Along with many other freshmen at Alabama, my art credit was fulfilled by “Intro to the Theatre.” On the first day of classes, the classroom was already crammed with bored-looking students. The class content was as expected: various technical elements, design processes and theatre history.
A typical class would include students attempting to hide behind their computer screens hoping not to answer a question about “Cats.” This introduction class specified that we would have required productions to attend throughout the semester: UA Theatre’s “Huntsville,” “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” “The Crucible” and Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre’s “Verse.”
Promptly after the run of “Huntsville,” our class was warned about various issues regarding audience behavior. Throughout the show’s run, the Marian Gallaway Theatre’s seats were filled with talkative audience members and their bright iPhone screens. Grace was given, however, since it was the first production of the semester.
Unfortunately, the next two productions were met with the same audience behavior. I, along with the many in the audience, was annoyed at the constant use of the aisles and exit doors during the shows. These minute actions caused a drift in the raw connection between the audience and the performers.
Dakota Fowler, a current sophomore with a minor in theatre, explained that “the less etiquette, the more noticeable.” Whether it’s laughing at a witty line or being present during dramatic scenes, it’s up to the viewer to “show respect to the rest of the audience and cast,” Fowler said.
The spectacle created by these shows was diminished due to the self-centered behavior of the audience. Within the first act of both shows, audience members were either asleep, relaxed with feet kicked back onto the velvet seat in front of them, preoccupied with snacks and drinks, or disinterested in the show itself.
Every Wednesday after the productions, the class had discussions about the show itself. Without fail, at least one student would express their confusion toward the piece. As simple as it seems, theatre etiquette plays a big role in viewer comprehension. Live performances require a greater sense of awareness from the audience. You cannot rewind or pause the show — you must focus throughout the entirety.
I urge students who are new to the theatre scene to reassess their behavior. Remove all distractions, be attentive and enjoy the show. For those in the theatre as a degree requirement, be grateful for the fact that you are watching performances rather than simply memorizing facts. For those viewing the performances, be gracious knowing that students just like you put their free time into their passion.
