The casual nature of theater

[Whatchmacallit]

The casual nature of theater#0

Posted: 1/29/05 at 12:09am

This is my first post having been a lurker for a very long time.

I read something that troubled me in the thread concerning closing night performances. I wanted to start a new topic about this because I was afraid it might get buried otherwise.

It makes me sad to see that the common consensus is that it is allright to treat the theater as casual.

The reason theater has unfortunately become more casual is the fact that people allow it to be, and don't try to break the cycle.

Going to the theater is a treat, and in my opinion, should still be treated as a cultural event. I'm not a huge fan of jeans in a theater, but I have at least seen attempts to dress it up with jackets, etc. At $100 a pop, don't you want to make it special?

Maybe I'm just old fashioned, but I think there is a certain amount of respect shown by a patron who dresses accordingly for the theater. (I'm not asking for tuxes and ball gowns)

You are right, it is no longer 1950; but just because it is 2005, does that mean we no longer have to give the theater the proper respect it deserves? (If you think the two spectrums of dress are not noticed on the other side of the footlights, than you are dead wrong)

Please, feel free to tell me I'm sounding like an old fuddy duddy, but its a pet peeve of mine I just wanted to address.

:)

Web address for the Theatremania Etiquette article from last week: "Isn't it Annoying' by Craig Coursey

http://www.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm/story/5549

The link is for a 2003 David Finkle article contemplating attire.

What to wear?

A man is getting along on the road to wisdom when he begins to realize that his opinion is just an opinion.

[Joshua488]

re: The casual nature of theater#2

Posted: 1/29/05 at 12:21am

I don't think your appearance really matters. A full suit is definitely not necessary, in my opinion. I like to dress nicely (for no reason, sometimes), so I do (usually) wear a shirt and jacket and the whole deal, but I don't think it's necessary.

[Whatchmacallit]

re: The casual nature of theater#3

Posted: 1/29/05 at 12:35am

I did not say that the attire was the only aspect of respect. (hence my including the etiquette article)

All I was doing was stating a pet peeve of mine. Feel free to disagree. I, however, do think attire is an aspect of showing respect in general. That's why you look nice for job interviews, dates, etc. I'm not asking for gucci, gucci, gucci. I think a safe bet is business casual.

And I am telling you that the actors can, in fact, see more than just the glare of glasses.

A man is getting along on the road to wisdom when he begins to realize that his opinion is just an opinion.

[Derech2]

re: The casual nature of theater#4

Posted: 1/29/05 at 2:12am

Bravo. Could not agree more.

Perhaps in our culture today it *has* become acceptable to dress in jeans and t-shirt when attending professional theater, but at one point it was a privilege to see a performance at which people desired to pay respect to the actors and crew who worked hard to put a show together, and to show respect to those around them by perhaps looking a bit more dressed up them usual. To me, it seems to show little or no appreciation for the privilege of theater if you don't make some attempt to treat it differently than any other event.

And I think people at the theater, both audience and actors included, do feel respected and honored by what one wears. My friends and I have been commented on a number of times and those who do speak to us about our attire to seem to show a sincere appreciation of our respect for the theater and everyone around.

LOL That probably make me sound like an arrogant snob, but I certainly don't mean it that way. I have nothing against people who don't believe in dressing up, believe me I perform regularly, and I do not at all feel insulted by anyone in street clothes, but I cannot tell you how honored I feel when a friend shows up in something nice for the occasion.

Coimhéad fearg fhear na foighde.

[wildcat]

re: The casual nature of theater#5

Posted: 1/29/05 at 2:20am

I suspect the whole casual attire thing stretches beyond theatre going. People tend not to book ahead as often as they used to, so audiences are made up of "walk ups" who come as they are from some other activity. You don't see that many people dressed up in restaurants anymore either.
Re the hideous mobile phones etc. I commented to a friend recently that the show I was in...an internationally acclaimed comedy hit...didn't seem to be getting laughs. He explained that when he saw the show half the audience wasn't even looking at the stage. They were texting their friends to tell them how funny it was.

[ashley0139]

re: The casual nature of theater#6

Posted: 1/29/05 at 9:57am

I completely agree. And I'm not "old-fashioned" because I'm only 17. But I absolutely think that you should dress up for the theatre. I can't possibly list all the reasons why here because it would take way too long and I don't have that long (and many of the reasons have already been stated) but I like to dress up (I'm talking a skirt and nice shirt or short dress). Maybe I was just brought up that way but it seems to me I have more fun when I make a whole night of it. I get excited and put on a little make-up and I am more excited when I am dressed up. I like it when I see people dressed nicely. I think it shows respect too. Obviously, you can and should show respect in other ways, too. But I think it is one subtle thing that adds to the atmosphere. Just my 2 cents.

"This table, he is over one hundred years old. If I could, I would take an old gramophone needle and run it along the surface of the wood. To hear the music of the voices. All that was said." - Doug Wright, I Am My Own Wife