According to ATC, if you wear shorts to the theatre.... — Page 4

If I go to the theatre straight from work I'll be necessarily wearing a business suit. Although I look good in them I find them extremely uncomfortable and wouldn't even wear them to work if I had any choice.

And can you imagine what a twat I feel wearing a business suit to the likes of Hairspray or (heaven help me) Eurobeat.

That wouldn't happen on ATC.

ATC doesn't have an OT board where someone could even try that.

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"Erm Dinner, a wedding, a party etc

Theatre has become has normal as going to the movies, do you get dressed up to go there"

First of all, I don't know what an erm dinner is. Second of all, I do not equate going to see a film projected on a screen with actors live on stage.

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"But to make a case that I owe a tie to the actors or that dressing in a certain way shows disrespect to the performers, director, ushers or whoever is insane."

I didn't say to wear a tie or that dressing in a certain way shows disrespect. You said you paid for your ticket and therefore are entitled to wear anything you want. Would you think it appropriate to wear your pajamas if you didn't feel like getting dressed, and show up to the theater in a bathrobe and slippers?

Just because you paid for something doesn't give you carte blanche. That's where the entitlement comes in. You obviously are very selfish and self-absorbed and just don't get it. There is such a thing as appropriate and inappropriate. You pay for gym membership, but they won't allow you to walk across the floor barefoot or in dress shoes. Plenty of establishments will not let you enter if you're wearing a tank top or shirtless. The theatre is not a racetrack, its not a picnic ground, its not a beach.

When I see someone who looks like a slob at the theatre, my first thought is that they don't have very much pride in themselves, because they don't care how they look, and they certainly don't have any class. You can look like trash all you want, but going to the theatre looking like that is what I would call insane.

Yeah and I didn't say I was going to wear pajamas either, Judgie McJudgerson.

I agree with everything WestVillage said, but without the hyperbole.

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I agree with the sentiment that people being 'entitled' because they are paying customers is somewhat of a slippery slope - can they carry on just as they like or as they would in their own homes without thought to others reactions just because they paid for the privilege?

And no, what other people wear has absolutely no bearing on my enjoyment, but it saddens me that wanting to see theatre-goers make an effort to look smart is considered snobbish. I think that the actual garment isn't such an issue: smart or scruffy is the key. Shorts can look very smart, as can jeans and sneakers - but they can also look slobby. After all, going to the theatre isn't as regular or as cheap as an event as going to the cinema for most, so I think expecting a slightly higher standard of dress (and behaviour) in the theatre is acceptable. To me it's like comparing eating at a fast food place to dining at a restaurant.

I have absolutely no problem with people going to a show in clothes they feel comfortable in - so they should! But as a regular visitor to Broadway and the West End who does other stuff during the day I personally feel much more comfortable making time to get changed for the evening than turning up in (potentially) sweaty attire I've been wearing all day...

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My question is: why does anyone care what a bunch of strangers wears? As long as the person next to me doesn't stink to high heaven...I don't care.

I'm often out of my hotel room all day and wouldn't have time to return just to change.

People that dress like slobs to the theater most likely dress like slobs every day....they don't care, plain and simple.

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"My question is: why does anyone care what a bunch of strangers wears?"

I think I can answer that. I'll try to. First of all, it seems to be a generational thing to me. Going to the theater used to be considered a "dress up" occasion. I don't know where in history the tradition began, but many people feel it's a sign of respect to the glorious old theaters, in the majesty of their architecture and hushed atmosphere. Also respect to the actors and musicians who would be performing. I understand the whole thing, but it seems younger people don't.

I don't think there will ever be a meeting of the minds.

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"Also respect to the actors and musicians who would be performing."

There you go, West Village.

I think we need to address who can wear what, as well. People with cankles shouldn't wear shorts, or should at least wear some high-lacing boots to cover them. Those of us with abnormally pointy elbows should be sure to wear long sleeves to avoid poking our neighbors. And if you have hammertoes, closed-toe shoes should be de rigeur. It's just logical! Nick Adams understands this rule, why can't everyone else?

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ok. fair enough lol. if i'm going with a female companion i'd probably dress up, but i'm usually a loner so i just like being comfortable. all the power to the people who do dress up. i love the people who completely over-do it tho. they look awesome.

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