Unpleasant theater audiences- Page 4

[spicemonkey]

Posted: 9/18/22 at 12:04pm

Recall some of my bad experiences in theatre, I was so disappointed (or surprised) that some of them came from audiences who were professionals in theatre community.

 

Beetlejuice - the woman next to me kept pointing to the stage with her right hand. Because the width of Winter Garden, her hand was in front of my face. In the intermission, she said she was a performer and had performed in Asia like China before.

 

Into The Woods - at the beginning of Act 2 - this person started to eat CRUNCHY snacks in the seat. Unbelievable. Before the show - she said she was a professional performer and her BF saw Jackman every day because he worked in TMM.

 

Company - those two people - a man and a woman in FR Mezz Right - kept talking whenever Patti was on stage. Their voice was so loud and you can clearly hear they say "That's Patti". They even mimic how Patti was talking and singing and sang IN THEIR SEAT like no one was around. - This one may be a weak example because they did not clearly say they were actors but clearly they had some relation with Theatre Community. 

 

I thought if you were a professional in theatre, you should know better how important it is to respect the performers on the stage and the audiences around you. I know it does not happen everyday, but still feel disappointed that professionals are acting like that. 

Updated On: 9/18/22 at 12:04 PM

[starcatchers]

Posted: 9/18/22 at 10:01pm

Hooo buddy, let me tell you about Six tonight…

A note: I’ve seen it several times, the audiences are always enthusiastic but generally pleasant. 
 

I was seated in the second row of the orchestra. Three men behind me talked and sang the ENTIRE show. I turned around multiple times to no avail. They (along with others) yelled back in response to Brittney Mack’s Cleves monologue, leaving her just kind of waiting for them to stop so she could go on. 
 

THEN. One of them falls into a seemingly sudden  *very deep* sleep on the stranger on their other side. At this point it’s a little concerning. The show was almost over at this point but it seemed like someone must’ve said something to company management (one of the actresses did briefly step offstage), because suddenly an usher came hauling down the aisle. 
 

YIKES. That’s all. 

[ggersten]

Posted: 4/11/23 at 11:55am

On Friday 7 April (Good Friday) a performance of The Bodyguard in Manchester, England was stopped 10 minutes before the end as unruly audience members were removed by police. The audience members were singing along - loudly (and poorly). The production had a "no sing-along" policy/rule.

To make matters worse, a local television program presenters had complained about the "no sing along" rules saying (paraphrasing) "what's the point of going to the show if you can't sing along?"   After the Bodyguard incident, the presenters faced criticism and one has apologized.

There's lots in the UK press and Twitter about the incident including audio. 
Discussion and some links over on Theatreboard starting at page 217: Bad Behaviour at a Show | TheatreBoard

And Variety: 'Bodyguard' Musical Halted After 'Mini-Riot' Over Audience Sing-along - Variety

Updated On: 4/11/23 at 11:55 AM

[TheatreMonkey]

Posted: 4/11/23 at 2:13pm

ggersten said: "On Friday 7 April (Good Friday) a performance of The Bodyguard in Manchester, England was stopped 10 minutes before the end as unruly audience members were removed by police. The audience members were singing along - loudly (and poorly). The production had a "no sing-along" policy/rule.

To make matters worse, a local television program presenters had complained about the "no sing along" rules saying (paraphrasing) "what's the point of going to the show if you can't sing along?" After the Bodyguard incident, the presenters faced criticism and one has apologized.

There's lots in the UK press and Twitter about the incident including audio.
Discussion and some links over on Theatreboard starting at page 217:Bad Behaviour at a Show | TheatreBoard

And Variety:'Bodyguard' Musical Halted After 'Mini-Riot' Over Audience Sing-along - Variety"

So here is the actual video (via Reddit article) of the shocking behavior of the audience members as they are being removed from the house -- it's quite something, and the escalation during their REMOVAL just shows how far gone some people have lost their damn minds.

[ggersten]

Posted: 4/11/23 at 3:07pm

Thanks. I hadn't seen that video.

When we saw Tina in London (2019?) there was a preshow announcement requesting people to not sing along until the curtain call. I understand there was a similar announcement and signs at The Drifters Girl. 

[BamaEd]

Posted: 4/11/23 at 6:49pm

TheatreMonkey said: "ggersten said: "On Friday 7 April (Good Friday) a performance of The Bodyguard in Manchester, England was stopped 10 minutes before the end as unruly audience members were removed by police. The audience members were singing along - loudly (and poorly). The production had a "no sing-along" policy/rule.

To make matters worse, a local television program presenters had complained about the "no sing along" rules saying (paraphrasing) "what's the point of going to the show if you can't sing along?" After the Bodyguard incident, the presenters faced criticism and one has apologized.

There's lots in the UK press and Twitter about the incident including audio.
Discussion and some links over on Theatreboard starting at page 217:Bad Behaviour at a Show | TheatreBoard

And Variety:'Bodyguard' Musical Halted After 'Mini-Riot' Over Audience Sing-along - Variety"

So here is the actual video (via Reddit article) of the shocking behavior of the audience members as they are being removed from the house -- it's quite something, and the escalation during their REMOVAL just shows how far gone some people have lost their damn minds."

I was half expecting the audience to cheer for them to be pushed over the railing or something. Glad that didn't happen but dang ladies, read the rules and follow along. People didn't pay good money to hear YOU sing. To the show hosts who didn't agree with the no singalong rule, once again nobody paid to hear the audience perform.

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 4/12/23 at 8:29am

I've been seeing people on other platforms talk about how we're being racist somehow in telling people to behave in certain way in a theater. They'd rather people be able to talk during the show, a call and response type experience. No. It is not asking much to have an audience be quiet during a show that others have paid a lot of money to see. If you want something interactive, go to a show that explicitly states thats what it is-concerts, etc. It is ridiculous to say it's anything other than appropriate theater going behavior. Maybe that's how it was years ago with call and response, but now people want to hear the audience. People want to be immersed in the performances on. stage. Not distracted by people near them speaking back to the performers. It's not asking much. You can still enjoy the experience without feeling the urge to do an interactive experience instead of sitting quietly and actually hearing the performers onstage. Not asking a lot. 

I think people coming back to the theater have been under the impression that they can do whatever they want. That what they paid entitles them to their own experience, without regard to those around them. Ridiculous. 

[JasonC3]

Posted: 4/12/23 at 8:59am

"Appropriate" is a culturally created standard, not a universal norm that can never be challenged or evolve.  And of course, different cultures often have different norms and expectations for similar experiences.

Do I personally want to attend shows where people sing along, talk back to performers, et al?  Absolutely not.  I bristle and give the mean eye at the sound of the first candy wrapper crinkle.

But I also think having conversations—in appropriate settings—about existing norms and their continued relevance or desirability is a worthwhile endeavor.

 

[c00kie2]

Posted: 4/12/23 at 1:30pm

JasonC3 said: " But I also think having conversations—in appropriate settings—about existing norms and their continued relevance or desirability is a worthwhile endeavor. "

I don't know why I've never thought about this, but this is absolutely true.  

[leftyloveshuskies]

Posted: 4/14/23 at 9:40am

This behavior occurred last night during Hadestown in Baltimore.  The women next to me had a flashlight which she used to look at the playbill but kept accidently shining it at my eyes.  Nothing was said but then it got worse.   At the beginning of ACT II she did not turn off her flashlight until her husband told her too 1/2 into the initial song.  

Then during the singing of  "Doubt Comes In", she again turned on the flashlight to look at her playbill.  Multiple people around her whispered for her to shut it off which she ignored.  I waved my hand in front of her face and that did not work.  Finally after a little more encouragement from me, she shut if off.  I could tell that she did not like being told what to do.  Considering we were sitting mid-orchestra, 3 rows from the stage, I wonder how many people she annoyed including the actors.  

[quizking101]

Posted: 4/14/23 at 11:12am

JasonC3 said: ""Appropriate" is a culturally created standard, not a universal norm that can never be challenged or evolve. And of course, different cultures often have different norms and expectations for similar experiences.

Do I personally want to attend shows where people sing along, talk back to performers, et al? Absolutely not. I bristle and give the mean eye at the sound of the first candy wrapper crinkle.

But I also think having conversations—in appropriate settings—about existing norms and their continued relevance or desirability is a worthwhile endeavor.

"

I couldn't have said this better myself. I've spent a lot of time over the last two years viewing A LOT of black theatre, and those audiences tend to have a more vocal response in the theatre (even when it's not invited). As a white-Hispanic person who is not used to such activity and was very rigid about theatre etiquette, it initially bothered me - but then I've had conversations with people (actors included) and came to realize that, since their responses weren't disruptive to the show (as opposed to, say, drunk audience members at a jukebox musical), I needed to check myself because people embrace theatre in all different ways and understanding the space I'm in as new audiences are being made to feel invited and welcomed to the theatre.

 

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/14/23 at 11:37am

Just up on Theatermania. It addresses quizking101's comments.

 

https://www.theatermania.com/news/story-of-the-week-is-theater-etiquette-dead_1697971/?fbclid=IwAR0ltl4MqsKpRILqwAGO7EOcTP9hkbFxIyHbSoS2-yRg67wmOXbOBqDiv6s

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 4/14/23 at 11:53am

I couldn't have said this better myself. I've spent a lot of time over the last two years viewing A LOT of black theatre, and those audiences tend to have a more vocal response in the theatre (even when it's not invited). As a white-Hispanic person who is not used to such activity and was very rigid about theatre etiquette, it initially bothered me - but then I've had conversations with people (actors included) and came to realize that, since their responses weren't disruptive to the show (as opposed to, say, drunk audience members at a jukebox musical), I needed to check myself because people embrace theatre in all different ways and understanding the space I'm in as new audiences are being made to feel invited and welcomed to the theatre.

What brilliant comments and the people in this thread demanding people act in their version of “appropriate theater going behavior” should take several seats. All of ‘em.

 

 

[BuddyStarr]

Posted: 6/1/23 at 8:07am

So….I guess I’m lucky.  I’ve seen 6 shows this past week and only had a really bad experience at my last show, “& Juliet” which probably isn’t surprising since it’s a jukebox musical.

If anyone you have seen the show you know that the ensemble is on stage before the show officially starts.  Well, she was recording the action with her phone which I didn’t say anything…except when the. Overture starts and they hold up a sign saying “no phones/recording” and she’s still recording.  The woman was sitting right beside me in the 5th row center.  So I said, you literally keep recording while they saying not to record.

That set off a whole night of her calling me a nazi, the c-word, a f-king ahole, a whole slew of names throughout the whole first act. Every time she would reach for something out of her bag she would look my way and lean in and call me various swear words and would numerous times bump into me but I just sat there.

Even through intermission, which I usually get up to stretch my legs, I stayed sitting and she continued to talking about me being a camera Nazi and finally she talking about how I was the part of the trouble in the U.S. with all this woke stuff (which was ironic since she was at & Juliet).

I mostly ignored her but would let out a laugh or say “wow, what a mouth on you” while she screamed at me at the curtain call saying I wasn’t yelling at the other audience members recording. I turned around to see the people behind me and said “can you believe this”. 

She commented that I was alone and that was indicative that I was a jerk and other expletives.

Finally as I was leaving she threatened me and said if she had a gun she would put a bullet in my head.

Meanwhile the ppl behind me asked if I knew her and that I handled it better than they would have.

I tried to enjoy the show, even though going in I knew it would be challenging because jukebox musicals do attract crowd.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/1/23 at 3:04pm

I'm so sorry that happened to you. Jesus Christ. She seems like she has mental health issues and what she said was a criminal threat if you wanted to report her, it's a felony. Horrifying, especially these days. 

Updated On: 6/1/23 at 03:04 PM

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 6/1/23 at 3:10pm

BuddyStarr said: "So….I guess I’m lucky. I’ve seen 6 shows this past week and only had a really bad experience at my last show, “& Juliet” which probably isn’t surprising since it’s a jukebox musical.

If anyone you have seen the show you know that the ensemble is on stage before the show officially starts. Well, she was recording the action with her phone which I didn’t say anything…except when the. Overture starts and they hold up a sign saying “no phones/recording” and she’s still recording. The woman was sitting right beside me in the 5th row center. So I said, you literally keep recording while they saying not to record.

That set off a whole night of her calling me a nazi, the c-word, a f-king ahole, a whole slew of names throughout the whole first act. Every time she would reach for something out of her bag she would look my way and lean in and call me various swear words and would numerous times bump into me but I just sat there.

Even through intermission, which I usually get up to stretch my legs, I stayed sitting and she continued to talking about me being a camera Nazi and finally she talking about how I was the part of the trouble in the U.S. with all this woke stuff (which was ironic since she was at & Juliet).

I mostly ignored her but would let out a laugh or say “wow, what a mouth on you” while she screamed at me at the curtain call saying I wasn’t yelling at the other audience members recording. I turned around to see the people behind me and said “can you believe this”.

She commented that I was alone and that was indicative that I was a jerk and other expletives.

Finally as I was leaving she threatened me and said if she had a gun she would put a bullet in my head.

Meanwhile the ppl behind me asked if I knew her and that I handled it better than they would have.

I tried to enjoy the show, even though going in I knew it would be challenging because jukebox musicals do attract crowd."

Oh my god. I am so, so sorry that happened to you!! That is awful. Why didn't you say something to an usher?? I would have absolutely said something. I don't care what she says to me. That is not okay. At All. Ridiculous. Just because you pay for a ticket doesn't mean you get to do whatever you want!! 

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 6/1/23 at 3:26pm

BuddyStarr said: "Finally as I was leaving she threatened me and said if she had a gun she would put a bullet in my head."

JESUS CHRIST!!! When you said she threatened to put a bullet in your head, that just sent chills down my spine! I'm glad you are ok but that behavior she had is completely unacceptable and frankly inhumane! If she had said that to me while still in the theatre, I would have reported it to the House Manager immediately! The escalation like that is scary and it makes me sad that there are so many people like this woman out there! Again, I am glad you are safe but issues like this need to be addressed so we can prevent things like this from happening again!

 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/1/23 at 3:31pm

Yikes!  I'm so sorry you had to endure that, Buddy!

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/1/23 at 3:31pm

It's a criminal matter. Not a house manager issue. Call the cops, not an usher. 

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 6/1/23 at 3:47pm

Sutton Ross said: "It's a criminal matter. Not a house manager issue. Call the cops, not an usher."

Report it to the House Manager, who would then call the cops. I know he said as he was leaving, which, yes, he should call the cops on his own. If this happened while he was still in the theatre, during the performance, or during intermission reporting it to the house manager is the first thing to do who would then call the cops. 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/1/23 at 4:30pm

COULD call the cops. Doesn't mean they will. But that person should have been dragged out of there for harassment, at the very least.

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 6/1/23 at 5:41pm

@BuddyStarr..the more I read about your experience, the more angry I get. When did we decide we can act however we want at the theater without repercussions? Without it seriously affecting the audience and the performers? When did people decide "Oh I can do whatever I want, I can talk back, I can sing, I can film" Like why? I understand if maybe you haven't been to a show before but even then there are protocols you have to follow just like anywhere else where people have to buy a ticket, not just theater. This is awful. People like that are horrible. They should be banned. 

[Scarlet Leigh]

Posted: 6/1/23 at 6:56pm

Well, finally happened. I have been to a show with an audience's whose behavior was SO bad that I left enraged. It was at &Juliet yesterday and the school group behind was was SEEMINGLY okay...... until "I'm Not a Girl (Not Yet a Woman)." They were totally fine with May as a character so long as they were the "gay best friend" trope but the moment that May revealed they were non-binary, they did not stop laughing and making rude little comments anytime May was on stage the rest of the show. I do think their chaperone might have gave them a talking to at intermission because it was less loud in the second act, but still a gaggle of snickers and giggles. Teenagers. Ugh.

[BIG BALONEY]

Posted: 6/2/23 at 4:48pm

Tuesday night at Camelot as soon as the orchestra started playing the overture the man sitting behind me opened a bag of potato chips and for about 15 minutes was smacking his lips and rustling the plastic bag. At the interval I and a friend moved to the last row in the orchestra that was empty.

[BwayinVan]

Posted: 6/3/23 at 12:06am

I have been to five shows this week, and I have to say why did the theatres allow snacks and candy in the theatre during the performance people don’t realize how loud they’re being but it every show this week somebody has felt the need to crinkle the rapper throughout, which is really distracting. I was at & Juliet tonight, and there was a group of real housewife type women sitting a few rows behind me. I think they’ve had a couple drinks before hand, but they were talking loudly during most of the songs and a few of them kept getting up multiple times and were constantly opening candy wrappers (especially at the quiet moments). I think the problem with jukebox musical says people think it’s a concert so they can talk throughout pretty distracting.