28 of 43

Yes

Write now Article Tools

And it's not just live theatre.

Think about the last movie you went to. For me, it was the Simpsons Movie. As the credits begin to roll, invariably someone (usually more than one person) will begin to clap, ostensibly because of the quality of the movie. Now, not only do folks have some really odd ideas about what constitutes an applause-worthy movie (people giving an ovation for Shrek 3 comes to mind), but the very fact that they're applauding in the first place is downright odd.

Perhaps no one's explained to them the magic of film, but the folks on the other side of the screen have no idea you're even there. Even when you're watching television, they have no discernible way of getting any reaction from you whatsoever (barring the internet of course). Such people will be quick to defend themselves by saying that it's an appropriate reaction to clap when someone does something well. This is true, clapping is a societally-defined way of expressing appreciation for a job well done. However, this only works when the actors/actresses can get said feedback. Otherwise you're essentially proclaiming to the other patrons your thoughts on the performances they also witnessed. Chances are, they don't care.

Live theater is another matter entirely, though I do think it's being over-used. There is absolutely no reason why people should be applauded merely for stepping on stage. If you are watching a play and a famous actor steps on stage, giving him an ovation is completely inappropriate. You may have liked his earlier work or perhaps you just enjoy seeing her at all: whatever your reason is, save the applause for the end of the performance. Just because you thought Nathan Lane was absolutely the best in the Music Man doesn't mean you should applaud him when he steps on-stage for the Producers: you should have applauded at the end of the Music Man to show your appreciation for that performance (provided of course, you weren't watching him on film).

Standing, sitting, or even butt-raised-out-of-the-chair-w ithout-your-legs-locked-uprigh t ovations should be saved for showing your appreciation at the end of the performance. To throw them in at the beginning of shows or whenever a particularly famous actor appears only cheapens the act when it should matter the most. Note that this is not the case when say a soloist performs a particularly difficult section, it would perfectly acceptable to applaud a well-done performance. Make sure you save it for when it counts.

Learn more about this author, Dan Herman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Are standing ovations becoming overused by theater audiences??
We want to hear your view. Write now!