People who clap in the middle of a song (entrances, jokes, impressive parts, etc)

[JayKid]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 1:13am

Who hates this?

I really do... why do people feel the need to clap for the entrance of people (usually the well know, famous ones obviously) and if a joke is told, people clap... or someone say sings some crazy long impressive note, lets clap!

If it's at the END of the song of section, fine, clap all you want... but it NEVER is!

I hate it because I am trying to focus and listen and than the actors get drowned out by claps and such and it gets on my nerves.

I have had this happen at a few shows and I just think it's getting to me now more than ever... so felt like sharing and seeing who felt the same way.

So express your opinions.

EDIT* just letting people know, this post was written when I was a bit angry at those in spamalot who clapped and drowned jokes and singing out because they were excessive with clapping and yelling and crap for too long.

I don't think clapping and all that is bad, just as long as it isn't excessive and rude.... that's all.
Updated On: 9/22/05 at 01:13 AM

[PJ]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 1:16am

If a performer is doing a damn fine job of singing that song, I don't see a problem with mid-song applause. I've seen it happen at several shows.

[Popular]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 1:18am

Try clapping along, it'll bother you less.

[Link Larkin Wanabe]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 1:18am

The fact is that what makes theater so much more compelling than film, when at it's best, is that the audience gets sucked in and starts to feel part of the onstage world. If they get so worked up that they are showing emotion that much, then the people onstage and backstage are doing their jobs right.

Akiva

[Radioactiveduck]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 1:19am

In some instances, I think the applause adds to the experience.

Example: Wicked. When Elphie goes up during DG, I find it much more exciting when the crowd starts clapping and cheering. It just gives the ending bit that much more energy. But people who do it too loud, or for too long ruin it.

[JayKid]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 1:23am

I think there are exceptions, when it's very impressive or something crazy or exciting... sure, but I think if you notice someone is saying something else, STOP CLAPPING.

I really get into the show many times and I want to know what the hell is being said. I don't like missing complete lyrics or lines because it was drowned out from people clapping too long.

I laugh at the jokes, maybe give a clap or two or so, I don't give a crazy 10 seconds applause and drown out the next joke.

An impressive note, cheer, clap for a bit at the end of the note and a bit mroe, stop if the person keeps singing something else.

Some exciting stage moment or someone who deserves applause comes in, clap, but if they say something, STOP!!

I don't think it's the clapping and excitement that bothers me since I get the excitement, it's the fact that I feel it's almost rude to clap over the actor or actress... and rude to those trying to freaking pay attention. I just think you have to not be TOO LOUD or clap TOO LONG, as you said radio.

That is I guess more my lil pet peeve...

It just gets annoying, maybe I'm the only one who feels this way, but who knows.

[stage_door76]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 1:48am

this is a very interesting thread

i personally don't have any problems with clapping before the end of a song, i in fact fall victim to such a 'crime' quite often, when i'm taken by the spectacle and/or the emotion or hilarity of a moment.

i do not only clap in musicals, or when a power diva is hoisted into the sky amidst a mass of smoke, fallen ozians and lights. i clap during straight theater if a very funny joke is told as well.

as a performer, i know how this can occasionally be disruptive to one's concentration. however, overall it gives such a thrill. it means you're doing what you're supposed to do and the the audience is connecting with you.

now that, my friends, is a priceless feeling

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 1:54am

I LOVE it when Sharon gets an ovation in the middle of "There's Always Me"....no more, soon, no more

[bjivie2]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 4:04am

I think this is just something you're going to have to get used to. The entire theatre-going public isn't going to read this thread and think, "Oh, well i guess I shouldn't do that b/c JayKid wants to hear the next lyric." Y'know? It's something I don't mind, and yes, sometimes it's annoying when I can't hear the next lyric or line because someone is clapping, but I've learned to roll with it. And a well-placed clapping in the middle of a song is really exciting. The Defying Gravity moment was a good one, when Effie gets into her huge held out "aaaaaaaaand iiiiiiiiiiii aaaaaaaaaaam...." that's a great moment, the climax of "At The Ballet," after good tap or dance breaks, Peter Pan's entrance, the whole opening sequence of Lion King, and the list goes on and on...

[VonTussleGirl]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 9:53am

I'm with you... I find that sort of thing SO FREAKING ANNOYING.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 9:57am

We once had a thread about entrance applause... kind of similar.

And if it's a LOT of applause, sometimes the actors will pause so they DON'T get drowned out.

Anyway, if it's deserved, I don't have a problem with it. I think some things totally deserve to be acknowledged. And I'm a guiltly entrance-applause giver, even when it's just the star (and not a celebrity) *coughraulesparzacough*.

Updated On: 9/21/05 at 09:57 AM

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 10:05am

An actor should pause... or should wait to deliver the next joke... the idea that an auidience should temper it's response is sorta misguided... a production should take in to account the kind of response it's going to get... and they usually do. Sometimes they choose to ignore it... Michael Bennet anyone? But that becomes part of the show...

kc

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 10:10am

Theatre shouldn't be about the audience just sitting there and watching, within logical bounds. Actors respond to us, so we should -- when appropriate and in appropriate manner -- respond to them.

Exhibit A, because he always puts it better than I do:

... but he pointed out even the quiet crowds get enthusiastic in the closing minutes and curtain call. “I feel like that’s not fair. The show is like a conversation. They didn’t participate in the conversation for two hours, they shouldn’t get to participate at the end.” (He acknowledges that this is “completely irrational.”)


Raúl Esparza: The Exit Interview -- Full article

Updated On: 9/21/05 at 10:10 AM

[Patronus]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 10:13am

Even though I personally rarely clap midsong or mid scene, I don't have a problem with it providing it isn't excessive.

I think in most instances the show benefits more than it's harmed.




Updated On: 9/21/05 at 10:13 AM

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 10:19am

The audiences responses, good and bad, are a huge part of what makes live theatre so great. I personally do not clap "mid song" but the others doing that if they feel compelled to do so seems approprate and natural, just as my own loud sustained clapping when the song ends. I have seen show stoping standing ovations after songs end, and it has done nothing but enhance the experience for me.
Also, most entrances by main characters have "entrance apploause" time built in, it is only natural to respond.

[Tenorman]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 10:50am

It used to be old hat to applaud a famous actor as they made their first entrance. It's theatre etiquette that has been passed down through the years, and I personally like being a part of that history - though the long applause after Elphie flew into the air lasted way to long. My favorite part of the song is after that, and you miss the beginning if people clap too long!!

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 10:53am

Clapping during a song in an APPROPRIATE spot is fine. In fact, I'd say it's a good thing.

If you don't like it, go to the opera instead

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 10:54am

I don't mind it. I think it's refreshing.

[SorryGrateful]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 11:52am

I always like when the audience is enthusiastic enough to show their appreciate this way. I do agree, of course, that there's a point when it does become annoying. But I've never been at a performance where the applause became a problem. Every time the applause has happened and goes on for awhile, the actors I've seen have actually taken control of the situation and with body language or subtle acting, say, "Thank you and that's enough."

I admire the actors because of this talent. They can do this without insulting the audience or dampening the enthusiasm. Kristen Chenoweth was very gracious in Wicked when the applause lasted forever for her last performance. It's a subtle but important skill, I think.

[hot_brdwy_diva]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 1:08pm

If I were in a show and singing something with an extremely long or high note... you know something difficult... I would be let down if there was no midsong applause.

For the actor applause is important to let them know what they are doing is amazing and keeps the show fresh because every audience acts differently. I know for me applause is kind of an adrenaline rush.

Haven't you ever been in a show where hardly anyone responds and afterwards the cast is like "Wow... that audience was dead." and you feel crummy. Likewise with an audience that participates alot with clapping and laughter makes you say "Wow what a great audience!" and you're pumped after the show.

I hope I make sense.

[JayKid]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 2:28pm

ok, I think at the time of this post I definetly gave out the wrong idea at my own thoughts. I was being frustrated at the time though lol.

I do think it's fine to clap mid way... just I was more annoyed about claps that went on to long. That just gets annoying I think.

Anyway, should change my original post, since I seem so frikin moody in it haha... but didn't really mean it that way. I don't hate all clapping with entrances and stuff, just ones that last incredibly too long and it IMO happened to me at Spamalot at times so was frustrated with it.

Anywayz... glad I got some opinions on it though... and I think people do agree that if it's too long, then it can be bad. However, mid song claps for somethin impressive, or an entrance or funny joke, touching moment, etc are fine, as long as it is controlled.

[lildogs]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 2:37pm

I agree with the other poster who put up the Esparza quote. A show is a two-way conversation, and it's nice not to feel like you're talking to a brick wall, so I think any appropriate audience response is welcome.

Of course, appropriate is such a subjective word...

[Adam Chris]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 2:39pm

Ah comeon! Let people clap. I'm all for allowing people to enjoy themselves. Theatre is a living breathing thing...it's not just the actors and musicians, its the people in the seats who are also engaged in the story.
I don't believe people are trying to be rude, they are just responding...which I think is a positive thing.
Updated On: 9/21/05 at 02:39 PM

[EponineThenardier]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 2:43pm

This reminds me of when I saw Spamalot. At the end of Diva's Lament eveyone was cheering so loudly that literally you couldn't hear Sara's last note. She was standing there on stage with her mouth open giving as much power as she could, and I was like she was fantastic but I wanna hear that last note!

Although I am myself very guility of clapping when i think something's funny; I'm kind of a dork like that.

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 9/21/05 at 3:18pm

Honestly, I don't like clapping mid song, except for songs like the Dirty Rotten number when they say "I think we still deserve a hand". I think you should clap.

As for applauding a funny line, I do that all the time. I appreciate a good book, or a good deliverance of a line. I wish there were more, and I see nothing wrong with clapping.

Also, entrance applause. I hate it when that pisses people off. F*ck you, these are hard working people, and they deserve to be noticed. Yeah, I know most tourists don't go see shows for a certain actor, but I do. So yes I'm gonna applaud Norbert Leo Butz, or Raul Esparza, or Susan Egan, or Sutton Foster when they walk out on stage.