The Billboard 1924-03-22: Vol 36 Iss 12 (1924-03-22)

Sas oe AGEANTRY is P as old, as mankind. From the days of primitive man down thru the ages never has a ceremonial or sacred rite for ancient king been observed without some form of pageant. So, too, in our own age has this become an integral and important part of community entertainment, Pageantry is a broad term which includes parades, theatrical displays and decorations of festal splendor; embracing everything from simple tablo'ds to processions of princely magnificence. In this article we will deal only with a small, albeit vastly important, phase of pageantry, namely, the Historical Pageant in its relation to fairs and celebrations. Entertaining to All Classes The Historical Pageant is a series of episodes or important historical events that have had a bearing upon the founding and growth of a particular commonwealth re-enacted by individuals of that community. These episodes are bound together and interwoven with symbolic dramas and dances; the whole being assembled into a moving spectacle with appropriate costumes, scenery and music for outdoor presentation in front of the grand stand. Until recently the name Pageant seems to have held something of awe for the fair manager— something to be looked at askance and proclaimed as only for “high-brows”. Fortunately this false impression has been corrected and practically every manager now knows that the Historical Pageant is incomparable as an entertainment with universal appeal for all classes. First Attempts Successful This new form of attraction was tried out by some of the more progressive fair associations; true, on a small scale and rather hesitatingly at first, but attempted nevertheless. Most of these first attempts were made principally in an endeavor to secure something that would link the cold-blooded commercial fair with the warm spirit of the people. Another prime factor for these trials, in a great many instances, was to book an attractjon that would stremgthen the one or two weak days or nights, the bugbear of every fair. The underlying motive in any case was to get something NEW and something that WOULD PAY. The success of these first efforts was surprising. I know of no fair having a historical pageant, capahly managed and directed, which was not tremendously successful, not only from a boxoffice standpoint, but also in point of satisfied audiences and increased prestige to the associations. The result of this favorable outcome to these few pioneers in fair pageantry is that there has become a great demand for this type of spectacle from fair associations all over the country which want to “get on the band wagon”. This demonstrates that the historical] pageant is filling a longfelt want in the fair manager's calendar. The Billboard By Marvin C. Park Why Pageants Are Popular Fair Attractions Back of this growing popularity are many contributing reasons. The historical pageant has greater drawing power than any other single attraction mainly because of the local interest created and sustained. Aside from the natural interest in the theme or plot which centers around events that have actually occurred in the town or vicinity—episodes that are common knowledge to all the citizens, in fact happenings that are directly responsible for the life and growth of the community—aside from this, there is the human element that everyone wants to see his or her daughter, cousin or grandfather display his talents, Acadians in New Iberia (La.) pageant, presented on the banks of the Bayou Teche It is an established fact that every participant from the tiniest tot to the venerable patriarch has a pulling power of five admissions. When one considers that fair pageants have a cast of from .500 to 2,500 or more, depending on the size of the community, this angle is seen to bé tremendously important. In fostering an event which uses local talent the fair association takes its place as a civic betterment organization having the public good at heart. It provides an opportunity for all ages to show what they can do. Who knows what smol_ dering talent may be brought to light right at one’s 7 A 5 4 WE cobs? te a om: 22, 1924 doorstep? By giving this chance for expression, training and development under a pro fessional director the fair has a tieup with the public that is not to be overlooked easily. Then too, the historical pageant is something out of the ordinary, something new—not the usual “hokum”, In the show business, as in any other, the unusual is what counts. Cur'‘osity swells @ate receipts. Anothgr reason why such a production brings them in. Preparation of Scenario The first step in producing a pageant is, of course, the preparation of the script. This scenario is dependent upon a great many things: it must be easily adaptable to the stage or space available (practically in every instance the bare ground is preferable to a platform); it must come well in the time limit, usually an hour and a half is sufficient; the item of costuming also must be considered; the scope and capability of the talent; it must not be too elaborate or costly; it must have ENTERTAINING VALUE. The finished outline should be such that it can easily be followed by the audience. The spectators ought never have to guess at what is happening or what is trying to be portrayed—they must know all the time. The pageant, like a play, should have drama, suspense, beauty, comedy, and above all, must be fast moving, having a logical sequence of thought and action leading up to the climax and finale. When we stop to consider that there are very few spoken words in this form of entertainment— that everything is pantomimic of necessity and in group or mass formation—then some idea as to the problems of the scenario writer is obtained. Everything has to conform exactly to the truth, many old settlers as well as descendants of the characters being presented will be in the audience and are quick to criticize any deviation from actuality. The script writer's first act is to meet with a group of “old timers”, prominent local celebrities and people interested in the history of the town. With them collaborating, he prepares the tentative outline. This is then cut down and revised until it is gotten into shape to be offered to the fair board for its approval. Following is an outline of the completed script I used for the Central States Fair and Exposition at Aurora, IIL, last August. This same scenario with but few chahges could be adapted to nearly any community in the Central] States. It will be noted that in this script a logical sequence of events is carried out even to the climax, the terrific and realistic “Battle of the Argonne”. The huge finale with its procession of fame and weaving of nations gives a patriotic touch which sends the audience away in just the right frame of mind to advertise the next performance. The audience is advised at all times as to what is being shown, by Father Time, the Prophet, who Group of Italian dancers, Central States Historical Pageant, Aurora, Ill, August 17-18, 1923