The Art of the 'Living Picture'

From behind the scenes the evolution of a living picture is a most interesting process and a triumphant production of stage craft. To give it properly requires speed and accuracy, and an adaptation of crude materials as the groundwork for artistic effect. The arrangement of the pictures produced by the Calhoun opera company last week was in the hands of Mr. Calhoun, who is conceded to be the most efficient light opera stage manager in the country. The 'pictures' and assistants stood in an apparent confusion of boards, barrels, boxes and rope. Immediately behind the narrow platform on which the picture girls stood was a double roll of 'background.' After 'The Swing' had been given and the curtain closed, the two young women sprang lightly from their perch, and the ropes floated upward to the ceiling as if possessed of wings. At the same time, by a few movements of a lever, the background was changed and the next 'picture' walked into position. The picture girls showed themselves to be exactly like other women, and arranged and rearranged their drapery until the last instant before the light was flashed into their faces. At that instant, however, the features assumed the set classical expression, to be relaxed again as soon as the audience was shut from sight.