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Question: Theatre History (research) Question!?
A friend of mine is writing a piece set in a theatre in the late 19th century!. He's wondering about the practice of replying to calls before curtain!.
Of course, now, the standard reply to 15 minutes till places is "thank you, fifteen!." Is this tradition too modern to include as a line in a play set in 1880s London!? I'd appreciate any information anyone could provide, especially pointing me to any books or websites on the subject!. There's lots of information about stage management
out there,but not much on its history!. Thanks!
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Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Not having been there, my opinion is suspect, but!.!.!.

I would tend to think that a play was presented "around", shall we say, 3:00PM (or 8:00PM), not "exactly" at 3:00PM etc!.

The idea of the suspense engendered by the 15 call, etc!. can be used quite effectively in a play, however, the "canto et respondu" of the call by the Stage Manager and response by the in-makeup (or in-costume) actor is a purely late-20th Century backstage etiquette!.

In Mike Leigh's brilliant film evocation of late-19th Century theatre etiquette, among other things, Topsy Turvy (2000), we see a boy give the call, only after receiving permission from a top-hatted, presumably, dressing-room manager!. A knock, a call, and a grunt, (or a "thank you"), from the actor!. A mere acknowledgement of the call!. No "thank you, fifteen" or the like!.

I would be of the opinion that a "thank you, fifteen" or some such response would be too modern for a play set in Victorian times!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Are you talking about a response from actors, or other stagehands!? Without PA systems and walkie talkies, there may not have even been stage calls since communication was much more difficult!. Lighting calls couldn't be made over a headset!. I wouldn't be surprised if the actors had a "wrangler" that made sure they were all together and ready to go!.

You may want to contact some theater historians!? I'm not really sure who would have the answer!. So my answer to you is to make it up!. It's a fiction piece, right!? That's what creative license is for!. ;)Www@QuestionHome@Com