TEXTBOOK OF LANDSCAPE GARDENING 
Orientation: It is best to have the main axis of the theater 
run approximately north and south with the stage at either end of 
this axis. 
Locations: Large theaters and football stadiums must be in 
the open and preferably on level land. Rarely, as at Tacoma, 
Washington, can advantage be taken of a hillside to make a thor- 
oughly satisfactory stadium. Small theaters should be made under 
trees in nearly all cases. ‘“‘Natural amphitheaters” of which one 
often hears are really quite common. They can be found in almost 
every neighborhood, and they should be utilized wherever possible 
as sites for further elaboration. 
Seats: There has been a wild fashion in America for fitting all 
stadiums and outdoor theaters with cement seats. Now a cement 
seat is intolerable for purposes of sitting down. Wooden seats must 
always be built on top of the cement. This raises the question 
whether it is not much better, at least in small theaters, to build 
wooden seats in the first place. In some places chairs may be 
brought out when needed. In many instances temporary and move- 
able planks make the most practicable seats. 
The Stage: The stage should be as simple as possible, usually 
level; and not too large. It should be closed at the back and 
framed in at the two sides by trees, pillars, or by some similar means. _ 
Convenient exits and entrances should be found, and dressing rooms 
must be considered. 
Lighting: Electric lighting is the simplest method almost 
everywhere, but by no means the best, especially if the usual in- 
candescent bulbs are strung in sight of the spectators. If “‘flood 
lights” thrown from concealed sources can be installed the outdoor 
effect is better preserved. But incandescent light bulbs out of 
doors are a highly artificial anomaly and tend powerfully to destroy 
the very illusions which we are striving to create. Open blazing 
flambeaux, kerosene or gasolene torches, are much better. Good 
moonlight is best of all, at least for musical programs. 
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