A STAGE SECRET.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 113, 14 May 1910, Page 10

A STAGE SECRET.

SIX "CURTAIN CALLS." A contributor to the New York Dramatic Mirror gives that journal the recipe of how to get six "curtain calls" out of one. Despite its humour, it is true— and equally true of England as of America. "First of all," he says, "a strong, husky flyman"— a particular kind of stage mechanic — "is necessary. At the end of each act quickly assemble the players on the stage j ring up quickly, allowing the curtain to ascend only to the ceiling of the set, then ring it quickly down again. On the second call, for the star alone, hurry the supporting players off, and even while their coattails are visible flying in the air in the mad rush to 'clear the stage,' ring as before immediately. Then as the curtain hits the stage, ring again while the audience is applauding the second call. Continue this operation as often as applause is heard, for as the^ audience, sees the curtain ascending each time applause will continue. Keep the 'house' lights out until the last 'hand' has ceased to applaud. Even then there should be a long pause before raising the house lights, for often aftei a complete silence the audience will break forth into tumultuous outbursts, when it will become necessary to raise the curtain again on the star bowing in grateful response to the dear admiring public with a sweet, smiling expression, as if to say, 'this is too much,' at the same time 'acting out,' as if completely overcome by the terrible mental strain of the tragic scene just ended. And this is always good for another call. Care should be exercised, however, not to confound this applause with a gentle hint from, the audience for light. Auditors sometimes resort to handclapping when they become impatient for anything. They often break out in this fashion, even before the play begins. Do nofc raise the 'house' lights until you feel reasonably sure of having thoroughly exhausted the audience."