The Billboard 1917-06-16: Vol 29 Iss 24 (1917-06-16)

i i The Billboard JUNE 16, 1917 THEATRICAL EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES NOW DEFINED Governor of New York Signs Bill Which Fixes Status of Artists’ Representative as Compared With a Booking Agent—Latter Restricted To Securing Employment for Artist New York, June 9.—The Vaudeville Managers’ Protective Association finally has been successful in its fight to have a law enacted in New York State clearly defining the status of a vaudeville booking agent, and at the same time a definition of an artists’ representative or manager. Spurred on this week by the efforts of Maurice Goodman, general counsel for the United Booking Offices, and Pat Casey, executive manager of the Vaudeville Managers’ Protective Association, Governor Whitman on Thursday signed the bill introduced in the Legislature by Senator J. Henry Walters, of Syracuse, which specifically states just what the term, “Theatrical Employment Agency,’’ means. The act is known as Chapter 770 of the Laws of 1917, and amends the general business law. Heretofore theatrical booking agencies have been classified along with other employment agencies, notwithstanding their work has been of an entirely different character. Also there have been numerous suits and actions begun against various so-called agents, it being alleged they operated without having first obtained a license to conduct an agency. Under the provisions of the new law an agent is restricted to the business of procuring employment for an artist. If he assumes the management of the act, or attends to any of the business details for an act, he becomes a manager or artists’ representative. There are any number of agents in New York who aside from their booking interests personally look after and manage acts or attractions. For this service they have received compensation in excess of the legitimate five per cent to which booking agents are by law entitled, and it is this that has caused much friction in the past. Under the new law, which is very specific, the minute an agent represents an act in his business affairs, other than securing employment for him, he ceases to come under the def Films Must Be Passed New York, June 11.—A notice has been posted in the United Booking Offices calling attention to all acts and their agents that under the rigid Ohio laws it will be necessary for any vaudeville act having motion pictures as a part of its offering to have same passed by the Ohio State Board of Censorship, as no films not so passed will be permitted to be shown. Manager Ned Hastings-of Keith’s Theater, Cincinnati, has issued the warning and urges that such acts as utilize films in their offering see that they are approved by the Ohio Board, as in no in®ance will he permit an act of such a -hature to play his theater unless the ‘Jaw has been complied with. inition of agent, and by law becomes the actors’ manager or representative. There was no opposition to the passage of the measure, and it goes (Continued on page 79) has gone to the Palace Theater, Brooklyn, to assist Joseph R. Vogle in the management of that house. The Palace is always favored with big business, and the acquisition of Mr. Frazer there should add to the success of the theater. The Palace is now being thoroly renovated for the fall season. Kohl Demise Won’t Interfere Chicago, June 9.—An emphatic denial of the report that the New Orpheum Theater, planned for the corner of State and Lake streets, will not be constructed because of the death of Charles E. Kohl, was made by Mort H. Singer, general manager of the Western Vaudeville Managers’ Association, this week. “The idea that Mr. Kohl’s lamented passing will in any way serve.to in NAN HALPERIN Miss Halperin, she of Theater, Brighton Beach, voice and magnetic personality, is appearing . Y., for the first time, this week, headlining the bill. at the New Brighton Meagher Takes Rest Chicago, June 9.—Kerry Meagher, head of the publicity department of the W. V. M. A., is resting in his Kenilworth home. Outside of the fact that Meagher has been exceptionally busy with office layouts during the current season it is said that the recent demise of Charles E. Kohl, head of the W. V. M. A. and Kerry’s lifelong friend, completely unnerved him. Donald Frazer Makes Change New York, June 9.—Donald Frazer, who has been connected with Loew’s Seventh Avenue Theater, and who is widely known in vaudeville circles, terfere with completion of plans for the new theater is preposterous,” Singer explained. “The decision to build is the matured plan of a huge organization and does not rest upon the efforts of a single individual.” Mabel L. Wright Recovering New York, June 11.—Mrs. Eddie Horan (Mabel L. Wright) is rapidly convalescing at the Brooklyn Hospital, where she has been confined ever since the birth, and subsequent death, of her baby son, born February 13. Both Mr. and Mrs. Horan are well and favorably known in vaudeville circles, and their many friends will rejoice at the announcement of Mrs. Horan’s prospects for speedy recovery. Chi. Has ‘‘Orpheum Week’’ Many Branch Orpheum Managers at “Get Together” Meeting Chicago, June 9.—The week just closing could well be called “Chicago's Orpheum Week,” for, while there has been no official convention, so many Orpheum heads are spending a few days here that it looks pretty much like one. The visitors who are making their headquarters with Cal Griffis, at the Chicago branch of the circuit, in the Majestic Theater Building, include the following branch Orpheum managers: Earl Stewart, Majestic, Milwaukee; Lawrence Lehman, Orpheum, Kansas City; G. E. Raymond, Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth branch executive: Edward Sullivan, Orpheum, Winnipeg. Griffis says the impromptu gathering is in the nature of a “get together” meeting. Mort H. Singer, general manager of the W. V. M. A., whose secretary Griffis was before his appointment to the management of the local Orpheum office, also spent considerable time with the guests. It is well known that Martin Beck, head of the circuit, encourages amicable relations between the various subheads. Victor Trumbell, Griffis’ assistant. goes on a well-earned two weeks’ vacation today. N. V. A. Benefit Success New York, June 11.—It will probably be another week before the final returns of the net proceeds of the first annual National Vaudeville Artists’ benefit, held a week ago Sunday night at the Hippodrome, are all in, but it may safely be stated that the total will easily aggregate $50,000, as stated in last week’s Billboard. In vaudeville circles they are still talking about the unqualified success of this gigantic benefit entertainment, in which the cream of the vaudeville world participated and lent its services. Reverts to Vaudeville Chicago, June 9.—The Colonial Theater, now devoted to feature pictures, will revert to Jones, Linick & Schaefer vaudeville July 15. Empress Changes Hands Cincinnatians Purchase House From United Theaters Co. of Chicago The Empress Theater, Cincinnati. O., a vaudeville house, has been sold by the United Theaters Company of Chieago to Attorney Charles F. Williams, Thomas J. Logan and John J. O’Dowd of Cincinnati for the sum of $100,006. Mr. O'Dowd, a most successful hotel manager, is to be president of the new corporation that wil! control the house. He will, however, remain at his post at the Hotel Havlin, this city. Mr. O’Dowd is to be the head of both the operating and realty departments. The policy of the Empress will be continued, that of A. B. C. vaudeville, and the management will again be in the capable hands of George Fish. Many improvements will be made in the theater building. Keep in touch with our Letter Department, nmnneneaesiinwwewzw4 -@ @ w= —_ V -— oe