Denver Theater Examiner - Oh, Behave!

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Denver Theater Examiner

Oh, Behave!

POSTED April 18, 10:50 PM

photo of Curious Theatre Co audience

The gorgeous thing about seeing theatre is the immediacy and vitality of the experience.

Unless you're at an advanced screening, your reaction to a film has no impact on the product. But in theatre, the audience is a critical player. Actors are fueled by a responsive crowd; it affords them an ease and trust which can only benefit their performance. (It's one of the reasons more and more theatres are acquiring liquor licenses and allowing audiences to bring their drinks into the auditorium!)

One of the primary reasons Americans cite for not attending theatre is that they’re unsure of the expected audience decorum. As much as I'd like to dismiss those concerns, certain things are expected of audiences. And a violation of the "rules" can actually impact the quality of the performance you see.

Here's a quick list of the most important things to know when going to the theatre:

In Denver- and most cities in the year 2008- dress code’s no longer an issue. Cocktail dresses commingle peacefully with jeans.

The "fourth wall" separating the audience from stage is permeable. Actors hear you if you talk to your neighbor or unwrap candy. They see you if you text, take photos or video. (In the darkness of the auditorium, anything emitting light is extremely distracting.)

Cell phones on vibrate are still disruptive. If you're on-watch for a kidney donation, it's acceptable. Otherwise, turn your phone to silent.

Kids belong at kids' shows. There are several currently running in Denver that are highly engaging for adults, too. See Shows for Smart Kids (and the adults who love them).

The stage is the territory of the actors. It's neither a drink rest nor a foot stool.

If you have hearing, sight, mobility or other physical issues that need special accomodations, the theatres would love to have you in the audience. Just call ahead so they can make arrangements.

The GOLDEN RULE, as actor Murphy Funkhouser (a preacher's daughter) says: "If you wouldn't do it in church, don't do it in a theatre."

But if this list sounds unwelcoming, please know that theatres LOVE having newbies in the audience. They're more than willing to answer any questions you might have. It's a business full of outgoing, approachable people who are just delighted you'd consider spending your evening with them instead of at the Cineplex.

So when in doubt, call the box office. Or email me! You see how I love to expound. mare.trevathan@comcast.net

Categories: theatre , theater , plays , Denver , audience

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Mare Trevathan
Mare Trevathan has performed Inupiat folk tales in Barrow, Alaska; stage managed dance-theatre in Tokyo; and studied Chekhov in Vladivostok, Russia. Denver tamed her wanderlust and has been her home of seven years.