Circle stock repertoire theatre in America, 1907-1957.

摘要

This study undertakes the first detailed examination of a widely used, but virtually unreported, method of touring practiced by American repertoire theatre companies in the first half of this century. Known by such variant names as rotary and circuit stock, circle stock was a form of small-time popular theatre which reached its height during the Depression in the Midwest.; Employed by repertoire companies primarily during the winter, the basic circle stock format involved touring to a circuit of six small towns situated roughly in a circle around a base community, where the company normally resided. On each weekly rotation of the circuit, the company performed once in each town on the same day of the week as on the previous visit.; Because circle stock was largely ignored by major trade and daily newspapers, the author makes extensive use of oral and written reminiscences of veteran repertoire performers obtained especially for this study, in addition to scarce newsletters such as Bill Bruno's Bulletin.; Following an introduction of repertoire theatre and circle stock touring in Chapter One, the second chapter presents newly uncovered information tracing the origin of circle stock to Al Trahern on Long Island in 1907. In addition, this chapter describes various para-theatrical and theatrical circuits which likely served as models for circle stock. Chapter Three examines the financial and interpersonal motivations for adopting this format, highlighting circle stock's ability to survive during times of adversity. Chapter Four focuses on performance aspects, examining not only the plays presented but also specialty acts and additional musical entertainment. The fifth chapter explores the management and logistics of circle stock, with detailed considerations of transportation, weather conditions, and competition. Chapter Six analyzes the economy of circle stock, dealing in depth with methods used to increase income. This segment relies heavily upon information from rare circle stock business ledgers. Chapter Seven documents variations of the basic format, including examples of circle stock in large metropolitan areas. The concluding chapter focuses on the decline of circle stock, and attempts to place circle stock's importance in the history of American popular entertainment.