uthful players
make a finished exit; that is, that one scene and set of players
disappear entirely from view before another set of players begin to
come on. Off stage the players should be in groups, arranged in the
order in which they are to appear, so that as one group leaves the
stage, the next is ready to appear, and confusion is avoided. No talk
should be allowed off stage. On a still Summer day sounds carry: a
murmur is confusing to the players.

The players should not be dependent on words alone for their cues. Very
often a word may fail to carry out of doors; but a gesture can always
be seen. Therefore, _gesture cues_ can be used at many of the climaxes.
These cues can be quite simple and natural, and while perfectly
understandable to the players themselves, need not be at all obvious to
the audience. The players and their director can decide upon the cues,
and will find them of immense help. Thus, by an upraised arm, or by
tossing back a braid of her hair, Pocahontas can signal to Powhatan
that her talk with John Smith is finished. Washington shielding his
eyes with his hand can be a signal to Carey that it is time for him to
enter, etc., etc. Of course, in many cases the ending or beginning of a
dance, or the entrance of some principal character will be cue enough
in itself.

In the final procession (if the players choose to have a procession),
The Spirit of Patriotism should march first, and behind her should
follow the other players in the order of their scenes. This preserves
the order of the epochs also, and makes an excellent color scheme--the
tawny yellows and reds of the Indian garb, the dark Puritan costumes,
the pinks and blues of the Colonial period as against the more somber
colors of the settler's homespun, etc., etc. In order to give such a
procession its full effect it should not seem too stiff and
premeditated. Let some of the players march two and two, and then have
some important character walking alone. Sometimes it may be possible to
have a group of three, or a tall young player with two smaller and
younger players, following her. Or again a line of Indians single file.
The properties should be carried in the procession to add to its
effectiveness. The canoe, as if it were still a matter of portage; the
sedan chair of the Duchess of Bourbon; the Indian war-drum used in
"Princess Pocahontas," etc., etc. Needless to say these properties are
carried in the group and epoch in which they belong