THE ACTORS' OWN PRESS-NOTICES COMPANY LIMITED.
"Then came each actor with his Association." Shakespeare, New Reading.
CAPITAL—quite excellent. The usual thing in sharing terms.
DIRECTORS.
The Managers of London who live at home at ease.
The Actors of England who have a pretty taste for literature.
BANKERS.—The Wild Time Bank, late PUCK's Limited.
SOLICITORS.—Messrs. BOX AND COX, Bouncer Buildings.
AUDITORS.—Messrs. HEXTRA, SUPER, NUMERY & CO., Mum Street, E.C.
SECRETARY (pro tem.).—A. PLYACK TORR.
OFFICES.—In the Adelphi.
ABRIDGED PROSPECTUS.
This Company has been formed for the purposes of establishing a thoroughly reliable newspaper in the interests of the Drama, and the shareholders belonging to the Theatrical Profession of the United Kingdom.
1. To uphold every Shareholder's claim to Acting as an Art.
2. To secure the best possible criticism by enabling every shareholder to write the notices of his own performances.
3. To take cognisance of the literature that grows up around the Stage, especially criticism in other quarters.
4. To notice the Drama all the world over, when space permits.
5. To support the work of the Profession in general, and the Shareholders in particular.
6. To afford a means of exercising hobbies.
7. To contain Articles by any of the recognised critics ("distinguished writers of the day").
8. To serve as a Directory, or Vade Mecum, or Press-notes container for the benefit of the Shareholders.
Many leading theatrical lessees, managers, and actors, have expressed themselves strongly in favour of the necessity of establishing a paper, written by themselves, for themselves, to read. Without such an organ it is impossible that they can be adequately represented.
The need of such a journal has long been felt by those whose theatrical notices have been the reverse of satisfactory.
A large number of prominent players have promised to take shares, and advertise, not only in the advertisement columns, but in other parts of the proposed paper.
The price of the paper will be hereafter settled by the Directors, who feel that this is a mere matter of detail. The charge for advertisements will be very moderate, to suit the requirements of the shareholders.
Pictures and all sorts of clever things will be introduced when the capital is subscribed, but it's no use making promises until the bankers have got the money.
If there is a rush for shares (as anticipated), those who come first will have the preference.
It may be stated that lots of people have promised to become shareholders which is satisfactory. But it is necessary to add that no one will be permitted to become a contributor to the paper even of the most interesting nature (i.e., Press notices, &c.), until he has contributed to its capital.
It is the intention of the Promoters that the majority of the shares that be allotted to persons in or connected with the profession, so that there shall be no nonsense from outsiders.
No promotion money will be paid to anyone. The only preliminary expenses will be those connected with law and stationery.
It is proposed to start the Journal at once, per contract. The Promoters are in communication with a gentleman who will make a first-rate Editor, and who will (they believe) be delighted to accept such an appointment if offered to him. Special arrangements will be made for the insertion of such advertisements as "Wigs on the Green" and "Curtain Razors."
As the paper will be sent about largely, it should have a good circulation, and the Promoters give as a standing toast, "Success to the Advertisement Department!"
Under such brilliant auspices, both the Company and the paper (as the legal advisers, Messrs. BOX & COX would say) "should be satisfied."
In the event of no money being received, the amount will be returned without deductions.