Bioscope Operating for Girls

From Woman’s Weekly, March 1917.

BIOSCOPE OPERATING FOR GIRLS.

ANOTHER NEW OCCUPATION.

I had for some time been puzzling myself as to what work I should take up. It was necessary for me to start earning money at once, and I had very little in the way of funds to spend on training.
Then one day I met a friend, who insisted on my going to the pictures with her that evening. Well, I went, and while there I discovered the bioscope was operated by a girl. To tell the truth, I was more excited over that than over the pictures. "Just the work I should like!" I thought to myself. But how to find out all about it, that was the point.
Then I suddenly hit upon a plan, and wrote a nice little note, then and there, to the "lady operator," and asked her to tell me.
She sent me back a note by the same messenger:
"The work is ripping. Go to a school and learn. They will find you work." Then followed an address.
When the show was over I said good-bye to my friend, and hurried off to the school.
Well, I discovered I could become a trained bioscope operator for the small sum of £2 2s., and that it only took a fortnight to learn. What more could any girl want? If you are already in work, you can make arrangements to go for one afternoon a week, or of an evening—in fact, the schools will meet you in any way that best suits your convenience.
It is best, when possible, to give a clear fortnight to the work, as then you live in a bioscope world, and learn quicker than in an odd half-day weekly; but if that is all a girl can spare, it need not prevent her learning. The work is very interesting, and quite simple.

NO BOOKS TO STUDY.

THE first question I asked was, "Shall I have to study?"
For reply the secretary took me to a large room, where a couple of bioscopes stood.
"These," he said, "are your lesson books. When you know all they can teach you, I can recommend you as a proficient bioscope operator."
He seemed to touch a button, and I looked up to see "the pictures" had started.
"Very difficult, is it not?" he said with a laugh, as he manipulated a few mysterious pegs, and the pictures vanished.
"But suppose something went wrong, and the machine would not work?" I exclaimed."
"Then you would use the other one. There are always two, in case of accidents; but these rarely occur, as the machines are kept in perfect order."
"And is there any fear of me getting blown up, or anything of that sort?" I asked.
"None whatever. You can set your mind perfectly at rest on that point," was the reply.
The next thing was to make sure of my future work and pay. That I found would be quite satisfactory. A trained operator would start on about £1 a week, and go on to £2. That, on the small expenditure of £2 2s. and a fortnight's time spent at learning, and, chief joy of all, no dreariness of office routine, but such a nice, bright life—just what I should like! And no early rising either!

THE HOURS YOU WORK.

The hours vary in different theatres, but, as a rule, they are from about two o'clock to eleven. Of course, you are not on all the time: you get plenty of off time for meals. You see, there must be more than one operator to each show, which is rather nice. As everyone knows, the cinemas are of all sorts and kinds, so naturally the appointments vary too.
It is nice to know that the very best posts are now given to women. The official war films are shown by one.
I made careful inquiries to find if this occupation would still be manned by women. I found they have given every satisfaction, and as it is such light work, it is sure to be looked upon as one especially suited to them.
The bioscope is worked by electricity, so I soon found myself learning all about the various switches that had to be turned on and off. Then I learnt quite a lot about the instrument itself, and in a fortnight I was able to work it properly.

AN EARLY APPOINTMENT.

I had no trouble to look for work, as the cinemas, when they want fresh hands, apply to the various schools, who then send them their pupils. As soon as I was ready I obtained a very nice appointment at a first-class cinema. Of course, I went as junior assistant.  I preferred that to a more important post at a third-rate show, because I want to get on.
My promotion came quickly. I gave satisfaction to my chief, and within twelve months of entering my profession I am chief operator at £2 a week, with two assistants under me.

[A bioscope was evidently the current term for a film projector.]