Creatives Taking Notes During Previews

Now that preview season is in full swing, I was wondering what everyone’s opinions on creatives/production taking notes during the show and the etiquette regarding that.

The past couple shows I’ve been to, I was seated behind members of the creative team who were taking notes using their phones or the light on their phones. While I understand notes need to be taken to improve the show, I can’t help but find it super distracting. Just wondering if anyone has any strong opinions or suggestions.

Normally creatives stand behind last row of orchestra or sit in the last 2 rows of orchestra (near the sound booth). Obviously there are exceptions but if this bothers you then it may be best to avoid going during previews.

Shared a row with James Lapine during one of two preview performances of Falsettos before it officially opened in LA later that week. It was thrilling once I realized who the man passing by me to use the restroom was. He was gracious and had conversation with anyone who wanted it on the way out. Got to express some gratitude for Passion and went on my gay little way. I only glanced over once or twice and it looked like notes were being taken on a large legal pad in the dark.

At one of the first previews of Mormon, I stood directly next to Matt Stone and Casey Nicholaw. I could tell they were talking to each other the entire show, however they were doing it quietly enough that even being literally 6 inches away from them, I don't think I ever heard a single word. My point being, it's clearly possible to take notes during previews without creating a distraction to those around you. I think some creatives just need to learn how to do that.

Of course creatives need to watch the show and takes notes during previews but sit in the last row far left or right of the orchestra. Don’t sit orchestra center row M. Use some discretion and common sense.

When I went to Water for Elephants, we saw some people who we assumed were creatives in one of the boxes, they had a binder propped on a music stand with one of those reading lights that the orchestra uses, though I think for most of the show they had the light off or turned super low, and I think they made sure to turn it off any time there was a complete blackout.

WldKingdomHM said: "What happened to the good ole days with a pencil and notebook?"

About 20 years ago I saw Dracula directed by Des McAnuff. McAnuff sat two seats away from me, center orchestra on the aisle. He used a pencil and legal pad, but he also had a small flashlight that he used to see what he was writing. The note-taking wasn't a problem, but the light from the flashlight often shone in different directions, and that was super distracting (but more entertaining than the show itself, lol).

quizking101 said: "jagman106 said: "WldKingdomHM said: "What happened to the good ole days with a pencil and notebook?"

About 20 years ago I saw Dracula directed by Des McAnuff. McAnuff sat two seats away from me, center orchestra on the aisle. He used a pencil and legal pad, but he also had a small flashlight that he used to see what he was writing. The note-taking wasn't a problem, but the light from the flashlight often shone in different directions, and that was super distracting (but more entertaining than the show itself, lol)."

He did that at TOMMY the other night too, but the light wasn’t too distracting"

I just got home from seeing Tommy tonight, and alas, no Des - at least not that I noticed!

I was seated behind David West Read, who was taking notes during an early performance of &Juliet in Toronto. Also, I was at Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Scarlett Johansson when I saw 2 people standing against the wall where the balcony splits, and realized Rob Ashford was standing there taking in the show. I was one of the lucky few who saw the show with Ghost Skipper!

I'm the odd bird who actually attends previews because I *want* to see the inner workings like this...