Fig. 1.—Back view of drop curtain.
The bamboo rod should be cut to such a length that when the eyes have been added, the whole can be fixed to steel hooks screwed into the picture-molding on either side of the room. Should any difficulty be experienced in procuring a rod of sufficient length, the difficulty may be overcome by the use of two shorter pieces joined at the middle by iron sockets.
In the case where it is intended to give the performance in either a schoolroom or a small hall, a curtain of much greater size and of stouter material would be required, and this latter can be supported on a length of strong gas pipe held in position by brackets nailed to the wall at each end.
The arrangement for raising or lowering the curtain is shown in the [diagram], in which A A is the rod. A number of small brass rings are then sewn to the back of the curtain, as at A X and A E. Top rings, much larger, are also attached to the curtain and passed along the rod. Cord is next run from X and E respectively through the rings at A, and allowed to hang loose as at D. The bottom of the curtain should be weighted with shot.
Four screens, two on each side, can also be requisitioned for the wings, and a small steady table placed in each recess ([Fig. 1a]) for moderator lamps—preferably of the self-extinguishing pattern, in case they should be upset by an untoward accident—to make up for the deficiency of footlights, though these can be provided by the aid of a little ingenuity, e.g. candle reading-lamps with shades and reflectors begged or borrowed from accommodating neighbors. Tin cans cut in half, and night-lights will serve the purpose equally well. Here, again, the inventive genius of the promoters of the enterprise will have to be called into play.
Fig. 1a.—Showing arrangement of screens for exits and entrances.
All risk of fire should be obviated as much as possible, and appliances for the swift extinction of a blaze near at hand.
By the judicious arrangement of the screens it will be possible to provide for exits and entrances on both sides of the stage.