by James Olny

Created on: February 16, 2007

As a very active member of the technical theatre community, nothing irritates me more than a rude audience, or an audience that simply lacks courtesy. Please, If you are willing to pay money *sometimes very large sums of it* to come see a show, don't ruin it for yourself and everyone around you by being obnoxious. To you it may be just a play, but there are months of effort that go into producing these, and nothing undercuts the effort of that acting and tech crew like a rude audience. Everyone needs to have a little appreciation is all. For instance:

Don't get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of an act, wait till intermission if you can hold it.

TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE!

Make yourself comfortable when you are seated so that you don't have to noisily move around through out the play to get situated, i.e. taking off a jacket etc.

Do not eat in the theatre even if it's allowed, it makes noise and distracts other audience members. If you must eat, clean up after yourself. (this includes programs, tickets stubs and play bills etc)

Arive on time to be seated on time. Nothing is more awkward and distracting than someone trying to find a seat in a dark theatre in the middle of a play.

Sit where your reserved seat is, it makes everyones life easier.

Lastly, if you really enjoyed a performance, STAND UP! even if no one else has yet. Nothing pleases actors and technicians alike more than a standing ovation.

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