Have you ever... — Page 2

My friends and I went to a production of a bad play called "One Foot In Heaven" to support a few friends that were in it. The acting, even for community theatre, was not bad at all! However, the play was just to long and poorly written. We HAD to have a break from the pain so we left in intermission and snuck back in right before Act 3 began. Our friends in the show were VERY understanding.

That is the only time I have done that. There was another time I almost did it.

About it being disrespectful to the actors to leave during the show, I think sometimes they would rather you leave than stay.

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I've never walked out of a show. I've wanted to, but I haven't done it.

However, when I did "Kiss me Kate" in high school I saw people leave during the middle of the first act.


I couldn't blame them in the least bit.

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I am an actor, and have great respect for other actors...... And had friends in the show I walked out of.... but I could not sit there and watch that. It was horrific.

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When I did "Funny Girl" two years ago we sold out every night (How? Dunno...) I then found out (about a year later) from some of my friends that they had found the first act so horrible that they left at intermission. As a performer, I hate them. However, also as I performer, I can't blame them. The production wasn't bad, but our Fanny left a lot to be desired. Her understudy actually went on opening night, and everyone who saw that show loved it. Everyone who saw the next two performances (thank God we only did three) was less than impressed. It's a pity when you get a girl with a kick-ass audition...and that's it.

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"It's just a few hours of my time."

That sounds like the opinion of someone who hasn't discovered what time means.

And for all you worried about the actor's sensibilities - they're doing a job. When I pay 100 dollars to see something, I'm not there cheering on my friend's girlfriend's cousin, I'm participating in something that depends on mutual satisfaction (it IS a business.) Any attempt I make to spare someone's experience is solely for the audience members - hence the reason I won't leave until intermission.

There is NO WAY that I'm going to 'suffer through til the bitter end' for someone who's getting paid the same amount whether I stay or not. The ONLY person who has anything to lose or gain is ME - and I will not give that option up because of some supposed over-sensitivity on the part of a professional.

*applauds DG*

I will say that for the years I was in the business and the offices would always comp each other for show previews, it was a tacit understanding that you did not walk out. The tickets were free and the producers were giving them in good faith that you would be in those seats while there was press there. No matter how bad a show was, I have never and would never walk out in that circumstance.

However, if I've paid for the ticket, I have no obligation to anyone but myself. And honestly, any actor that would expect an audience member to sit through a bad show isn't worth your concern.

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Updated On: 6/23/06 at 08:42 PM