The
Theatrical Primer
BY
HAROLD ACTON VIVIAN
Illustrations by
FRANCIS P. SAGERSON
G. W. DILLINGHAM COMPANY
PUBLISHERS NEW YORK
Copyright, 1903, by
H. A. VIVIAN
Copyright, 1904, by
G. W. DILLINGHAM COMPANY
The Theatrical
Primer
The Theatrical Primer
1
Here, children, is a Theatre.A Theatre is a big Playhousewhere actors Act—sometimes.It is a pretty building,is it Not? It costs two big Dollarsto get into a Theatre but Peopleare always in a Great Hurry to getout. This is right, as it Helps theactors to act. When you go to atheatre you should always Cry asLoud and as Long as you can. Itgives great Pleasure to all the People,and makes your Mother feelGood.
2
Oh, see the Press Agent! Is henot a wonderful Thing? Next tothe Theatre, he is the most ImportantThing in the Business. He ismuch Greater than the Manager, buthe does not get so much Money.The Press Agent always tells theTruth, and loves to give away FreeTickets. Do not offer him a Drinkor a Cigar, because he will surelyrefuse, and then You will feel Badly.
3
The Man looks Anxious. He is aManager, and he thinks the Treasureris Swiping his Money. Fie onthe Treasurer! The Poor Managerhas so little money that He can onlytake one Drink at a Time. Ask theManager for tickets. He will payfor them out of his own Pocket. Heis such a Charitable man. Try tobe like the Manager, little children,and when you grow Up, you willalways be without Money. Moneyis a great Curse.
4
This is a Chappie. No, it is not ananimal; it is a human Being. Itsreal name is E. Z. Thing. What doyou think the Chappie is Good for—Nothing?Oh, fie, it is surely goodfor Something. Yes; it is Good tobuy suppers for Chorus Girls. Sometimesit buys Flowers Also, and hasthem Charged to Papa. Papa issometimes a Chappie himself. Thatis right; yell "Chappie" as Loud asyou can. It is not Vulgar to Yell onthe Street, and the man likes to becalled by such a nice name.
5
Here we see an Actor. No; donot Touch him or you will soil hisClothes. Are not his Clothes wonderful?And just Think, they are allPaid for! He wears his Hair longbecause the Barber shops are Closedon Sunday. He is Very busy all theweek, yo