Articles: "Audience Members Behaving Badly" by Rebecca Ritzel

Published August 18, 2015

"Audience Members Behaving Badly" by Rebecca Ritzel

A Response by E Robertson:

            While I was in London, alcohol was available at almost every theatre I went to – or near enough that it wasn’t a big deal to ask for a plastic glass, leave the pub and walk into a small upstairs theatre, wine in hand. Sometimes critics were even treated to free drinks (as I saw happen at both The Royal Court and Southwark Playhouse) and usually it enhanced everyone’s agreeability and enjoyment of the entire scenario. As an usher, the only thing that would upset me about drinking patrons was how much rubbish they left behind.

            Wine, beer, and other refreshments has now made it into many of our theatres in the Washington, DC area, but unlike in London and Germany –it is not have a positive effect on theatre patrons. In the Washington Post today, I read an article about two intoxicated women at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA, in search of restrooms before intermission. One of the women even walked onto the stage, through the wings and interrupted an actress (not to mention the show) before her entrance. The other, was stumbling around curtains also looking for the restroom. Not only can these patrons not handle their liquor, they also cannot plan ahead for tiny bladders and go before the first act!

            If you keep up with US Theatre Happenings, you may also remember the drunk idiot who tried to plug his phone into a fake SET outlet on stage during a performance of Hand to God in New York. First, US Theatres were dealing with food, cell phones, and the occasional camera – but now people are literally walking into the performances and ruining the show for everyone, actors and audiences alike. Do we need to pass out etiquette guides along with programs as audiences walk into the theatre?

            Looking back at not only this, but American behaviour in concerts and in movie theaters – I am starting to fear for this nation. It’s not just blatantly rude, but it also speaks to our inability to pull ourselves together and act like responsible adults who know how to interact in a suitable manner for the situations in which we find ourselves. Although – if I look back at the History of Theatre – at least people aren’t publicly pissing themselves in the house or whoring in the aisles as you may have seen in the 15 and 1600’s in English Theatres. At least now they try to find the restrooms first.

            All in all – audiences had progressed and have now – to a small degree it seems, digressed. I would say that maybe some people just shouldn’t go to the theatre – but no, I disagree with that. I still think everyone should go to the theatre – but for God’s sake, know your limit, and stay in your seat until the lights go up! And trust me, the theatre is a lot older than your cell phone and that text can wait.

There it is – my rant-filled response to this article in the Washington Post. 

Happy Hump Day, everyone.