COLLEGE TIMES DRAMA! State Teachers College, Lock Haven, Penna. VOL. VIII.—NO. 20. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1931 5 Cents Per Copy Junior Dramatics Concerning the Theatre The Junior One-Act Play program i is now in shape to be put into action, [Editor's Note: Mr. Senber is j and proceedings will begin on MonStage Manager for the Edna Preston iday, March 2, 1931. The original idea Players, Majestic Theater, Harris1 has developed into a contest, with a burg. At the suggestion of Dr. Harry [ prize offered for the winning cast and Weber, our Dean of Men, who met the j its director. The prize itself is not yet manager while acting as a judge on 'announced; neither are the judges. the Annual Farm Show Dramatics i All juniors wishing to participate in Contests at Harrisburg, Mr. Senber j this work may see Miss Arey for trykindly consented to write a feature i outs at any of the following times for this issue.] next week: [ Monday P. M.—1.15-5.30. During the week of the Farm Show [ Tuesday A. M.—10.15-12.00 at Harrisburg, some half hundred : Tuesday P. M.—3.15-4.30 participants in the rural dramatic conWednesday P. M.—1.15-4.30 tests were the guests of our manager, Thursday A. M.—10.15-12.00 Mr. Coots, at a performance, and Thursday P. M.—3.15-4.30 were invited backstage after the Saturday A. M.—10.00-12.00 show. [ Try-outs will be strictly individual I was surprised at the keen interest [ and private, so that shy people need taken in the drama by persons who not fear observation. All you must do had not seen an adequate professional ' is read the list of character descripproduction in years. They seemed to [ tions that follows, select one or more be starving for the satisfying entercharacters you would like to try, and tainment that only a theater with livthink over how those people would ing actors can supply. walk, talk, look, and behave. No specMISS MABEL-LOUISE AREY It was not many years ago that j ial preparation is necessary. Then theatrical companies toured the highmeet Miss Arey in room 33 at any of ways and byways of America, but the above times, and discuss the charDramatics and the Teacher \ Reviewing the Amateur Play when short sighted managers began i acter with her. It is not difficult; anyoffering fifth rate material as "orig[ one can do the few things required. \ On March 8, 1929, "Outward 'There are parts for 24 people—12 inal Broadway casts" it is no wonder By ROBERT A. BOLLINGER i Bound," a threo-act drama by Sutton men and 12 women—so everyone that even before the advent of the The purpose, functions, and results i Vane, dealing with the mysteries of ' stands a fair chance. The list of charmoving picture, theater interest on a national scale had started to decline. of dramatics as an educational fea- I life, death, and the hereafter, but acters follows: When the movies did enter upon ture are many, but very few people I avoiding the presentation of these "Birthright"—an Irish tragedy the scene, newspaper mention of the- have come to look upon drarrratics as a things in any preachy religious asBat Morrissey, an Irish farmer—a pect, was presented in the College direct asset to the teacher as he apatrical performances seemed too ofhard-faced man about 65, hard but ten to be confined to the "Twenty pears in the classroom. Educational auditorium. This was the Dramatic just in his dealings, serious and pesClub production for the year, someYears Ago" column. Then came the authorities agree upon the fact that simistic in his outlook on life. talkies, with the added attraction of poise, bearing, and a professional at- what delayed by the change in the Maura, his wife—about 10 years sound. A generation reared on moving titude are important prerequisites of a directorship due to the marriage of .younger than her husband—a carepicture entertainment, a generation good teacher, but a training course as Miss Alber and the arrival of Miss worn face, and a refined temperaentirely unfamiliar with the theater, such does not exist in any teacher Arey. ment—makes a favorite of her older found in the sound pictures something training institution. Only participaIn the following month, April 26, son, Hugh. more desirable. It is my contention tion in dramatics fills this need. occured the next dramatic offering Dan Hegarty, a neighbor—a free, that the theater goes the talkies one which "Enter Madame," a com-[ optimistic man, about 40. Speaking or acting before a group edy of was better, and I hope the time is not far temperament and family life | Hugh, older son of Bat—about 25, distant when all America will dis- holds an absolute horror for a great and the inevitable complications which lighthearted, free, loving sports and number of people, particularly stucover it. result from combining these not caring much for work—playing dents. For a teacher it is a horror must The Theater Now which must be overcome. In some in- two. This play, written by Glide Vare- on his mother's sympathies to get the While mechanical entertainment stances it is as hard to appear before sis and Dolly Byrne, was the annual best of everything. (Coiitiniiod on piig-o -) was sounding the death knell of the a group of children as before an Senior production. Coming as the opening event in living theater in the nation at large, adult group, because children are so the competition produced by them has candid and frank in their attitudes the Commencement exercises of the resulted in a more artistically healthy toward an actor. In this case I refer year 1929 was the Junior play "Honor The Sociology of Histrionics New York theater, as presented by to the teacher as an actor. The teacher Bright." Well-written and amusing in By DR. HARRY F. WEBER, groups like the Civic Repertory and is essentially an actor because he I its ridiculous situation, it thoroughly Dean of Men. Theater Guild and individuals such i must know his lines, which are the amused the Commencement crowds as Arthur Hopkins and Brock Pem- I subject matter; his business, which is ithat were present. Setting a high dramatic standard berton. Histrionic art is practically as old j the method of presentation; and his In the smaller communities an oc- I audience, the class, in order to ad- for the rest of the year, the Dra- as mankind but Dramatics as an matic Club opened the season with A. integral part of formal education is casional spark of interest has been j just himself to the situation. fanned into life by the Little Theater j Participation in any form of dra-' A. Milne's delightful comedy "The comparatively recent. In fact it is not movement. In many eases the Little I matic performance, whether it be one, Dover Road," on the evening of De- universally received as yet. Locales of Theater has risen to a high degree of [ two, or three-act plays, mere skits cember 13, 1929. Slightly different in reception are usually in the form of excellence, but in all too numerous [ and sketches, or operettas, develops tone from "Outward Bound," the init- extra-curricular activities often as instances the spark of life was snuffed and trains directly along those all- i ial production for the previous year, phases of student initiative without out for lack of competent leadership. important lines which give the teacher ! "The Dover Road" presented equally faculty encouragement or advice. This, I believe, is an accurate por- the necessary confidence in himself difficult problems in characterization When Dramatics finds a place in a before the class. To make participa- and situation which were well hand- curriculum it is more frequently as an trayal of the conditions. appendage of the English departtion compulsory is possible perhaps, led by a hard-working cast. The School and The Theater On February 28, 1930, the Senior ment. This is not necessarily a defect but not advisable, for the greatest Now as to what can be done about benefit comes from enjoyment. Make play for the same year, "Friendly but often means that it must occupy a it. the most of all opportunities that pre- Enemies," by Samuel Shipmen and minor place with a subservient excuse I think tho future of our national sent themselves and get into—Dra- Aaron Huffman, carried the audience for existence. Dramatic Educational theater lies in the class room, where matics. back to war-time heartache, occas- leaders of national note, such as HalBy HENRY PAUL SENBER (Continued on pUM'e 4) (Continucil on pnee 4) (Continued on pnge 3) COLLEGE TIMES Junior Dramatics (Continued from pngre 1) Foster Augustine Donald Rice Dorothy Grubb Behind the Scenes James Kell, Sebastian Grieco, Harold Mclllvaine, Evelyn Bosworth, Lillian Ijawhead. Albert Sundberg Ted Robb j into the production. Shane, a younger son—about 23, rather low-sized, but with a physique suggesting rough strength—somewhat hard, like his father. "Nevertkeless"—an imaKinative comedy The Boy—about 9 years old—a normal little boy (to be played by a girl.) The Burglar—^rough, strong, inclined to brutality, at first, but reforming in the end. "The Man Upstairs"—a farce Mr. Ruggles, a married man— about 25, kind and patient with his wife, but able to take his share in a fight. Mrs. Ruggles—about 23, the usual apartment wife, helpless about cooking and housework, but very sweet. Mr. Frisbie, "the man upstairs"— about 35, inclined to temper and rough ways—easily upset, but very positive. Mrs. Frisbie—about 30—attractive, but jealous of her husband, and capable of making too quick decisions. Nora, a typical comedy Irish servant-girl—ready to stand up for her rights—uses a brogue. "The Teeth of the Gift Horse" —a comedy Richard Butler, a vigorous young business man—about 25—good-looking, brisk, and kind-hearted. Florence Butler, his wife—about the same age, pretty and artistic. Marietta Williams, aunt to Dick— a gentle, gray-haired, sweet-faced, little woman, whose manner, of a bygone generation, rather than any feebleness, makes her seem old. Anne Fisher, friend of the Butlers —about the same age as Florence, capable and charming. Devlin Blake, another friend of the Butler's—about 40—a cheerful, goodtempered business man, an enthusiastic art collector. Katie, the Irish maid—about 25 or 30—has good intentions but causes unfortunate mix-ups — uses Irish brogue. "The Bishop's Candlesticks" —a drania (Adapted from "Les Miserables") The Bishop — about 70 — whitehaired, gentle—good man, wise, and kind. The Convict—about 45—a dangerous, desparate man, driven to extremities by prison, cruelty, and his escape from prison—rough and ragged. Persome, the Bishop's sister, a widow—about 60—business-like and thrifty—is housekeeper for the Bishop, and tries to protect him against begging parishoners. Marie, the maid-servant—about 25 —active, bright, attractive. Sergeant of Gendarmes—a typical French police sergeant, firm and obedient to duty. l o paraphrase a well-known adver,„, „, . , . a, j_\ tising slogan, "Ask the guy who does ..y,*'^"_S'''"'*™A"'J^'^.^,'°'"^°^ **! it.'' His answer may or may not be enembarrassing moments, when properlightening, but it will be interesting. ty prstols exp ode without war„,ng, j j ^ ^jjj j , ^ ^ ^ countless little stories of when some well-meanrng but blunder ..^^^^ happened when—" and will be actor skrps a half-dozen pages of dia- delighted to find an audience. log, and calmly picks up the thread j With the choosing of a play, a cast. rrr the wrong place, upsettrng all the i ^ „f committees, a production other actors with hrm—these are, ^ate, and a rehearsal schedule, the trmes when the director of amateur j ^^^^ „f ^he director is a scant third plays must swallow the heart that has I completed, and the work of the combounded rnto his mouth, and think j dittoes and the cast not even begun, fast to find an emergency stop-gap jj. j ^ „ „ t ^y,^ ^3^^^ intention to dwell Everyone senses the glamour that! po„ ^he formal work of the director, surrounds the stage. It rs what causes t^e cast, and the various committees; many a stage-struck boy or grrl to go t^^t j ^ ^^^e or less understood. hunting for the fame that is there for It is sufficient to say that the dirvery few; it is what causes mothers ector must plan every detail for the and fathers—especially fathers!—of entire production, before rehearsals growing-up sons and daughters to say start, that the cast must work hard melancholy-wise, "Yes, I always want- and long and patiently to achieve the ed to go on the stage," with a sigh director's ideal, and the committees for the lost glories that they have must advertise, sell tickets, gather grown to believe might have been | properties and set the stage, and pretheir:^. pare for seating people, so that no Apparently belying their common t^ing needful is overlooked, ownership of such attraction, the pro- [ it is a common thing for a person fessronal stage and the amateur stage 1 ^^t acquainted with the enormous present a vast difference rn therr ac-[ t^^ of the work to say lightly, "Oh, tual workrng problems. It rs wrth the 5 ^^1,^ j o n ' t mind staying for reamateur play and its presentation that hearsals; you have fun, don't you?" we are concerned, since it is here that There is no gainsaying the fact that a our college interest lies. The student successful rehearsal does give those circulating daily through his class- concerned a vital sense of achievement rooms, the auditorium, the gymnas- and exhilaration; it is a pleasure to ium, and such common ground, can- acknowledge this. But what the unnot fail to sense that a tremendous initiated person does not realize, and pressure of preparation is going on, therefore ignores, is that rehearsing "You'll hang for this," chortled the in the weeks that come before the is a serious and gruelling business, professor, "or rather, I should say, night of a play. But as a rule, it is e(iually for the members of the cast you'll be suspended."—Colo. Dodo. only those directly concerned with and for the director. No one who getting the play before the public knows could possibly call it a circus, The new mama dolls say, "Gimme." who have any real idea of what goes 1 (Continued on page 4) -U. of So. Calif. Wampus. COLLEGE TIMES COLLEGE TIMES The College Times is published at Lock Haven State Teachers College, Lock Haven, Penna., by the Board of Editors of the College Times. Published weekly during school year. Subscription rate, $1.00 per annum. BOARD OF EDITORS Editor-in-Chief . . . . Martha Zeigler Managing Editor . . John Haberstroh Make-up Editor Julia Silagyi Alumni and Exchange Editor Margaret Beeson Men's Sports Editor . . Einar Eliason Girls' Sports Editor, Mary Thompson Joke Editor Royce Johnson Business Manager . . Kermit Stover Circulation Manager, Olive Livingston Staff Writers:— Katherine Anderson, W i l l i a m Sweet, Elizabeth Dalby, Irene Russell, Fay Bittner, Anna Mary Gilson, Alice Read, Edith Furst, Ruth Conrady, Hal Poust, Clyde Lynch, Elizabeth Machtley, Albert Sundberg, Quentin Wolfe, Marion Francisco, Metro Kost, Mirabelle EliaTypists:— Bernice Moran, Agnes Unverdorben, Polly Barndt, Jenice Sharpe, Molly Hammon, Audrey Finn. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, authorized June 3, 1923. Entered as Second Class matter November 5, 1928, a t the Post Office at Lock Haven, Pa., under the Act of March 3, 1879. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1931 The Sociology of Histrionics ( C o n t i n u e d f r o m pnR:e 1) lie Flanagan, Head of the Experimental Theatre of Vassar College, contend that Histrionics is important and valuable enough to exist in its own right. This is true and when sufflciently recognized will mean that any institution of learning that is attempting to be adequate will have a department of Dramatics. Yet a full-fledged Histrionic Department does not imply that the other departments of learning could not participate in its beneflts, thus more fully justifying the department. For instance the History, the Psychology, and several other departments as well as English can make use of dramatics to bring out the content and interest values of their respective flelds. It is very recently that the Sociologist is beginning to appreciate the Histrionic arts. One southern university has a dramatics division in its Sociology Department. At first thought such a combination may appear ridiculous but it is far from being so. Social Value of Histrionic* The influence of the stage—legitimate and movie, amateur and pro fessional—upon society is distinctly a social question. The sociologist does not need to stretch his imagination to discover social beneflts growing out of dramatic participation. The student who takes a part in a play or pageant receives much in socialization such as cooperation, poise, social inter-relationship and inter-dependence, self-confidence in the presence of others, leadership and followership, and a host more. Characterization develops the ability to put one's self in Edith Hewitt Kathleen Noll Rose Schwer Kathleen Gorman another's place which in turn enReview of Plays hances one's sympathies. The impersonation of a Chinaman will lead to Among the many individuals who international understanding if one cares to make that broad an applica- compose the audience which sees a tion. Histrionics not only influence play, the only ones who possess an opsociety but also reflect it. The every- portunity for full and complete exday aims, hopes, aspirations, loves, pression of their opinions and repains, cares, burdens, joys, problems actions with a detail other playgoers and all are given the spotlight of at- can scarcely hope to achieve irr their tention and analysis. Thus society can vocal discussion of the merits and demerits of a stage production. In cold better understand itself. Doubtless the day will arrive when type they can put down their approSociology of Histrionics courses will bation or disapproval. be introduced in the curriculum either In order to learn just what is the in the department of Sociology or of state of mind in which the play reDramatics. Such courses will justify I porter approaches the task of criticism themselves by studying the relation- and evaluation of the stage endeavors ship of sociological principles and he goes to witness in a professional dramatic procedure. capacity, THE COLLEGE TIMES decided to interview the one nearest at hand. Miss Rebecca Gross, of the Concerning the Theater LOCK HAVEN EXPRESS. Miss Gross discussed the reportorial ( C o n t i n u e d from p»g;e 1) the minds of our future audiences are treatment of the amateur play somebeing moulded. Suppose for example, what as follows: "Primarily, my expectations in atour own state, Pennsylvania, were to train a group of dramatic supervisors tending a student play are much the to teach the rudiments of theater pro- same as those of the general public-— duction and develop an appreciation I'm looking for entertainment. A draof the drama. These supervisors would matic critic—using the term by courthus put the drama in the school on tesy!—is no different from anyone the same basis as music and art, while else in this respect, and what enterstimulating both. Scholastic theater tains everybody else will also enterwork could also be an invaluable aid tain him. So the first requisite of a to the study of English diction, litera- play is the ability to entertain, if it ture, history, and kindred subjects, is to satisfy its audience, including the besides developing the personality of representative of the newspaper. the participating individuals. Judging the Play To absorb the talent trained in the "Before coming to the actual busischool and to enrich the cultural life ness of writing a review, one must of the community, the dramatic super- look at the presentation from three visor should be the guiding hand of angles, and judge the play, the actors, the local Little Theater. and the performance as a whole. In What will happen remains to be the case of the first, one may consider seen—the possibilities are endless. whether the play is suitable i'or the Remember this: "Every little bit particular school, cast, and audience. helps" and the joy of working for a In other words, is the play well-cho.sen noble cause is reward for the person as to literary qualities, ability of the who will put his shoulder to the actors, and background of the expectwheel. (Oontlniied on pn^e 4 ) Robert Bollinger, George McMullen, Sara Wilson, Elizabeth Kell, Laura Smith. COLLEGE TIMES Reviewing the Amateur Play Behind the Scenes (Continued from pag-e 1) (Cuntintu-d from pnf;-e 2) I ioned by the divided allegiance of except at the high spots! And it is i two Americanized fathers, both nathe high spots in this work, as in any tive Germans, and staunch friends. other, that make the grind and the Providing Commencement enterdrudgery and the discouragement tainment as usual, the Junior Class bearable. presented "Tons of Money," by Will Evans and Valentine, as its annual There is a lighter side to the picdramatic effort on May 23, 1930. This ture, however. There is the excite-, j play was a somewhat different Engment of "the big night," the bustle, , ' lish farce which dealt with the diffithe rush, the importance. Picture the culties a young husband and wife enmake-up room, with actor after actor countered in striving to preserve a issuing forth in all the glory of grease fortune left as a legacy and at the paint and transformation—a new per'OUTWARD BOUND'^ same time live up to the rather exsonality put on with a changed counMarch 8, 1929 acting conditions of the will. tcrance! It is being elevated to a Dramatic Club Play higher, lighter plane, a thnner, On November 13, 1930, again the brighter air. There is a feeling of Dramatic Club opened the season with its production, "Your Uncle Dudley," "this is the life!" that gives the exa three-act American comedy by tra color to the smallest action. Howard Lindsay and Bertrand RusThen the costuming! People runsell, a current best-seller on Broadning back ard forth in various stages way. The title role of the play became of experimental dress and undress. the center of what promised to be a Burst ng into the make-up room with serious family complication based "Do I put on the earrings the first upon a necessary five thousand dollars time I go on?" or "Has anyone seen and the winning of a prize trip to that letter I'm supposed to read just Europe for vocal study both descendbefore the crash? I put it with my ing on Uncle Dudley's family at the other things, and now I can't find it." same time and providing the probThe audience would be as much enterlem of the play. tained by a glimpse back-stage in that breathless moment just before the first curtain, as it is by any of the place of amateur dramatics in a com'THE DOVER ROAD' munity. Miss Gross continued, "It is play itcelf. December 13, 1929 important, I believe, as a source of "Before the curtain goes up" Dramatic Club Play attractive entertainment at a reasonstrikes different casts in different [ able price. It provides, likewise, a useways. Sometimes a dead silence pre- ! ful and beneficial outlet to the human va'ls. Everybody moves slowly or not instinct and necessity for masqueradat all, his eyes fixed on the floor, or ing, and it responds to the universal focused on some faraway point, while demand for a larger life than it is he concentrates intensely on "getting given to any one person to live." i##..:'; 't into character." Th's type of behavior presents to the outsider a deceptive i Aim of College Dramatics appearance of calm, even of indif-1 Miss Gross concluded her remarks ference. i with a comment embodying her idea Its antithesis is the feverish acof the aim of college dramatics—"It ^ , ^^ tivity which some times changes back-! should prepare people to take a leadstage into a seething region vibrating [ ing part in introducing dramatics into so rapidly you can almost see it shako. I the communities they will serve. Also, Property committee, members of the i it should—and does—provide a splencast, stage managers, tear around [ did opportunity for the development from one dressing-room to the other, | of the individual in poise, voice, pertrying to be in several places at once. '• sonality, and related attributes, which 'YOUR UNCLE DUDLEY" An unrecognized somebody with radi-' results in his better preparation for November 13, 1930 Dramatic Club Play atirg wrinkles and powdered hair professional and social life." dashes up to an imposing butler with sideburns and an impassive expresmarily, of course, upon the shoulders Review of Plays sion, panting, "Hook this collar for of the director; but each person conExchange Notes me! I can't make it stay fastened." cerned with the gathering of these Somebody catches a long-suffering, ' ((Continned from fiiiK-e 3> materials, and the welding of them A chemist analyzing the comparaperspiring property mistress with, ed audience? This you see, concerns into a unit, has his own share in its tively unknown element, woman, has "Where did you put the smelling- the director and his work. success or failure. Not one can be dis- described her as follows: salts? They're supposed to be on the pensed with." "Next, the actors must be considElement: Woman. piano in the first act." ered. Does each portray convincingly Reviewer Must Be Merciful Occurrence: Found wherever man But, wildly active or tensely still, the kind of person he is intended to In response to 'a question. Miss exists. Seldom in free state, with few whichever the particular cast may be, be? Does he walk, talk, look, think, Gross saicl, "I believe that the review- exceptions, the combined state is to the magic moment arrives when the like this person? Or does he show the er of the amateur play should be mer- be preferred. himself, masquerading? ciful. By this I do not mean charitlast note of music dies away, the wh's- audience Physical Properties: All colors and per goes out, "Lights! Curtain!"— Herein, I may say, lies one of the able. But he must realize what has traps for the amateur actor—he may been aimed at, and judge of its sizes. Usually in disguised condition. and the play is on! not always concentrate on his part achievement in the light of the back- Face covered with film of composite sufllciently to stay in character all the ground, age, and abilities, of the material. Balks at nothing and may time—his work may lack consistency. actors, and the equipment available. freeze at any moment. However, melts when properly treated. Very bitter if "Discussing the third-mentioned He should be generous in his praise not well used. Coming! factor—the performance as a whole of what is well done. What about the Chemical Properties: Very active, —it is easy to see that many things faults? His treatment there should Don't fail to see all of the folbe, to a certain extent, that of indul- possesses great affinity for gold, silcontribute to its success or failure. Iowing: i The quality of the play, the cast cho- gence. The less capable actor need ver, platinum and precious stones, sen, the poise of their persons and not be condemned; if he is not round- violent reactions when left alone. The Red Umbrella memories, the stage setting, the pro- ly praised he probably will have in- Ability to absorb expensive food at perties and costumes, and, perhaps sight enough to realize what causes any time. Sometimes yields to presFebruary 27, 1931 above all, the interpretation—all these the silence. Not much is gained by sure. Turns green when placed beside Pepita March 4, 1931 are of immense importance; and all harsh published criticism of the ama- a better looking specimen. Fresh varthese, well-handled, make up the per- teur, who should not be judged by iety has great magnetic attraction. —The Indian Penn. W. A. A. Stunt Night fect whole of the evening's entertain- professional standards or subjected to ment. The responsibility for the bulk the rigors of professional criticism." March 10, 1931 TOMMY HAWK. of this combined work devolves pri(From the Juniatian) Asked for her views concerning the I ,.,..*..•..*-.—.*--•-.- ii^