It’s often said that the theater is a sacred space for performance arts. When watching a play or any form of performance, the audience is required to follow strict rules so they won’t disrupt the show. Sadly, there are still those who don’t adhere to these rules.
Earlier, Lea Salonga tweeted about rude audience members while watching Fun Home. This sparked a discussion among avid theater-goers on showing respect to the performers, as well as other audience members.
Theater etiquette seems to be disappearing. Not all Philippine theater companies enforce it, which makes things even worse.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) November 28, 2016
It's basic manners. Common sense. Respect for your neighbors and the performers. That's really not a lot to ask for, is it?
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) November 28, 2016
With the holidays rolling in, going to the theater is one of the best ways to celebrate. So better brush up on some etiquette before anything else.
#1 Turn off your phones
This is one of the main things they’ll announce upon sitting down. Phones can disrupt the sound system, and if you don’t mute them, they’ll obviously distract everyone in the room. Not to mention that if you text during a show, the light from your screen will also be a distraction. (And no, texting inside your bag isn’t going to help, either.)
And here's the rub: we want to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Until they prove they don't deserve it. https://t.co/zCfIsrE3Iu
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) November 28, 2016
It seems we cannot rely on people to act decently, despite pre-show warnings and announcements. Might be time to confiscate at the entrance.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) November 26, 2016
You might be thinking: “They allow phones in the theater anyway.” Still, that’s not an excuse to use it during a show. This also brings us to our next point.
#2 Don’t take photos
I once sat next to a guy who kept taking photos of a play, and it was so rude. Lea also called out a front-row audience member who did the same at Fun Home, saying that she’s violating copyright rules by taking photos and posting them on social media.
Really, woman in front row that took a photo of the copyrighted set and actors? Really? What is wrong with you? Seriously? Shame!
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) November 27, 2016
Might have to take a lawyer's letter to teach them a lesson. #copyrightinfringement https://t.co/N9RLWgo9dM
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) November 28, 2016
She even points out that they’re considering confiscating phones for the next show.
That we are now even considering confiscating your cellphones is less a reflection of us than it is on you. It means, you can't be trusted.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) November 28, 2016
#3 Grab a meal before heading to the theater
Let’s call this an unspoken rule so you won’t have to bring a bag of chips inside the theater. The loud crunching of chip and loud rustling of plastic bags are unwanted noise. So let everyone enjoy the music without hearing you snacking away.
Especially for Fun Home. It gets really quiet really quick. https://t.co/mbyjUcYA3a
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) November 28, 2016
#4 This is not a sing-along
Okay, we get it, you’re a big fan of Miss Saigon and Wicked so you know all the words to their songs. That’s great and all, but please don’t sing along. It’s the same when people keep reciting every line in a film while you’re watching. And you know how irritating that can get.
#5 The ushers are just doing their job
When an usher calls your attention, don’t be mean to them. More so, don’t act like a snob just because “you paid good money to watch the show.” Face it, you broke the rules and got caught doing them. So just sit tight and enjoy the show without doing the things we mentioned above.
Again, kung sino pa yung mali, siya pa yung galit. https://t.co/bmlffJvRaq
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) November 28, 2016
And no, don't you even dare give me that "I paid for my ticket, I can do whatever I damn well please" speech. It doesn't work that way.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) November 28, 2016
Photo courtesy of Lea Salonga’s Instagram account
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