The dimensions of the stage depend entirely, of course, upon the size of the room in which the entertainment is to be given. The minimum width, or “length of frontage,” should not be less than ten feet, and the distance from the front of the stage to the beginning of the partition curtain not less than six feet. The distance from the partition curtain to the back of the stage is not of great importance. Provided there is room for the assistant to move about, this is all that is required. Two and a half feet is ample.
The following dimensions will be found about as convenient as any; but if the reader is in a position to construct a larger stage, so much the better.
Frontage, 12 ft.; height, 7 ft. 6 in.; distance from front to partition curtain, 7 ft. 6 in.; from partition curtain to back of stage, 3 ft.
Having decided upon the measurements of the stage, a further supply of black cloth must be procured and fitted completely over the framework. It is preferable to have this cloth already stitched into shape ([Fig. 6]), so that it can be simply drawn on over the box-like structure of laths.
Fig. 6.—Cloth covering for frame.
It is also necessary to spread another piece of black cloth upon the floor.
Lastly, the stage front must be decorated. These decorations consist merely of two curtains hooked at each side of the opening, and a frieze draped along the top lath, as shown in [Fig. 1].
The lighting arrangements must be left largely to the discretion of the reader. If he be a “handyman,” he can fit four incandescent gas burners to the front of the show. A very effective, although primitive, method of lighting is illustrated by [Fig. 7]. Two pieces of wire are hooked to the top lath, a pair at each side, and three small bull’s-eye lanterns fastened at intervals to them (see diagram).
