The writer is engaged in the theatrical profession; and in traveling about the country, incidentally he has been able to witness or learn personally of many remarkable demonstrations in Christian Science. He always makes it a point to visit the various reading-rooms and churches, and to cultivate the acquaintance of Scientists. In so doing he is frequently asked questions regarding the progress that Science is making among those who are on the stage. This last sentence could be phrased in the past tense; for not only is the most satisfying progress being made, but the progress that has been made is tremendous. There was a time when a religiously inclined individual on the stage was a freak; and even today the performers who frankly though humbly proclaim their creed are the Scientists.

Are there many such on the stage? Yes. It is a very common occurrence to meet in the profession nowadays, and when one does not meet them, they are conspicuous by their absence. Moreover, they are good, earnest workers. Frequently I have been on a bill of fair size that was composed entirely of students of Christian Science. It is no rare sight into a dressing-room and see copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" lying conveniently near on a make-up shelf, side by side with a box of paint; or to see a performer with his face covered with burnt cork busily engaged in studying the Lesson-Sermon. One stage manager is known to have told a Scientist that he could detect Christian Scientists as soon as they entered the theater. Asked how, he replied, "I know them by their smile."

Recently, while playing in a western city, the opening day was particularly trying. A young couple whose acquaintance we had not made, occupied the room next to ours. They were dressing for the street when we returned to our room, and I remarked to my wife, "It isn't very scientific, but I feel tired out." That "scientific" was sufficient. From the other dressing-room came the query in unison, "Are you Scientists?" We replied in a happy affirmative and they echoed it. A charming friendship began right there and still continues. This is not isolated instance. Around the dressing-rooms or on the stage, some word or expression incident to our faith will not uncommonly be met with the query, "Are you a Scientist?" and pleasant companionship is assured.

This article is being written in Chicago, a city that both temporarily and permanently contains enough theatricl people to start a good-sized town of their own. Work is not over plentiful, but the Scientists are cheerful and happy; among them there is no condemnation of "the powers that be" in the booking offices. They work steadily and persistently against any claim of limitation, and win out! The same thought that they hold before stepping on the stage for their performance they hold before entering those crowded, bustling offices, namely, "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need" (Science and Health, p. 494). And the more severely that fact is tested and the more strongly they hold to it, the more resoundingly triumphant is the inevitable victory.

Last Thanksgiving eve none of us had work. Were any of the Scientists peevishly complaining? No, indeed! Breasting a frisky little snow-storm we all headed for church. There we sat, a good-sized row, all actors and actresses, earning our living in a most precarious profession, the men and women from behind the footlights, the last people in the world whom many worthy folk would think of as being sincerely religious. Moreover, while the testimonies were being given, other members of the theatrical profession, scattered about the church, rose and told of their experiences. The last half of that week all of us received contracts!

What, then, is the great appeal that Christian Science makes to the people of the stage, to that widely traveled, skeptical world behind the footlights? Simply this: it is primarily a practical religion. It is an ever-ready help; it is always with us; we are not to put it on merely like a garment Sunday morning to wear it to a church: we must live it every hour; and in so doing we live wholesomely, intelligently, and happily. Furthermore, Christian Science is fundamentally simple. It is like a great masterpiece of art—the more we study it, the more we are impressed with its profound simplicity.

Theatrical people are always supposed to be in "good condition." Once a contract is signed, the work must be performed unless a physical impossibility prevents: hence another powerful appeal that Christian Science makes to the people of the stage. It is common occurrence for Scientists while working on the stage to whisper to a fellow Scientist, "Help me," and the response is always sure. We have accomplished nothing in our work that we do not unreservedly attribute to divine Love.

Another great appeal that Science makes to theatrical people lies in the fact, that there is a kindly Christian spirit shown them in the Christian Science churches. A performer attending one our churches is never a stranger. He is warmly welcomed purely for what he is, regardless of rank, profession, or position. He is immediately made to feel at home. There is friendship, trust, and sincere brotherhood!

The Christian Science church may well be proud of its real sons and daughters on the stage. Among them there is no drinking, no profanity, no petty professional jealousy, no dishonesty; their work is clean and their lives are clean.

They smile serenely, for they are leaning upon "the sustaining infinite" (Science and Health, Pref., p. vii). They have to meet all kinds of discouragements and hardships, but daily putting into practise the golden rule, they live their part as Christian Scientists. They do their best on the stage of human experience, and are guided on this earthly tour by the teachings of the Master as interpreted in Christian Science by their revered Leader, Mrs. Eddy.