San Francisco dramatic review (1899)

1 4 THE SAN FRANCISCO DRAMATIC REVIEW September 30th, 1899 CONCERNING STAGE TERMS, — The Stage Carpenter — Is the man who builds the set pieces, makes frames for the flats, wings, etc., and directs and assists in the setting of the stage under the general direction of the stage manager. He is the practical man about the stage and his distinguishing marks are a well-worn pair of overalls, in the hip pocket of which is inserted a folded rule, and he usually has a wounded thumb or finger tied up in a rag. He must be a member of the T. M. A. (Theatrical Mechanics' Association) in order to work in a union house, and ingenuity and a knowledge of the capabilities of the stage for which he builds scenery are essential. — The Stage Hands. — The men under him are called stage hands, familiarly known as "Grips," but whether this cognomen was bestowed on account of their propensity to strongly grip almost anything they handle, deponent sayeth not. They take great pride in their business, and generally know it. The average "Grip" is a little swifter than the tortoise in his movements, considers himself a hard worked individual, and thinks the success of the show depends on him alone. The older members of the craft are full of reminiscences of the stage, and in almost every theater in the land you will find a "Grip" who, according to his story, has "worked for Kiralfy." Coloring Coon Songs There is a little lady up town in New York who is working her way to fame and fortune by illustrating "coon" songs. It may not be what is known as high art, but it requires a large amount of skill to do it satisfactorily. It is a business in which there is not much competition, and it is profitable. The "coon" songs that are being illustrated are those seen on the vaudeville stage. First is the cover of a book, in bright colors, giving the name of the publisher and author, and the name of the singer who made the song famous. Then follows a series of scenes, illustrating the song as it is sung. " If You Ain't Got No Money You Needn't Come Around," is one of the songs that figure in colors. "A Hot Time in the Old Town," "In the Green Fields of Virginia," "The Moth and the Flame," and many others show the colorist's ingenuity, for the matter of colors is usually left to the artist. — New York Times. — The Stage Manager — Is the man who has charge of the company at stage rehearsals and during performances His chief duties are to teach the people the "business" of the piece; action, positions, entrances and exits, and to see that each one in the cast is in the theater and ready to appear. He also arranges for the costumes and wigs to be worn, and gives orders for the scenery and properties to be used. He also has other duties too manifold to mention, such as "jacking up" a chorister, or roasting a coryphee. It is only fair to say that no man in the world knows as much as a stage manager is supposed to know. A statement of the mental attainments requisite to fill the post would comprise everything from the judgment of a particular shade of cap ribbon, to a knowledge of Sanskrit or a thorough acquaintance with the manners and customs of the ancient Phonoecians. His patience must rival that of Job's, his judgment be equal to that of Confucius, and his tact to that of a woman. To be a stage director, one should have the power of life and death over the people on the stage, for a more trying position is not to be found in the whole theatrical gamut. He is by turns the best hated or the best loved man in the company, according to his mood or the length or shortness of rehearsals. Behind the scenes he reigns supreme ; can be as cruel as Nero and as relentless as fate, while outside he may be the prince of good fellows. J. P. Wilson. Side Lights Subscribe for The Dramatic Review. Frank Daniel's new comic opera, "The Ameer," has been put in rehearsal. Mr. Daniel's season will commence at Scranton on Oct. 9. * * * Notes from San Francisco Minstrels: "We are in our fourth week out, and business is more than we expected. F'dward Gru/.ard, bass and tuba, joined Aug. 23. He made a jump of fifteen hundred miles from Columbus, Ga. J. H. Hall is doing some good work ahead of the company. Our band now numbers eighteen musicians, and our parade is attractive with new uniforms." Leibler & Co's. special company presenting "The Christian" will be in no sense a "No. 2" organization, as every effort has been made to secure as strong a cast as that which will support Viola Allen in this play. Frank Weston will be the Horatio Drake in the special company. He is well remembered for his excellent work in support of Effie Ellsler in the past, and his appearance with her in "The Christian" will be welcomed by their many admirers. DRY GOODS COMPANY TailonMade Gowns Ready to Wear or Made to Order Perfect fit, styles and moderate prices. The vogue this season runs to subdued colors===such as Oxfords and dark grays, rich browns, deep blues and many beautiful shades of tan Geary and Stockton Streets Opposite Union Square