DRAMATIC READING CLUBS.
These clubs are far more agreeable to their members and less likely to cause unpleasant rivalries, which, it is to be regretted, are apt to arise among even private actors. Human nature, alas, is weak! Some clubs read Shakspeare alone. It is most certainly a noble study, and one we can never weary of. Few can hope ever to excel in delineating Shakspeare. Therefore it is well, if we meet together for social enjoyment as well as improvement, to have a variety of plays. I have known of very successful clubs, and I will give the general manner of proceeding adopted by one of them, as it may assist in the formation of others. The club was started by some young ladies with a view of making home and winter evenings agreeable to their brothers; a committee was chosen to form a code of laws. Each one was to subscribe a small sum to purchase the “librettos” of their plays. The following rules were signed by all the members:
1. Each member of the club must take his or her turn in choosing a play, and in giving out the rôle of characters.
2. Every member must take the characters given him, and do his best, unless he can exchange parts with some other member, with the consent of the one who selected the play.
3. The one who selects the play has a right to the best character.
4. The club shall meet once a week at the houses of members, in alphabetical rotation.
5. Whenever any member is unable to take his part and cannot attend the meeting, he must provide some one to take his character.
6. No new member can be admitted without the vote of the majority.
7. Each member must study his or her part well, before meeting with the club. If any two, or several, should have difficult parts together, they must meet privately and practise them.
At first, they merely read the plays; but soon, they partially acted them, and found them increased in interest thereby. They always had their little librettos by them. Those who had ready memories rarely referred to them; or a mere glance would be sufficient. Finally they dressed in character, and admitted an audience composed of their relatives.