12-28-57
My dear Pat,
Thought it was about time I get on the ball and drop you a few lines. Been awfully busy, but over vacation I've decided to take one day and do nothing but catch up on my correspondence. This is that particular day.
With the record-player loaded, I'm all set.
Had a very nice Christmas went to Kirkland, Wash. (across the lake) with my roommate. We were planning to go to Vancouver, B.C. (Canada) this week-end. But again, the Drama Dept. was successful in curtailing my plans. It seems we are doing a T.V. show for Richfield Oil. It's called "Success Story", and this week, (New Years Eve) will feature our dept. (How nice! [pouty face])
You ask about our dept. I will try to send you some brochures etc. in the near future. Actually, that's why I was so long in answering. I was hoping to send a letter and bulletins together but I never think of it while I'm up near the Ad building.
Have you made any plans for a school concerning your M.A.?
If you are interested in the University you can write to:
Mr. Glenn Hughes
c/o School of Drama
University of Wash.
Seattle 5, Wa.He will answer any questions you have about assitantships etc. If I can be of any help please let me know.
I will say this much about the school.
It's inexpensive - $136.00 per quarter, and you can live where you like. (room or apartments)
There are a lot of scholarships & assistantship[s] floating around.
And if you, st. manage - do props, lights etc. you get paid for that. Most of the actors are on some sort of scholarship. And if you want to work in the shop-strikes, set-ins, they pay you for that too.
There may be a painting assistantship open next fall (60.00 per month). It entails, working in the shop and doing most of the painting for all the shows.
You can get on M.A. in 2 yrs and possibly one, (if you go to summer school.[)]
Before you make any decisions about this school I would like to know what phase of theatre you are interested in.
That's as far as I will go in giving info about the "U". I'm afraid if I go much further I'll start reflecting personal opinions. But, please don't let that statement scare you away. I will verify that when I hear more of what you want out of college.
We have three theatres, childrens theatre, and opera theartre [sic] (music dept).
Two of the theatres are never dark (weekends) run six weeks for each show. The playhouse is reserved mainly for the more classical drama and student productions.
I just finished building a musical, Vegas Calling, which was written by Mr. Hughes. We did it ala Radio City complete with a new $250 contour curtain with 14 contours. This curtain, of course, was made in the dept. - and believe me, Pat, you haven't lived until you've rigged one of those things. Also, we had 14 ft, 3 sections, 6" thick padded flats, complete with tufting & a 16' curved, padded bar and various other gems which I will not try to explain.
Some shows we are doing starting with
theone opening this Thurs. and working forward. (I believe, I told you about the schedule up to & including Christmas).Good Housekeeping, James, Vegas Calling, Potting Shed, Caine Mutiny, Chinese Wall, The Puppet Princess, Cosi Van Tutti [sic] (opera). Sometime in the near future, we will have an undertaking of Cyrano
Well, Pat, must run for now - do write. Have you read Touch of the Past yet? If so, what did you think of it? Mrs. E. was in N.Y for a week (Dec 6) Saw alot of shows. I guess you know Uncle Miltie returned to A-berry [Allenberry] at the end of the season. Did the last 4 or 5 shows for them. And last, report from Mr. Gage - 2 musicals are planned for next season. He leaves for NY. Jan 6.
Let me hear about your college plans -
However, I do suggest you try an eastern school.
Have you investigated Boston U? They have a fine dept. If I had the money, that's where I would be - ($700 - year)
Much love -
J. Frederick Custer, Esq.