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The DOs and DON’Ts for audience members
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We all go to see shows for the basic reason of being entertained. Sure, many think that it’s the actor’s job alone to put on a good show, but it’s safe to say that few understand that the audience themselves can sometimes determine whether or not the show will be good. Sometimes a normally great show will not be as good depending on the audience. Actors want to entertain. They especially want to entertain when they feel appreciated. Here are some guidelines to make a good show even better.
Do:
Feel free to laugh! Other communicative sounds like “Ah,” “Oh,” “Eww,” and so on are acceptable too as long as they are not too loud or over-done. Actors love to get feedback – that includes gasps when the antagonist does something particularly evil. Now, I’m not saying that you should go into a theatre and scream out “Hoorah” or “Boo” (well, unless you are at a melodrama), but a little verbal feedback is great. If you’re silent, the actors do not know if you are enjoying the show and, unfortunately, that can sometimes effect their acting negatively. It’s hard to keep up energy for a dead audience. That being said, laughing at an inappropriate moment is not going to go unnoticed.
Don’t:
Don’t talk with you neighbor. Sure, the show you’re watching may be the perfect subject matter for a philosophical debate, but that’s for the coffee shop around the corner AFTER the show. Hey, it could even be your lead-in to asking your particularly cute neighbor out after the show. Also, pay attention so you don’t have to ask your neighbor what was just said onstage.
Do:
Clap. Clapping is a way to give an actor a “pat on the back.” Yet, it’s not just reserved for the bows. Like the verbal feedback, clapping can be after a particularly good jab is delivered onstage or something that you very much like. Just don’t overdo it. Clapping sends your positive energy to the actors who will deliver a better show.
Don’t:
Don’t leave any electronic in a state where it can make a noise. This is an obvious one, but as all those cleverly-done (and not so cleverly-done) ads say at the movies, put your phone/MP3/pager on silent. Your neighbor came to watch the show, not to hear your impressive ring tone.
Do:
Open candy packages ahead of time (if the theatre even allows food in the house). Chewing candy can be loud enough (even with your mouth closed), so at least cut out some of the noise by opening the bags first. Your neighbors are not the only ones who will hear bags opening during the show if you choose to wait.
Don’t:
Don’t leave during a scene. We all have those moments where we really, really need to go to the bathroom, and you’ll be far from entertained if you’re holding it during the whole show. The best way to leave quietly is to leave during a scene change when the stage is temporarily darkened. If you tend to need to go to the bathroom a lot, or if you are not feeling well, find a seat near an exit instead of in the center.
Do:
Watch the actors and pay attention. Sure, there may be droll moments, but if you appear to still be interested, those moments should go away or at least be few and far between. Just like you can sense if someone is watching you, so can the actors.
Don’t:
Don’t take photos. Shows are protected under copyright law and have to abide by the terms of their contract. (This doesn’t necessarily include shows done in a public place.) This usually includes a clause that there can be no other photos minus the professional shots taken for press purposes. Even if you are press, you cannot take photos at the show without permission. Plus, the flashes from the camera (this includes the little red blinking light for auto-focusing) can be extremely distracting and lead to an accident onstage or off.
And the biggest DO of all: Have fun!
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