Sit down, shut up and clap: A guide to theater etiquette by Amanda Duarte — Page 3

I've gently confronted a couple of people using their cell phones, and the results have always been positive.

However, the people I really want to confront - and who have collectively been by far the most disruptive to my theater experiences - are latecomers. When one of them expects me to stand up while they block my view in the middle of a performance, I just want to glare at them and tell them to go back in the direction they came from. I know that would only extend the disruption, so I end up just glaring.

I know this has been a controversial topic here, with people listing all sorts of excuses for this kind of rudeness. But I've been on time for hundreds of performances, and never late once. I know it could well come to pass that I arrive late for a performance at some point, but I'm quite sure that if that happens, I would rather miss the show (or the first act) rather than be so rude as to interfere with the enjoyment of those who arrived on time.

Updated On: 6/29/18 at 08:57 AM

EllieRose2 said: "Can people in America really NOT go a few hours without food or water? Unless you have a medical condition, you can. I am actually telling you, the human body can handle it. Really and Truly."

kdogg36 said: "I've been on time for hundreds of performances, and never late once. I know it could well come to pass that I arrive late for a performance at some point, but I'm quite sure that if that happens, I would rather miss the show (or the first act) rather than being so rude as to interfere with the enjoyment of those who arrived on time."

Same here. I know the unexpected can happen at any time (e.g., transportation delays, slow service at a pre-dinner meal, etc.), but I believe most tardiness occurs because a lot of people are simply inconsiderate of others and behave like the world revolves around them ( "It took me a while to get dressed, so they'll just have to hold the curtain for me!" ).

Updated On: 6/29/18 at 09:33 AM

poisonivy2 said: "Wow a lot of white privilege in this thread."

Support your argument, because I don't see that.

ArtMan said: "I hope your comment was not directed towards me, because no physical assault took place. If a person chooses to be so inconsiderate and will not let a person pass, then they sufferthe consequences of my butt or crotch in their face or my feet stepping on them. BTW, your "only white people" comment is just as eye rolling as "only white people are racist" comments that I have read on Broadwayworld for years."

We are in total agreement.

I'm talking about Amanda Duarte.

LizzieCurry said: "Thanks for clarifying! Now...I'm not a fan of hyperbole either, but you know how to detect it in writing, right?"

Yes I do. I don't think Duarte was kidding though, and I don't think the people in this thread saying they'd rip the tongues out of someone chewing gum were kidding either. It's definitely a mindset in a subset of theater-goers that theater-goers should only be wealthy and white. Some of these "guidelines" are common sense but others are purely a white man's idea of etiquette. For instance, "no one under 25"?

poisonivy2 said: "LizzieCurry said: "Thanks for clarifying! Now...I'm not a fan of hyperbole either, but you know how to detect it in writing, right?"

Yes I do. I don't think Duarte was kidding though, and I don't think the people in this thread saying they'd rip the tongues out of someone chewing gum were kidding either. It's definitely a mindset in a subset of theater-goers that theater-goers should only be wealthy and white. Some of these "guidelines" are common sense but others are purely a white man's idea of etiquette. For instance, "no one under 25"?"

Oh you are right. I am not kidding. I might think of a classier way to get you to stop smacking your gum or put your phone away. . But I won’t just st there and let you ruin the show for me. And I am not wealthy and white. You should just be polite and know how to behave in a theater. Because if not you never know when the stranger next to you will get all ghetto on you.

poisonivy2 said: "I don't think the people in this thread saying they'd rip the tongues out of someone chewing gum were kidding either."

Wow. So you can actually envision a Broadway theatre patron inserting their hand into another's mouth and detaching their tongue?

poisonivy2 said: "Some of these "guidelines" are common sense but others are purely a white man's idea of etiquette. For instance, "no one under 25"?"

What does being 25 years old (or younger) have to do with being white?

Lot666 said:
poisonivy2 said: "Some of these "guidelines" are common sense but others are purely a white man's idea of etiquette. For instance, "no one under 25"?"

What does being 25 years old (or younger) have to do with being white?"

"My 13 year old has her au pair while me and my husband enjoy a night in the theater."

...she is absolutely kidding. This is a comedic rant piece.

poisonivy2 said: "Lot666 said:
poisonivy2 said: "Some of these "guidelines" are common sense but others are purely a white man's idea of etiquette. For instance, "no one under 25"?"

What does being 25 years old (or younger) have to do with being white?"

"My 13 year old has her au pair while me and my husband enjoy a night in the theater.""

I don't see how the quoted scenario supports your claim. You seem to be implying that only white people could possibly afford to pay for childcare; that sounds awfully racist to me.