The Optical Magic Lantern Journal (December 1900)

158 The Optical Magic Lantern Journal and Photographic Enlarger. A Profitable Christmas and New . Year’s Occupation. By THOMAS BYFORD. T Christmas time and right into the New Year there is a great demand for lantern entertainments suitable for children’s Christmas and New Year parties. Of late years the #} business has increased by leaps and bounds, and those not in the know can scarcely realise the big trade which is done in this particular line at the festive season of the year. London, of course, is the place in chief; but it does not follow that because one does not reside in London it is impossible to engage in it. There are openings in all parts of the United Kingdom, more especially where a number of good class people reside with large families. The demand in some country districts often exceeds the supply. In London the large firms, such as Spiers & Pond, Co-operative Stores, etc., secure the bulk of it, which is mostly sublet by them to an entertainment agency; therefore, the chance for a new beginner is but remote, unless he advertises. A small advertisement, something after the following, should be inserted in one or two London dailies (the Morning Post, Times, or Telegraph, for preference) about three days before Christmas, and continued daily for about seven days into the New Year :— NHILDREN'’S Christmas snd New Year parties attended by an experienced lan ternist; entertainment very humorous and strictly refined ; circular on application. A nicely worded circular and programme of entertainment must be prepared and printed in | an effective but not elaborate style. Sometimes itis possible to obtain engagements from the ° entertainment agencies and libraries, but the pay in most cases is small; therefore, it is better to strike out for oneself, and secure the prizes first hand. In provincial towns an advertisement in the local newspaper is necessary. Circularise the better class residents likely to have children’s parties. Also endeavour to have one or two | circulars posted up in the windows of the , prominent shops, and in the windows of private | houses abutting on the road. The local shop| keepers will recommend and book engagements amongst their customers on commission, say 10 | per cent. Do not on any account exhibit for a less sum than a guinea; about £1 5s. is a good | average charge, which should include travelling expenses within three miles. Beyond that distance extra must be charged for travelling. To charge a low sum means the show being despised, for when a thing is cheap human nature imagines it to be inferior. ‘The entertainment should last about 70 minutes, and as much laughter as possible must be got out of the juvenile audience, which means a forerunner of future engagements and, best of all, recommendations. In towns and outlying districts it is possible to arrange three shows an evening, or at various times during the day. The following is a case in point:—Many years ago the writer was touring through a county in the West of England, and was booked to appear at a remote country school one evening early in the New Year, and in the immediate vicinity was a large house simply alive with visiting children. Soon after arrival an engagement was offered at this house for the following evening. As a special engagement was booked about 20 miles distant, it had to be declined, unless it could be arranged for 10.30 the following morning, which suggestion was immediately accepted. After exhibiting and partaking of lunch, and one and a half guineas the richer, the next vHlage was reached about 3.30 in the afternoon. The gentleman who was responsible for this special engagement requested an interview at the hall, and on putting in an appearance it was asked that an exhibition be given there and then before the squire and his family. His wish was complied with, which resulted in another guinea and a half and an excellent tea. The entertainment to be given in the school , room at 7.30 was for one and all living in the village, and it was, as before mentioned, an engagement on special terms. Not a lump sum, but 4d. each person was to be allowed, adults and children combined. They were to be admitted by ticket, which was to be retained . and exchanged for the coin of the realm the following morning. Exactly 220 put in an appearance, which resulted in a return of £3 13s. 4d., or £6 16s. 4d. for the day’s work, : which was, as far as the writer is concerned, a . record day. It is possible to give these entertainments at all seasons of the year. If one resides in a | town, it soon becomes known far and wide that an entertainer of the right sort dwells therein : and country people, being somewhat conservative in their ideas, will not go beyond their own kingdom for that which can be got within.