Mouthing during a show

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 1/16/21 at 2:30am

I would definitely assume that by now there have probably been a whole bunch of threads on rude/disrespectful audience behavior, especially singing along out loud during a show. And yes, we are all sick and tired of talking about them (UGH).

I too think this is unacceptable and should not be tolerated, but I was wondering... what about silently mouthing any material you know? I don't think that should ruin the theatre experience for other audience members or make the actors complain on social media. I found myself doing this sometimes in a pre-COVID world and didn't receive any complaints or dirty looks. 

[blaxx]

Posted: 1/16/21 at 2:33am

Yes, it ruins the experience. It's not a karaoke bar or a sing-a-long, whether you sing out loud or not.

Stop making the already expensive experience about you and mouth the words at home or when driving or jogging. Not at the theater, ever.

[binau]

Posted: 1/16/21 at 4:12am

I mean if it's private enough that people don't notice then I think it answers the question of whether it is ok or not....my only experience with something 'mouthing' a show is that it wasn't truly silent, and I had to experience the entire first act of the RENT revival twice simultaneously - by the cast and at 30db by the fan next to me. And then I had to confront her about it during intermission but it made the entire 2nd act awkward that it kind of ruined the show for me. I don't understand why people find it so hard to just sit down and shut up. I love live theatre but bad audience behaviour must truly be the worst part of it. And the cost.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/16/21 at 7:40am

I dont think I've ever noticed a patron doing this....so I'm sure it can be done silently. I dont usually pay attention to the audience during show...unless it distracts me.

I'll also suggest many people aren't aware they are doing it.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 1/16/21 at 10:21am

Like others have said - there are right ways and wrong ways to do it. And you know the wrong way when you see it....literally. I can tell you for a fact that the woman sitting next to me at Jersey Boys was doing it the wrong way. But I guess even that had more to do with her body movements than the mouthing of the words. 

[ArtMan]

Posted: 1/16/21 at 10:38am

I don't think there is a right way to do this.  It's just plain wrong.  Even if they are silent about it, knowing people like I know people, depending on the song, most are going to overly emote.  And that would be extremely distracting to me.  Like Blaxx stated, do it at your home or anywhere else then sitting in a seat next to me. 

Updated On: 1/16/21 at 10:38 AM

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 1/16/21 at 11:09am

Nobody says you can’t enjoy a show and be excited you are there. But when that excitement becomes performative and disrupts the people around you? That’s where I draw the line.

[NOWaWarning]

Posted: 1/16/21 at 11:42am

Are you talking about doing it unconsciously? Because if so, it would probably be subtle enough that nobody would notice unless they were watching you and not the stage. But if you’re talking about doing it intentionally, why would you want to?

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 1/16/21 at 12:07pm

Even if someone is doing it, there's nothing you can do. When someone is on their phone, talking loudly throughout the show, intentionally screwing with the wrapper of their candy, etc.you can call them out (and I do). But, what are you supposed to say who is not making any sound? I'm fine with it, there are enough things that can ruin a performance regarding audience behavior, this isn't really one of them. 

[Tag]

Posted: 1/16/21 at 12:14pm

Not to worry, mask wearing has solved this "problem".