Tourette's And Being A Respectful Audience Member

I have Tourette's Syndrome and I have tickets to go see Hadestown this weekend, and I'm wondering how I can be most respectful as an audience member with my condition. Most of my tics are physical and involve things like stretching my legs, shaking my head and moving my shoulders, and my most predominant vocal one is clearing my throat, so I'm not worried about talking during the show (very few people with Tourette's actually yell profanities, contrary to how pop culture presents it). I've gone to see a few shows in the past (Tootsie, Gary and Act One) but never as popular and as packed as Hadestown, and when I've seen other shows there have been at least a few buffer seats around me. I'm wondering what I should do to not be annoying and seem rude to the people around me. Should I explain my condition to them, or will that just annoy them more and they'll make a fuss and try to have me thrown out or change seats? Should I just not say anything and hope they aren't bothered by it? What would you find most courteous if you were seated next to a person with Tourette's at a show?

I would appreciate an explanation but you certainly don't need to give one. Enjoy the show.

I also have Tourette's, and I'll be in NYC this weekend to see a few shows (hoping to get in to Hadestown via the lottery!). My advice would be to tell the people right next to you, if it'll ease your ability to enjoy the show and not worry about bothering others. But in all honesty, I rarely bring it up myself. Unfortunately there are all sorts of actually avoidable distractions in theaters these days, so our condition that we have no control over is nobody's business, and we shouldn't have to miss out on something as enjoyable as Broadway just out of fear of bothering somebody. Obviously I try my best to control things and keep still and be a good audience member, but I always remember we have just as much a right to be there as everyone else.

I have Tourette's as well. However, based upon what I read from the OP's post, mine is far minor in comparison. In fact, when I do tic, many folks think I am sneezing.

Now, in addition to that, I have worked with kids with autism for years. Another population that some don't like to see at the theatre because they can be disruptive. Now, while I am fully in support of the TDF's autism friendly performances, those with Tourette's or other cognitive issues that can't be controlled should not be relegated to just those performances. And, these are people who have to go through life who were dealt a bad hand. I know that we talk about issues we face with things such as cell phone use in the theatre. But, when talking about another human, I think that compassion and understanding is not hard to do. Put yourself in their shoes. They don't want whatever it is they are dealing with and it's not like it's they have any say on the matter.



This reminds me of a facebook post I read a few years back, when LCT was doing The King and I. During the whipping scene, a boy with autism, who, up until then had been quite and causing no disturbances started to vocally act out, gripping on the hand railing to not leave etc. Now, there were a lot of posts on Facebook etc about how, someone like that, should not have been in the theatre in the first place. However, one of the actors on stage in that scene wrote on social media that he was beyond happy to see him there and felt bad for him that he had to deal with that. Thereby going his fans the opposite response they thought that they were goin to get. Show some compassion and understanding, Yes, money was spent to enter a venue, open to any and all ticket holders. Deal with it.

MyLife said: "If you're still really concerned after reading these responses you could also try informing the House Manager. I know Hadestown is popular and will be sold out but if you're concerned you may bother people in your vicinity the House Manager may be able to seat you somewhere where you may be more isolated."

This would be my suggestion, as well! I was ushering at a sold-out performance once, and a patron asked to speak to the house manager because there were two people in the party who were autistic. There was no issue, and they were able to be seated elsewhere. It will definitely vary from theater to theater, but I really think you can feel comfortable at least asking the house manager if there is another place you can sit. If the tickets you paid for are full view/premium, be sure to make sure they seat you in a place that is still full view.

But most importantly, as many have said, ENJOY THE SHOW. You have every right to be there.

I think it's probably a good idea to give people a heads up before the show, although I could also completely understand if you're not comfortable doing that. I have worked a lot with kids with autism and other special needs, and even if they did something inappropriate/harmful towards a stranger, people are generally pretty understanding when I explain the situation to them. I've of course had a few people who are jerks about it, but I think it's often better to say something preemptively rather than after the situation has happened.

How about creating a friendly slip of paper with a note briefly explaining your condition that you can pass along to your neighbors as you say hello? The note should be a brief explanation and not an apology.