Theatre Etiquette
IYA LUV!
We must address the elephant in the auditorium and no, it's not the circle of life (name that musical)... it's the glaring phone screen! That's right: seat 14, row M... we can see you!
Believe it or not, it doesn't matter how far away from the stage you are, actors on the stage, even the backstage crew sometimes, let alone other audience members, can spot you a mile off! Even if you're secretly trying to film, they can see that too and MY GOD is it off-putting!
Do everyone a favour and TURN IT OFF...LIKE A LIIIIIGHT SWITCH (name that musical)!
When the modern world we live in is so heavily reliant on technology, it isn't surprising that going to the theatre and paying attention to a 2.5 hour performance is hard for some people. Which, if I might add, is the same length as most films. It's sad really, that this entire creative team who have worked hard to create magic on stage are under appreciated because some audiences are more interested in rustling their Jelly Babies packet just to get a green one, throwing half of their popcorn on the floor or checking in on Facebook.
If the use of phones and recording devices is strictly prohibited, why would you still go ahead and use those devices? That's not right (name that musical)!
Theatre is forever changing and evolving and I find it liberating that it can attract all walks of life, but tie that in with your phone being out, chatting to your neighbour like you're at home, a lack of consideration for those around you... it's like you're asking to be complained about.
I go to the theatre to lose myself in a world that these performers and production teams have created, I wholeheartedly love it and I respect the blood, sweat, tears and time it has taken to create this work, this art.
Now, I'm an actor myself... so of course I have a greater understanding of what goes on before a performance even happens, but even if I wasn't, I know that actors go to work when their on stage and I would choose to go to the theatre to enjoy myself.
It is important for us, as paying audience members, to be mindful of what we are paying for. We are paying to watch a production of a musical, play or another piece of theatre, with a team off and onstage working their back sides off in their chosen profession, which they have a talent in, otherwise they wouldn't be there. They work tirelessly to give everything they have to every show and for some it's 8 shows a week! These actors will step onto the stage with so much Adrenalin pumping through their veins, even on their bad days - so surely that alone is something worthy of attention and respect?
Take that moment before a show to turn your phone off, or put it on aeroplane mode. Resist the temptation to open all your snacks in the middle of an act and wait until the interval OR, better yet, have a handful out of the bag, ready for when the show has started. By all means have a drink, enjoy your experience at the theatre, because that's what it is - an experience, but don't have so much that you'll lose appreciation for the show. It's disrespectful and everyone around you will wonder why you're not at spoons down the road.
Most importantly, be present, WATCH the show. NEEEEEVER forget (name that musical) that you're watching is people doing they're job, in a career that they love and that demands so much of any individual that is brave enough to do it. They want you to enjoy it and be apart of it, so BE apart of it.
"Guess I'm leavin'... I'm gone." (name that musical)
Lots of love,
Rebecca x
We must address the elephant in the auditorium and no, it's not the circle of life (name that musical)... it's the glaring phone screen! That's right: seat 14, row M... we can see you!
Believe it or not, it doesn't matter how far away from the stage you are, actors on the stage, even the backstage crew sometimes, let alone other audience members, can spot you a mile off! Even if you're secretly trying to film, they can see that too and MY GOD is it off-putting!
Do everyone a favour and TURN IT OFF...LIKE A LIIIIIGHT SWITCH (name that musical)!
When the modern world we live in is so heavily reliant on technology, it isn't surprising that going to the theatre and paying attention to a 2.5 hour performance is hard for some people. Which, if I might add, is the same length as most films. It's sad really, that this entire creative team who have worked hard to create magic on stage are under appreciated because some audiences are more interested in rustling their Jelly Babies packet just to get a green one, throwing half of their popcorn on the floor or checking in on Facebook.
If the use of phones and recording devices is strictly prohibited, why would you still go ahead and use those devices? That's not right (name that musical)!
Theatre is forever changing and evolving and I find it liberating that it can attract all walks of life, but tie that in with your phone being out, chatting to your neighbour like you're at home, a lack of consideration for those around you... it's like you're asking to be complained about.
I go to the theatre to lose myself in a world that these performers and production teams have created, I wholeheartedly love it and I respect the blood, sweat, tears and time it has taken to create this work, this art.
Now, I'm an actor myself... so of course I have a greater understanding of what goes on before a performance even happens, but even if I wasn't, I know that actors go to work when their on stage and I would choose to go to the theatre to enjoy myself.
It is important for us, as paying audience members, to be mindful of what we are paying for. We are paying to watch a production of a musical, play or another piece of theatre, with a team off and onstage working their back sides off in their chosen profession, which they have a talent in, otherwise they wouldn't be there. They work tirelessly to give everything they have to every show and for some it's 8 shows a week! These actors will step onto the stage with so much Adrenalin pumping through their veins, even on their bad days - so surely that alone is something worthy of attention and respect?
Take that moment before a show to turn your phone off, or put it on aeroplane mode. Resist the temptation to open all your snacks in the middle of an act and wait until the interval OR, better yet, have a handful out of the bag, ready for when the show has started. By all means have a drink, enjoy your experience at the theatre, because that's what it is - an experience, but don't have so much that you'll lose appreciation for the show. It's disrespectful and everyone around you will wonder why you're not at spoons down the road.
Most importantly, be present, WATCH the show. NEEEEEVER forget (name that musical) that you're watching is people doing they're job, in a career that they love and that demands so much of any individual that is brave enough to do it. They want you to enjoy it and be apart of it, so BE apart of it.
"Guess I'm leavin'... I'm gone." (name that musical)
Lots of love,
Rebecca x
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