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14
Better Theatres Section
December 15, 1934
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acts in addition to its own program. The entire program is closely connected and interwoven. Performers in one act could fill in on some other act, one act leading directly to and into the following offering. An afterpiece — a sort of ensemble or finale in which most of the performers , take part — usually closes the show.
The variety idea is a straight vaudeville bill, the performers appearing only in their own act, each act in its own setting. At least one flash act should be incorporated in the bill. Usually this is a dance, singing, musical act, a combination of any two, or all three of these.
A special setting should be provided for the flash act, and the routine and setting should, in some manner, carry out the New Year's idea. Other acts work in their
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Costume Suggestion
own scenery or house pieces, such as olio, street, etc. A number of acts will of course make the construction of special pieces for each act prohibitive. Early booking may make possible the selection of good acts which carry their own setting. The night club idea makes it possible to stage the entire show in one setting. The unit idea makes possible a reduction in the number of scenery changes over the straight bill.
THE SETTI N G
The suggestion for a New Year's Frolic setting as illustrated in Figure 1, is prompted by four things — atmosphere, adaptability, flash, cost.
Atmosphere of the carnival, supplied in the balloons, augmented if desired with serpentine suspended from battens, is indispensable in an offering of this type. The illuminated buildings in the background suggest the time, night. The large window suggests that the entertainment is staged indoors, in a studio, or perhaps a roofgarden. Potted plants and palms could be used to dress the set.
Adaptability: The setting can be built on a large or small scale, to accommodate an orchestra of thirty pieces, or a band of five or six.
Flash : A riot of colors, sparkling with metallic flitters, a blaze of light.
Cost is the bugaboo of most theatre managers but can be almost forgotten in so far as materials are concerned. Labor is the greater item, and even this can be held down to a minimum. If you employ a lobby artist, turn the work over to him. Get a handy schoolboy for a helper during the holiday vacation. A bright, ambitious boy will be well worth his wage. He can do most of the building and plain {Continued on page 30)
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