Overview

Circle stock theater was based on the repertory companies that began to tour America after the Civil War; unlike their repertory brethren, circle stock troupes toured a regular circuit, usually consisting of six small towns situated roughly in a circle around a base community where the performers lived. Through interviews, written reminiscences of veteran circle stock performers, and extensive research, the history of this unique slice of Americana is here presented for the first time.

Full Product Details

Author:   Landis K. Magnuson
Publisher:   McFarland & Co Inc
Imprint:   McFarland & Co Inc
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 1.40cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.363kg
ISBN:  

9780786493616

ISBN 10:   0786493615
Pages:   268
Publication Date:   28 February 2014
Recommended Age:   From 18 years
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order  
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Table of Contents

Table of Contents Foreword by Brooks McNamara Preface 1. A Wagon Wheel with Spokes 2. Early Practitioners and Circuits Benjamin B. Bernon Albert L. Trahern Trousdale Brothers An Era of Circuits Vaudeville Circuits Burlesque Wheels Airdome Circuits Additional Circuits of the Period Early Theatrical Circuits Theatrical Syndicate The Shuberts One-Night Production Circuits 3. Maintaining Body and Soul Financial Motivations Interpersonal Motivations 4. Satisfied Patrons Always Come Back Play Selection Broadway vs. Midwest Plays Toby Plays War Plays Play Brokers Script Alteration Play Piracy Vaudeville Specialties Presentation 5. Controlling the Grouch Bag Managers The Company Personnel Management Actors’ Equity Governmental Involvement Chiseling Rehearsal Methods Transportation Weather Conditions Performance Sites Scenery Competition 6. Real Dollars and Sense Admission Depression-Era Merchant Circle Commonwealth Companies Show-and-Dance Candy and Popcorn Sales Radio Connections The Ballyhoo Expenses Special Problems in the Wartime Economy 7. Variety Galore Variations in Length Variations in Location and Environment Variations in Format and Content 8. A Quiet Demise Decline in Quantity Decline in Artistic and Management Practices Notes Works Consulted Index

Reviews

this important study is strongly recommended -Choice nicely illustrated excellent study -Theatre History Studies draws on primary sources consisting of interviews with veteran troupers, theatrical memorabilia, and rare trade publications -Library Journal

this important study is strongly recommended -<em>Choice</em><br><br> nicely illustrated excellent study -<em>Theatre History Studies</em><br><br> draws on primary sources consisting of interviews with veteran troupers, theatrical memorabilia, and rare trade publications -<em>Library Journal</em>

Author Information

Landis K. Magnuson is a professor of English at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he specializes in theatre direction, acting for the stage, and American theatre history. The former chair of the English department, Magnuson continues to serve as director of the Anselmian Abbey Players.

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