Reviving the Magic: Why We Must Bring Theatre Etiquette Back to Life

Theatre is a unique space for storytelling. It captivates audiences and transports them to different worlds through live performances. However, in recent years, we have seen a concerning decline in theatre etiquette. Issues like ringing cell phones, photos and videos taking and loud conversations have become all too common, detracting from the experience for both performers and audience members. In this post, we will discuss the importance of theatre etiquette, the reasons behind its decline, and how we can work together to bring back the magic of live performances.

The Importance of Theatre Etiquette

Theatre etiquette is essential. It enhances the experience for everyone involved. When attending a live show, we are part of a shared experience. Good etiquette fosters respect and appreciation for both performers and other audience members.

When the audience is focused and engaged, the energy in the room changes. For instance, studies show that a supportive audience can increase performers' energy levels by 20-30%, enhancing the overall performance. Disruptions, on the other hand, can lead to a disconnect, making it harder for everyone to feel involved in the story. As someone who has been both in the audience and on stage, I feel it is safe to speak on both.

Furthermore, good theatre etiquette creates a sense of community. When everyone follows the unspoken rules of silence and respect, the overall enjoyment of the performance increases. Imagine watching a gripping drama where all you hear is the actors' voices, minus the noise from phones or side conversations. That’s the magic we need to revive.

The Decline of Theatre Etiquette

Several factors have contributed to the decline of theatre etiquette. A primary reason is the rise of technology. With smartphones and tablets everywhere, audience members often get distracted by notifications, social media, or texting. A survey from the National Endowment for the Arts revealed that over 50% of attendees have noticed phone use during performances, a number that can diminish the overall atmosphere, and one that, in my experience, honestly feels low.

Additionally, societal changes have influenced how we experience live events. Many people now approach live performances like watching a movie at home, leading to a casual attitude that disrespects the art form and the performers.

The pressure to document experiences for social media has also led audience members to take photos or videos during performances. This habit not only distracts those around them but can disrupt the flow of the performance itself. Yes, we can see your phone from the stage.

The Impact of Distractions

Distractions can have a severe impact on live theatre. For performers, seeing audience members disengaged is disheartening. In fact, a report from the American Theatre Wing highlighted that 45% of actors feel their performance is negatively affected by audience distractions.

For audience members, distractions can spoil the experience. Instead of immersing themselves in the story, they might miss critical plot points or emotional moments. This fragmented experience can lead to dissatisfaction, reducing audience retention for future shows.

Moreover, when one audience member is disruptive, it often prompts others to act similarly. This creates a chain reaction that undermines the experience for everyone. Personally, the last three shows I have seen have been the worst experiences. The shows were all unforgettable and complete works of art, but the audience members around us were standing up and dancing, singing along, and having full conversations during the show. That's not to mention the number of cell phone screens I saw lighting up.

Reviving Theatre Etiquette: Practical Tips

So, how can we work together to bring back theatre etiquette? Here are some actionable tips for both audience members and theatre companies:

For Audience Members

1. Silence Your Devices: Before the show starts, take a moment to silence your phone. This simple act can greatly reduce distractions. I turn mine off completely.

2. Arrive on Time: Plan to arrive early. This shows respect for the performers and helps you settle into your seat without disrupting others.

   
   

3. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: If you must speak, do so quietly and only when absolutely necessary. Remember that even a whisper can be disruptive. As a performer, you would be amazed at what we can hear from the stage.

   
   

4. Avoid Taking Photos or Videos: Respect the integrity of the production. Instead of capturing moments, immerse yourself fully in the performance.

   
   

For Theatre Companies

1. Educate Audiences: Include reminders about etiquette in pre-show announcements or programs. A brief reminder can set the tone for the evening. I've found this to be the norm most of the time, but I have been to shows where no announcement is made.

   
   

2. Create a Welcoming Environment: Encourage audience engagement and foster a culture of respect.

   
   

3. Lead by Example: Theatre staff and performers should model good etiquette. When the audience sees everyone engaged and respectful, they are likely to follow suit. Unfortunately, I have had staff approach things with an attitude, which never helps the situation and can spread negativity quickly.

   
   

The Role of Community

Reviving theatre etiquette requires a collective effort from everyone involved. By building a culture of respect and appreciation, we can create an atmosphere where all audience members feel valued and engaged.

Theatre is a communal experience. When we support one another, we can reignite the magic that makes live performances extraordinary.

Stage Door

This is something that I will fight hardest for. I love doing stage door. I love showing my respect to the performers, and not just the actors, but those in the pit. They never seem to get enough love.

Stage door is where I see some of the most disrespectful behavior. Anything from "You were so good! Why aren't you on Broadway?"—which is a full discussion for another blog post—to "Who did you play on stage?"

Aside from the disrespect I see toward the performers, there is also a certain etiquette to be respectful to those around you. Wait your turn, let everyone have their moment. Too many times I have been having a beautiful conversation with a performer, and someone comes up and interrupts to shove a poster in their face to sign. Please don't do this. They will get to you.

Final Thoughts

The revival of theatre etiquette is a challenge that we must embrace to preserve the magic of live performances! By appreciating the significance of good etiquette, understanding why it has declined, and taking proactive steps to rejuvenate it, we can enhance the experience for everyone involved.

Let's come together to reintroduce theatre etiquette into our cultural practices. The magic of live performance deserves our utmost respect and attention. By doing so, we honor this incredible art form and ensure that future generations can experience the pure joy and wonder of theatre in its most authentic form.