The training of the actor! To-day there is practically none. Actors
and actresses are not to be taught by patting them on the shoulders
and saying, "Fine! Splendid!" It is a hard, hard school, on the
contrary, of unmerciful criticism. And he is a poor master who seeks
cheap popularity amongst his associates by glossing over and praising
what he knows to be condemnable. No good result is to be obtained by
this method, but it is this method which has caused a great many
actors to be beloved, and the public to be very much distressed.
As for the practical side of an established theatre, I am absolutely
convinced that the national theatre could be established in this
country on a practical and paying basis; and not only on a paying
basis, but upon a profitable basis. It would, however, necessitate
the investment of a large amount of capital. In short, the prime cost
would be large, but if the public generally is interested, there is no
reason why an able financier could not float a company for this
purpose. But under no circumstances must or can a national theatre,
in the proper use of the term, be made an object of personal or
commercial profit. Nor can it be a scheme devised by a few
individuals for the exploitation of a social or literary fad. The
national theatre must be given by the people to the people, and be
governed by the people. The members of the national theatre should be
elected by the board of directors, and should be chosen from the
American and British stage alike, or from any country where English is
the language of the people. Every inducement should be offered to
secure the services of the best actors; by actors, I mean actors of
both sexes; and those who have served for a certain number of years
should be entitled to a pension upon retirement.
It is not necessary to bother with further details; I only mention
this to impress the reader with the fact that the national theatre is
a practical possibility. From my personal experience I am convinced
that serious effort upon the American stage meets with a hearty
endorsement.