National vaudeville artists fund (1923)

The Seventh Annual Benefit N the old days, when vaudeville was seeking to emerge from the taint of “variety,” many critics confidently asserted that here was an evanescent thing, a sort of transient fad, destined to go the way of all fads in a few seasons. This period of ominous prophecy has long since passed, and vaudeville today has more securely and permanently established itself in the favor of the amusement seeking public than any other type of theatrical offering. In cities from coast to coast, and from Maine to Florida, vaudeville’s clientele represents the warp and woof of the whole social fabric. It is less a class entertainment than any other style of divertissement, for its appeal is universal, its attractions cosmic. Age places no embargo upon hearty laughter, nor does caste draw a line of demarcation. Youth and maturity, rich and poor, the doctor, the lawyer, the preacher, the banker, the merchant, the shop worker and the President of the United States himself, each finds something to his taste in the joyous potpourri of vaudeville. Here are to be found today the best acts and most gifted players from the legitimate stage, the opera, the musical comedies, and the circus, together with vaudeville’s own army of artists, who are considered the greatest entertainers of the world. In the seven years, since the formation of the National Vaudeville Artists, Inc., and the Vaudeville Managers’ Protective Association, the former has moved forward with almost unbelievable rapidity, until today it is recognized as the greatest organization of its kind in the world. The National Vaudeville Artists, Inc. — better known as the N. V. A. — is composed solely of the men and women entertainers of the vaudeville stage. The members of the Vaudeville IManagers’ Protective Association include managers of all the circuits, large and small, and of practically all the independent houses as well. Fortunately for the future of vaudeville, these associations were formed upon the broad human principle that where kindness and consideration for the “other fellow ” exist, there is small chance for strife or discontent. The two organizations entered into covenants together by the terms of which the managers agreed to bring about certain equitable conditions, such as a contract that was fair and inviolate, the settlement of all disputes, disagreements and claims by a joint arbitration board, and in general a better state of affairs all around. In return, the artists bound themselves to live up to their contracts and otherwise participate in the mutually advantageous agreements. In brief, artists and managers came together at least on a frank “give and take” basis. The plan worked successfully. So successfully, in fact, that in a few years managers were voluntarily offering advantages which the artists themselves had never dreamed of asking. For instance, the one thousand dollar life insurance policy which is given without cost and without even the necessity for physical examination, to every member of the National Vaudeville Artists is the direct result of the vote taken at the annual dinner of the managers in 1920, with the idea originally of donating the entire receipts of one performance each year in all their theatres to an insurance and benefit fund for the artists. The benefits of this insurance are incalculable. At death there is no delay about payment. Red tape is entirely eliminated, for in all of the mutual affairs of the artists and managers since the inception of these two organizations “red tape” has been an unknown term. N. V. A. Day has grown to such proportions that last year it was celebrated in more than one thousand theatres and this year, with the added demands upon the Sick and Benefit Fund, a whole week was required for the celebration, with giant benefits at three of New York’s greatest playhouses, and another in Los Angeles. Thanks to these organizations, every vaudeville artist today can do his best work, secure in the knowledge that his interests are .safeguarded and his future assured. Vaudeville cares for its own, and 20,000 artists benefit directly or indirectly from the activities of the N. V. A. Close to $400,000 has been disbursed in benefits since 1916, while $83,000 in life insurance has been paid to the families of deceased vaudeville artists in the last two years. An average of fifty letters a day are received by Secretary Henry Chesterfield of the N. V. A. These letters call for every sort of advice and aid. Each receives personal attention, and if deemed worthy, generous response is immediately forthcoming. A striking example of the workings of the N. V. A. are the large number of checks mailed weekly to tubercular patients at Saranac, Asheville, Denver and other health resorts, who were former members of the vaudeville profession. Some of these are incurable. But the payments will continue as long as life lasts, and the insurance will be paid to the families after death. The N. V. A. million dollar Clubhouse on West 46th Street is one of the finest institutions of its kind in the world. W ith its beautiful lounge, its reading and writing rooms, its grill and restaurant and model theatre, and its 106 bedrooms, it spells “Home” to thousands of vaudeville artists during their sojourn in New York. Here are always fresh flowers, friendly greetings; in fact, true home atmosphere. Your presence here tonight is very gratifying. Because of the constantly increasing public interest in this notable and humane activity on behalf of vaudeville artists it is necessary to engage three of the biggest theatres in New York for tonight’s benefits. You are sure to enjoy yourself. And all the famous stars who are appearing tonight play with added zest in the knowledge that by their efforts they are helping brother and sister artists the country over, doing their share nobly for the movement which has made vaudeville an Institution of which America may well be proud.