The Torch and Other Patriotic Pageants of Today; The Answer, the Torch, When Liberty Calls (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1918 edition. Excerpt: ... GENERAL DIRECTIONS More detailed directions follow each pageant and give the amateur suggestions for costumes and staging, which have been found by experience to be effective and which are simple enough to be easily carried out. It should be remembered in planning, that color is usually more effective in masses than in spots: that light colors attract the eye more quickly than dark; and that a background should not attract attention but focus it. Keeping these points in mind, each producer should feel free to suit the settings, color-schemes and effects to their own needs and possibilities. The music should be changed with caution, if at all, as it has been chosen because expressly suited to emphasize dramatic climaxes. If given indoors the musicians should be in front or on one side of the stage; if out-of-doors on one side, preferably the R. In any case the leader must have an unobstructed view of the stage, as much depends on the songs and dances coming in their proper places. The music may be played by a band, a school orchestra with piano, or even piano alone. A drum and cornet are indispensable for an out-of-door performance. A deep-toned bell should be struck (not rung) where indicated in the text. If this is not obtainable a bar of metal hung from a string may be used. The tone is better if a padded stick is used. Much time and trouble will be saved if the following books are consulted: "Costumes and Scenery for Amateurs " Constance D. Mackay. (New York: Henry Holt and Company. $i.75 net.) This book treats, among other things, Symbolic Costumes and Stage Furniture and Setting (with illustrations). "The Bankside Costume Book for Children." (Published in England by Melicent Stone Gardiner, Darton & Co. May be found in most large...