HIS OWN THEATRE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 174, 25 July 1942, Page 7

HIS OWN THEATRE

YOUTH'S VENTURE

CONVERTED AN OLD SHED Alfred George, aged 19, of Te Kuiti, prefers to put his leisure time and spare cash to good use. A post office employee of limited earnings, he has converted an old shed at his home into a perfect miniature picture theatre, with a special sound system and accommodating about 45 persons. Noticing some time ago how other youths wasted most of their money, he decided to do something worthwhile. He embarked on the venture purely as a hobby, and without any assistance, spending no pocket money on any luxuries, smoking or drinking. He "took about six months to complete the work on his theatre, using every spare minute, including week-ends. Only private screenings to friends, with a few patriotic screenings, have been given, all money raised having gone to patriotic efforts. Radio pylons, silver coloured, one at each end and electrically lighted when blackout regulations are not in force bring many inquirers to the door of the George home, and wide is the interest which has been aroused by this means and the subsequent viewing of the interior. Inside the main entrance is a miniature box office and confectionery stall, conveniently enclosed for use. A miniature telephone enables conversation to and from the operating room, and a buzzer on the wall by t'ne stall acts as a telephone bell. Heavy royal blue curtains drawn across the closed door give a complete blackout. Attractive Decorations The screen is so placed as to give an effect of distance. Pale yellow and red curtains draw across by cords operated from the operating room. A pale blue curtain in front of the stage, forward of the screen, works up and down like a blind, and is also worked from the operating room. Upon this curtain before performances is displayed a portrait of the Royal family whilst the National Anthem is being played.

The stage, with miniature trees growing in large pots, both sides, is for purposes of concert items. Coloured footlights and silver stars electrically illuminated with different coloured lights round and above the front, with a lighted "R" (for "Regent") in the centre, greatly enhance the attractive effect when pictures are not in progress.

Growing palms and hydrangeas in each corner below the stage, and coloured paper decorations with a stencilled ship in the centre, complete the background for a perfect picture theatre and display wonderful taste, workmanship and skill on the part of Mr. George. Flowerholders arranged around the walls hold fresh flowers at all times. At the back of the theatre are more miniature pines, and holly.

The operating room is a separate room attached at the back, with small curtained windows for the operator's use. The sound system, equal in volume and clarity to any ordinary picture theatre, and completed after much experimenting by Mr. George, was named by him "Electro Microphonic Sound System," which he feels aptly describes it.

Two turn-tables enable continuous music, with records for special films as well as all the latest records.

The electricity, which is a separate power supply operated by batteries, was all installed by Mr. George, as were the numerous electrically illuminated decorations. Electric lights are also placed down the centre of the theatre, and there is a radiator for heating purposes when necessary.

Ventilation is provided in the ceiling and on the back wall. The main inside coloulings are in red, white and blue. Lino and enamel provide floor coverings, and at all times the theatre is kept clean, fresh and well aired. The curtains also were all completely designed and made by Mr. George himself, without any assistance. Initiative such as this youth has displayed merits encouragement.