_Chorus._ As above.
_Piano Solo._ Whilst this is being played the stage should be prepared
for the
_Stump Speech._
_Curtain and Piano Solo._ During which the stage is arranged for the
_Farce._
_Solo._ Sentimental song.
_Finale._
This programme must, of course, be adapted to any exigencies of time,
space or other circumstances, but will serve as an example of what _can_
be done.
To conclude with a few hints as to the actual entertainment. If
possible, have a sufficient number of programmes printed, or carefully
and legibly written by hand, as the most tolerant audience grows restive
if it does not know “what comes next.” Distribute these, and let one of
your party make it his business to see that the company are properly and
comfortably seated. Begin punctually; if your audience have to wait they
become impatient, and as there are few people more incapable of seeing a
joke than impatient folk, it will be to your own advantage to begin at
the proper time. Be as silent as possible behind the scenes; it is very
tantalizing for the spectators to hear a wild rushing hither and
thither, hoarse whispering, and the various signs of excitement in which
they are not allowed to participate.
Of course a certain amount of bustle is unavoidable, but reduce it to a
silent minimum. Do not be shy; remember in the first place that the
black hides all your blushes, and in the second place that nobody is
there to see _you_, but to see a “nigger” who is going to make them
laugh. Half of your audience have probably done the same in their time,
whilst the other half would have done so if they could; so take heart,
and show them all how really well it can be done. However well-disposed
your company may be, do not let that be any excuse for slovenliness on
your part, but let it rather incite you to work all the harder, so that
when everything is finished and the black is off your faces, the
universal opinion will be--“We would never have imagined that it could
be carried out so well!”