2. Out-of-door scenes of a more elaborate character, in plays like Rostand's "The Romancers", often require more complicated sets; they may still be produced with the most elementary sort of background, however. The stage directions of this play are as follows:
Scene: The stage is divided by an old wall, covered with vines and flowers. At the right, a corner of bergamin's park is seen; at the left, a corner of pasquinot's. On each side of the wall, and against it, is a rustic bench.
This is set in the following manner:
The background hangings may be of tan burlap or else dark green. Gaps, covered by the folds, must be made up- and down-stage to allow the actors to enter and leave the stage. The wall must be constructed of solid wood, in order to support the actors, and painted to suggest bricks. There is a rustic bench against each side of the wall. Though they are not mentioned in these preliminary directions, there are other rustic benches, down-stage to the extreme right and left. These are used later in the act.
In the second act, "the wall has disappeared. The benches which were formerly against it, are removed to the extreme right and left. [The extra benches mentioned in the first act have of course been removed.] There are a few extra pots of flowers and two or three plaster statues. To the right is a small garden table, with chairs about it." This scene is set as follows:
The third act stage directions are: "The scene is the same except that the wall is being rebuilt. Bricks and sacks of plaster lie about." A few bricks may serve to indicate the partly finished wall.
Since the scene of this play is laid at first in parks, there ought to be some suggestion as to this fact. Here bay- or box-trees can be used. Perhaps three or four should be arranged more or less symmetrically at the back of the stage, and as many to the right and left, down-stage. One or two can be added, close to the wall. This is all that is absolutely necessary.