AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE
proper and acceptable
behavior
of
audience members
As one performs, the actor deserves respect from all members of the audience. The young actor has a heavy burden. Questions in his mind and concerns constantly interfere with his performance. "Can I remember my lines? Everyone is looking at me. Are they talking about me? What did I do wrong? I feel sick! I'm not ready. Will I ever survive this?
Therefore, it's vitally important for the audience to quietly pay attention during each performance to show support for the student on stage.
The following are a few rules of audience etiquette that all will be expected to practice.
- Pay attention to all performances; watch and listen.
- Stay quiet; absolutely no talking.
- Never make fun of another person's performance.
- Refrain from shouting comments to or intentionally distracting the actor during his presentation.
- Avoid practicing your scene during other performances.
- Applaud every presentation.
- Never get out of your seat, move around the room, or distract the teacher during a performance.
- The teacher-director is the one to offer suggestions or critiques after final performances. During the rehearsal process you will often provide peer evaluations to enhance the final presentation. Please refrain from making negative remarks to your classmates after they have completed a final performance.
(I make audience etiquette part of my syllabus the first day of class and have the parents and students sign it as a contract which includes consequences. You can find sample copies here.)