_first one, then another, then two together: nine or ten in all. They are about to rehearse a Pirandello play_: Mixing It Up. _Some of the company move off towards their dressing rooms. The prompter who has the "book" under his arm, is waiting for the manager in order to begin the rehearsal._ _The actors and actresses, some standing, some sitting, chat and smoke. One perhaps reads a paper; another cons his part._ _Finally, the Manager enters and goes to the table prepared for him: His secretary brings him his mail, through which he glances. The prompter takes his seat, turns on a light, and opens the "book."_ THE MANAGER (_throwing a letter down on the table_). I can't see (_to Property Man_). Let's have a little light, please! PROPERTY MAN. Yes sir, yes, at once (_a light comes down on to the stage_). THE MANAGER (_clapping his hands_). Come along! Come along! Second act of "Mixing it Up" (_sits down_). (_The actors and actresses go from the front of the stage to the wings, all except the three who are to begin the rehearsal_). THE PROMPTER (_reading the "book"_). "Leo Gala's house. A curious room serving as dining-room and study." THE MANAGER (_to Property Man_). Fix up the old red room. PROPERTY MAN (_noting it down_). Red set. All right! THE PROMPTER (_continuing to read from the "book"_). "Table already laid and writing desk with books and papers. Book-shelves. Exit rear to Leo's bedroom. Exit left to kitchen. Principal exit to right." THE MANAGER (_energetically_). Well, you understand: The principal exit over there; here, the kitchen. (_Turning to actor who is to play the part of Socrates_). You make your entrances and exits here. (_To Property Man_) The baize doors at the rear, and curtains. PROPERTY MAN (_noting it down_). Right oh! PROMPTER (_reading as before_). "When the curtain rises, Leo Gala, dressed in cook's cap and apron is busy beating an egg in a cup. Philip, also dressed as a cook, is beating another egg. Guido Venanzi is seated and listening." LEADING MAN (_to manager_). Excuse me, but must I absolutely wear a cook's cap? THE MANAGER (_annoyed_). I imagine so. It says so there anyway (_pointing to the "book"_). LEADING MAN. But it's ridiculous!