AT THE THEATRE

        The 20th century brought great changes into the theatre. Cinema, radio, television, video altered the course of the ma­jor performing arts and created the new ones. But still there are hundreds of puppet theatres, conservatoires and philhar­monics, musical comedy theatres, drama theatres and opera houses where the audiences are excited at the prospect of see­ing a play and the actors are most encouraged by the warm re­ception. But before going to a theatre you should book a ticket at a box-office. The most expensive seats are in the stalls, boxes and dress-circle. The seats in the balcony, pit and the upper circle are less expensive, they are cheap. Then at the entrance to the theatre the attendant tears your theatre ticket in half. He gives you your half back so that you can find your seat by its number. Another attendant shows you to your seat and sells a programme that will tell you which parts the actors are play­ing and how many acts there are in the play. Then you take your seat and may enjoy the play.

           I have always envied the dwellers of large cities. They have so many opportunities to enjoy themselves. Theatres, cinemas, variety shows, circus, conservatoire, concert halls, etc. are at their desposal. In provincial towns like mine is we have only amateur dramatics. That’s why I always take the smallest chance to go to a theatre when in a city.

QUESTIONS:

1. Why have you always envied the dwellers of large cities?

2. Have you only amateur dramatics in your town?

3. Which seats are the most expensive, less expensive, cheap?

VOCABULARY:

to bring (brought, brought) — приносить

to alter — менять

performing arts — виды сценического искусства

puppet theatre — кукольный театр

to encourage — воодушевлять

box-office — театральная касса

pit — амфитеатр

entrance — вход

attendant — служащий

to tear (tore, torn) — рвать

to envy — завидовать

to enjoy oneself — хорошо проводить время

variety show — эстрадный концерт

conservatoire — консерватория

amateur dramatics — театральная самодеятельность