Maple Avenue Evening High School - Progress Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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How Class Was Named But how cum this name Cellar Players' you would probably like to ask. Well now, if you will just sail on, like Columbus of old, you will learn. Some three years ago a few ambitious young people came to thefrooms of the Maple Avenue School in the basement of the great building at 540 Maple Avenue Where vocational and trade extension Work was being taught, and applied for a classiin dramatics and oral expressionf The request Was favorably received by the principal of the school, Mrs. Sadie C. Atherton, Whose constant enthusiasm and encouragement has been a great help and inspiration to this department ever since. V A meeting was held in the basement or cellar and a dramatic class formed under the direction of Miss Araxie Jamgochain. Later as this class progressed and commenced to give amateur entertainments some one named it the Cellar Players' and by that name it has come to be gener- ally known. i This class met three times a Week in the largest room in the down- stairs quarters - their studio. Studio is quite the appropriate name for Members of Dramatic Class l In Scene in The Pot Boilers be Page Seventy-two

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The Dramatic Department High Spots of the Past Year By THE CLASS CRITIC HE Dramatic Class in the Maple Avenue Evening, High School has come to be known far and wide as the Cellar Players . Oh! yes, gentle reader, there is a dramatic department in this school and it fits into the scheme of things most admirably for, besides furnishing an opportunity for the histrionically inclined to acquire train- ing in that subject, it provides an opportunity for valuable, first-hand practice for several of the other classes, such 'as the sheet metal, electrical, art and orchestra departments, in stage building, lighting, decorating and music. To this dramatic class young men and women come from various trades, callings and professions to receive training in correct pronunciation, enunciation, diction, voice and poise, to cultivate their memories and, per- haps most important of all, to acquire the art of correct public speaking - the art which, above all others, helps people to make a success in the world in both business and social activities. Here also they get a knowledge of stage effect, the art of make-up and of the staging and direction of plays and pantomimes which fits them to take part in entertainments and theatricals without embarassment. Working in conjunction with the sheet metal, electrical and art classes, a stage set is erected and fittingly decorated and the necessary footlights, telephones and other contrivances installed and occasionally a Cellar Players' night is announced, when, assisted by the orchestra class, a short entertainment is given to which the students of all the other departments are summoned. Always, following one of those Cellar Players' nights a most happy, satisfied throng may be seen wending its way up from the school quarters. L Page Seventy-one

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it is the room used by the Art class on other evenings and scattered throughout are fine old jugs, vases, plaster casts, murals, charcoal draw- ings and easels. There are two large pillars or supporting columns near the center of the west side of this room and between these colums the stage is set and the rehearsals and plays are held. Two years ago Miss J amgochain resigned to take up dramatic work in another field and Miss Lucy Hummel, noted local instructor in drama and voice, became director of the Cellar Players. No doubt, reader, you question the possibility of producing noticeable results with but a few hours training three nights per week and often, too, with students weary from their day's work in shops, offices, banks, motion picture studios, magazine staffs etc. Nevertheless, results have been and are being obtained. Plays Make Hit Just to prove that I am not giving you mere words let me give you a brief outline of the activities of the Cellar Players during the past year. You will be surprised. Four successful performances were given in the school studio. Each performance ran two nights. The first night is al- ways for the student body and the second night is for the friends of the players. By the way, instead of using programs for these performances a large easel is placed at one side of the stage and on it is placed placards bearing names of the plays and cast of characters. Two girls in artist's smock, and tam, act as ushers. Then there is the prologue girl, also in smock and tam, who, before each play begins, steps out in front and gives the audience a bit of the atmosphere of that play. More about this talent- ed prologue girl and her clever creations will appear in another column. Often, after these performances, the guests are invited to remain and enjoy a cup of tea and often a dance or two. Twelve other performances were given throughout the district on in- vitation of various organizations and lodges such as the Modern Woodmen of America, Y. M. C. A. of San Pedro, Lincoln Heights Library, Fraternal Brotherhood, Los Angeles Eastern Star Chapter, Indiana State Association, Soldiers' Home at Sawtelle and for the invalid marines on the Navy Hos- pital Boat, Mercy, in San Pedro Harbor. Of all theseiprograms the one given aboard the Hospital Boat Mercy, was perhaps the most thrilling. Automobiles conveyed the Players to San Pedro where a tinylchug boat was waiting to take them out to the Mercy. Page Seventy-three