organization and procedure of the school which will be of interest to readers of “Better Theatres,” since it discloses that many of the subjects to be treated in the class rooms are ones which have been discussed in the column of “Better Theatres” in various articles from time to time. Nothing sets down more clearly the purpose of this school than the foreword in its catalogue by Harold B. Franklin, director of theatres of the Famous-Players Lasky Corporation. This foreword strikes the keynote in the following paragraphs : * % % “ Although motion picture theatre management is a highly technical work which requires especially trained experts , there has been hitherto no training center for those preparing to carry on this important work. Men have developed at different points throughout the country by the sheer force of individual efforts and experience . Because there has been no definite training center it is inevitable that there has been much waste , much blundering y and a general failure to capitalize on the individual advances of this highly technical profession. There has not therefore been any reliable source from which to supply the fully trained men that are needed to fill vacancies. ** The problem of amusing people week in and week out in different parts of the nation is a big one. The operation of theatres cannot be mechanically standardized because entertainment depends so much upon individuality and personal initiative. However , there are basic principles responsible for successful theatre operation. Theatre managers of the future , thoroughly trained in these principles will have a big advantage. Intensive study of what the leading managers of the country have done , and are doing , will give a fund of useful information . *‘The purpose of the school is essentially practical. and its scope most comprehensive. It will give intensive training in every detail of theatre man By JOHN S. SPARGO agement , explaining not only the ‘ how * but the ‘ why It will lay a solid foundation for the future by sending out ambitious graduates equipped to carry on an important work. This school should heljt to establish a high standard for the profession , for students will be trained not only in practical details but also in the responsibility of civic duties and in the high obligations to the ideals of the industry. **All this should be an influence affecting the dignity of the motion picture theatre. Because these theatres are everywhere contributing to the welfare of their communities , it cannot be denied that there is a certain dignity and importance to the profession of theatre management. It makes a just claim on the professional spirit and is governed by the ideals of American business. Graduates of this school will go forth with a realization of the significance of the work they undertake and of its possibilities for service.** * * # The steps in the organization for the development of the project as it moved from the stage of ideas into a reality is interesting. When the catalog was distributed all over the country from exchanges, theatres, and through officials of colleges and universities, publicity was carried in magazines and newspapers throughout the country and an intensive drive was made to bring the school to the attention of young men who would be interested. The time was short from the announcing of the plan to the date set for registration. Nevertheless about five hundred applications reached school before the date set for selecting the forty members of the opening session. The schedule of the school requires attendance from 9 :30 until 5 :30, five days of the week, and four hours’ attendance on Saturday. Each evening, besides study required on the material given during the day, there are assignments for special work given to the class as a body, and research assignments given to individuals who are expected to make a report of their findings periodically. Because of the intensive work required no student is permitted to engage in an outside employment while enrolled in the school. A miniature theatre has been equipped and in the auditorium of this the students get most of their training. However, field work and observation takes them to many of the theatres in New York and vicinity where they go to investigate definitely assigned problems. Each of these theatre visits is followed by a detailed report of the investigation as questionairre is arranged for their tour of inspection, and there is nothing haphazard or aimless in this phase of the work. After the students have made some advance in the fundamentals, they will be assigned to different department heads in local theatres to assist in the preparation and execution of the daily routine. The library of the school contains books on every subject of the schedule, and books on affiliated subjects. A complete set of the files of the trade papers is used for reference and research work. * * * Six of the students were selected because of their proficiency in speaking foreign languages, and these men will be given special training for the foreign field. One section of the library has been devoted to the foreign field. Complete files of press sheets of current productions are at the service of the students. A file of the amusement pages, showing the development of theatre ad layouts has been built. Every member of the class receives each issue of the trade papers and these are studied ac( Continued on page 26) rQj sff h§rmy\ Drawing by Architect Victor A. Rigaumont, Pittsburgh, of palatial theatre for Rowland & Clark which will be erected in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh.