oise or
confusion. When the position is once taken, it should be kept, unless
it is a very difficult one.

The stage manager should take his position at the front of the stage,
and see that each one is in his proper place. He should prohibit
laughter or conversation among the performers, unless any one wishes
explanations in regard to the piece. He should be strictly obeyed in
all matters referring to the tableaux; and when he has properly
adjusted every thing on the stage, he should remove to the ante-rooms,
and see that the lights, music, &c., are ready. He should then ring a
small bell, and the announcer in the hall will have a programme of the
tableaux, and will announce the piece; and if there is any
accompanying poem to be read, it will be his duty to read it. The
manager will then ring the second bell; this will be a signal for the
performers on the stage to take their positions, and for the lights to
be turned down in the hall. In thirty seconds after the second bell,
the manager will ring a third time, which will be a signal for the
curtain attendant to draw up the curtain, which should rise slowly to
the top of the frame, and be kept up about thirty seconds. Each
tableau should be exhibited twice, and in some cases three times.
After the last exhibition, the performers should quietly proceed to
the ante-rooms, and immediately dress for the next tableau. The
manager and assistants will see that the stage is cleared of the
scenery, and new scenery adjusted for the next piece. It will be
necessary to work with rapidity, as there are many things to perform
which in the aggregate will take much time. Large programmes should be
placed in each dressing-room, so that the performers will be able to
tell in which tableau they are to perform, without inquiring of the
manager. Each performer should be furnished with a large trunk to keep
his wardrobe in; and when a change of costume is made, care should be
taken that each one places his costumes in his own trunk. If this plan
is not followed, before the exhibition is through, many articles will
be missing, which will retard the performance.

Each piece of machinery, furniture, scenery, &c., should have a proper
place where it should be left when not in use. Nails, pins, hammers,
and other articles which come in constant use, should be kept in a
large box near the stage. By working systematically, every thing will
move on with clockwork nicety, and all confusion be avoid