The little country theaterArvold, Alfred G. (Alfred Gilmeiden)
General
The little country theater
Arvold, Alfred G. (Alfred Gilmeiden)
Little Country Theater (Fargo, N.D.); Little theater movement; Theater -- North Dakota -- Fargo
I shall never forget the night referred to in the above letter when “Back
to the Farm” was given in the hall. Automobiles loaded with people came
from miles around. The hall was packed. Children were seated on the floor
close up to the stage. Fifty persons occupied a long impromptu plank
bench in the center aisle, with their bodies facing one way and their
heads looking toward the stage. They stood on chairs in the vestibule at
the back. The windows were full of people. Three men paid fifty cents
each to stand on a ladder and watch the play through the window near the
stage. It was as enthusiastic and appreciative a crowd as ever witnessed
a play. They still talk about it, too.
One of the most artistic pieces of work ever done in the Theater was the
part of “Babbie” in Barrie’s play “The Little Minister.” The charming
young lady who took the character seemed, as the folks say, “to be born
for it.” “Little Women” a dramatization of Louisa Alcott’s book was also
cleverly acted.
A group of twenty young men and women from fifteen different communities
dramatized “The Grand Prairie Community School Building” project in
five scenes. The first scene told the story of the organization of the
Grand Prairie Farmers’ Club in the old one-room country school, and
the endorsement of the new structure. The second showed the plans and
specifications of the proposed building, by means of an illustrated
lecture given in the old town hall. In the third and fourth parts
the basement with the installation of the lighting system and the
preparation of the lunch in the kitchen for the visitors were portrayed.
The last scene displayed the auditorium and stage in the community
school building complete, together with the dedication ceremonies. The
scenery, properties, curtains, and lighting effects were arranged by
these young men and women. The two hundred people who saw this dramatic
demonstration will never forget the effect it had upon them. It proved
that any community which is farsighted enough can with imagination and
organization erect a similar structure or remodel a village hall so the
people can have a place to express themselves. The essentials are an
assembly room and a stage, that’s all.
[Illustration: SCENE—“Back to the Farm” _By Mereline Shumway_]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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