The REAL Reason Audiences Give Standing Ovations EVERY Time!

[@ReneeDoty]

For me, I stand mostly for the performers, bc I think in 90% of the shows I see the performers are fantastic and deserve the standing ovation whether or not the show itself was good

[@susanmarie2231]

Not all shows and/or performances deserve a standing ovation. If you stand up for everything, it means nothing special anymore. I only stand if I feel it. I’m not important enough for anyone to care. I recently saw 4 Equity productions in Michigan and I don’t recall standing for any of them. I stand for extraordinary scripts and performances.

[@sterlingross919]

At the end of the show I think it’s more of a respect thing for the performers. Mid show standing ovations are my favorite though because it means we got to see something that elicited a visceral emotional reaction. Nicole Scherzinger got two standing ovations when I saw Sunset and it. Was. DESERVED. Her performance of With One Look had me on the edge of my seat. Also, there’s always a collective emotional impact with mid show standing O’s, like when I saw Eva Noblezada’s last show for Hadestown she got three standing ovations (including when she literally just walked out in the beginning) and the energy in the theater was something I can never forget and is probably the best theater experience I’ve ever had because it was at 120% from beginning to end.

[@dixonfreeman4059]

At our (very strong) community theatre, we almost always get a standing ovation during the bows that is often deserved, but also reflects that in a small town, members of the audience probably know members of the cast personally. However, last week we had a partial standing ovation after one big showstopper in the middle of Act 2, which I have never seen before. David Letterman said that there is nothing more sincere than a partial standing ovation, because that's not just people giving in to the effects that you outlined, like social pressure or a desire to stand and get ready to exit quickly.

[@russellvaldez1843]

As a dancer, I don’t mind being the one to initiate the stand at the top of bows to show love to the ensemble because most of the time people only stand for the leads.

[@terranceodette5819]

As one of the 'old' folks' who saw the likes of Mary Martin, Ethel Merman, Julie Andrews, and Richard Burton, let me say that in the OLD DAYS you hardly ever saw a standing ovation. Martin and Merman got thunderous applause, that sometimes lasted for ten minutes, but we didn't stand. The sets sometimes got applause on first viewing, but we never stood. Merman could knock the walls out at the end of Act 1 of Gypsy, but the audience stayed seated. I think it was a matter of etiquette - if you stood, the people in back of you couldn't see the performers' curtain calls. But, hey, that was then and this is now. My ticket for an orchestra seat for THE SOUND OF MUSIC matinee with the original cast cost fice bucks....

[@AfonsoNovais-m4o]

I may not enjoy a show but I always stand as a sign of respect for the art itself, the years of training, the dedication, the sacrifices, the investment (time and money), the production crew, all the workers backstage, the musicians, and so much more involved. A person may not enjoy a specific play or musical but it is still art and deserves the recognition.

[@Ranger7Studios]

I think people stand because they want to see the stage and they can't with someone standing in front of them. That's why I stand. I want to see the people on the stage take their bows. Plus, you never know if there will be any added shenanigans during the curtain call.

[@ValtronW]

I saw a local production of Cabaret years ago where the audience was pretty quiet at the end as well because the ending was so dark, we were all stunned. In fact, there was no curtain call. The show just ended! I wish more shows would end with no curtain calls because imo it ruins the emotional impact of the ending when the cast comes back all smiling and upbeat. Miss Saigon comes to mind.

[@pipermckoon8637]

We have an incredible community theatre. At the end of every show I’ve seen there, the younger folks in the audience have lept to their feet the second bows start and most if not all of the older folks stay sitting and glare up at the people standing. I’ll never understand it, but it is what it is

[@courdeleon]

Thanks for this! I have been wondering why this happens for a long time. Most videos I watch, like Mickey Jo's, they, film the ending curtain calls and EVERY time there is a standing ovation, even for really bad shows. That has always puzzled me! I started seeing Broadway shows in the mid sixties. I don't remember that after every show, people stood while applauding. I have not seen many reginal shows in my area but at my local community theatre, they don't always stand. I wonder how many shows get standing ovations during the performance, like Alex in SHUCKED? I will never forget witnessing Joaquina Kalukango sing "Let it Burn" in Paradise Square, amazing!!

[@3vilinzide417]

I've travelled to London last year and seen Hadestown and "Two Strangers (Carry a cake across New York) and i had the feeling, that the standing ovation was deserved at the end. Both Musicals were exceptional and the performances incredible, so i stood up but the thing with the awkwardness when everyone stands up and you try to stay seated is definately a thing. I gave standing ovations, where i stood up cause everyone else did.

[@katrinaconnor923]

I saw shucked on tour in Dallas this week because I become obsessed with it when you told me about it! Thank you for introducing me to this fun comedy show I loved it!! I did miss the we drink a little song but I am sure there was a reason, anyway I am crediting you with introducing me to this show. I also always cheer loud for the pit and try to give them extra often under appreciated part of the amazing theater experience.

[@ThexImperfectionist]

I subscribed to 4 different theatres in the DC area, both regional and tour stops (until I moved this year) and for that crowd I would say that standing ovations were more common than not, but still not universal (probably somewhere between 50 and 90%). Interestingly I've noticed that sometimes the audience would hold the standing ovation during bows until the "standout performer" (not necessarily the lead) came out, which probably makes that performer feel special but also sucks for the ensemble before them 🤷‍♀️ Sidenote: I think I was at one of the only Shucked performances where Alex Newell didn't get a standing O after independently owned. My impression was that it wasn't a lack of enthusiasm as much as a lack of the "first stander" to kick it off as you mentioned

[@matthewplampton955]

I was at closing night of Sunset Blvd in the West End. The mid show standing ovations for Nicole were immense. The theatre and audience just felt so energised.

[@popesaidnope]

It's like you could read my mind - thank you for making this lol!! I work in a theatre and we just opened a new show on the West End, I was literally just watching the audience during bows and wondering about 'standing culture' after our open dress run, as some people seem to stand based off of their opinions on the show, and some simply because others are standing. Personally, I wasn't aware of 'standing culture' until about a year ago (grew up in melbourne = less theatre??) so I always tend to stand simply because everyone else was, and especially for shows where I want to film the bows because angles haha! I cannot take the societal pressure of not standing.

[@frannysage8892]

i work FOH on a West End show atm, and it is rare to not have a standing O - but, to be quite honest, mostly it's just a few people starting it and the others seem to rise not to miss out. we have some star casting, so everyone is trying to get pictures of the curtain call, which definitely adds to the neee for people to stand up and get the best angles ...

[@conniescorner9021]

I have no problem staying seated. I'm not a joiner. I have stand, but not every...single...show.

[@ashwithasplash]

ooh girl I love this convo! I'm all for standing at the end of every show, simply as gratitude for the work the company has put in to perform. However I had a recent interesting experience at the City Center Ragtime closing night with this (which was *stunning* do not get me wrong). A trend started in Act 1 of standing after everybody's big numbers which was great until it became...anticipatory? in Act 2, meaning people would stand and cheer before numbers even finished - of which there are a LOT because that show is banger after banger - and because of the nature of the show and theater, if often led to not being able to see or hear what was happening onstage at all. Additionally, the patron next to me was disabled and unable to keep getting up and down so they just ended up staring at people's butts? I felt like the constant getting up and down actually took me out of the beautiful performances being given, esp from the cheap seats in the back, and I at least am able-bodied and able to participate like that. The accessibility nature was something I never considered either, and I think it's always important to think about how we can make spaces feel inclusive in that way too!

[@anthonysuppa1118]

I have seen almost 200 Broadway shows, and the only one that I've attended that did not get a standing ovation was Hamilton.

[@katykacian9739]

I saw Chicago on Broadway in May for my birthday. No one stood, I felt so awkward! I wanted to stand but was squished in my seat. I would have stood if I was able to! Every standing ovation I’ve been a part of, I’ve genuinely been moved to my feet to stand and cheer on the cast.

[@yankee04]

Interesting. I stood for Nicole’s second act number As If We Never Said Goodbye. There was a partial standing ovation for With One Look that in hindsight I should have stood for. It was incredible and deserved it. Conversely, I felt guilted into standing for Audra’s act 2 number even though I was underwhelmed. I usually stand at the end for the performers. Sometimes I stand just to see better.

[@luc_cg]

My impression as a tourist is that in London people will stand way less often than in the US. Also recently I saw the Moulin Rouge tour in Toronto, Canada, and about half chose to stand (to me a result of scaling down the tour…).

[@tealcandtrip]

Every one stands every time in Atlanta at both Regional theater and touring Broadway shows. For me, it's that I want to see the final bows and I can't if they are standing in front of me. Something Rotten actually got an extended standing ovation twice at the end of A Musical. 5000 Fox theater patrons leapt to their feet. It was electric!

[@mc-ty4br]

You missed Audra's performance of Rose Time in GYPSY

[@nhorsch8316]

In the Netherlands there is is no automaitc standing ovations, you gotta earn it 😊 Personally I do stand for most performances out of respect for the cast and crew. Only when I really feel the performance was not up to par I won’t stand, but I do recognize if everyone around me does stand, I will follow.🤣

[@Ranger7Studios]

First stander... Is that anything like the slow clapper??? :)

[@mts7130]

In Arkansas, I attend three different professional theaters, plus the touring company site in Little Rock. I'd say every performance I've seen has had a standing ovation. I don't think all of them deserved it. I'd rather not always stand for it, and a few times didn't. However, I do want to stand and stretch, so it's difficult. It's kind of like tipping culture, but it doesn't cost anything. I'm sure the actors don't expect it, but if it doesn't happen, because it always happens, it must make them talk.

[@coreywolfgang5571]

I’m gonna be honest, I don’t like standing for curtain calls unless I feel lifted out of my chair from the performance….but on the other hand, I am usually so uncomfortable sitting in tight Broadway houses. I am sure that a lot of people are dying to get up after the show is over and that helps prompt it lol

[@KZ1211-t2q]

I think the standing ovations are mostly a result of a television culture, starting with American Idol. Audiences in TV studios are encouraged to applaud, cheer wildly, and stand by the crew holding signs telling them what to do to make for good television. They also go crazy every time someone does a hard dance move or hits a high note, which really bothers me. Even the judges on these competition shows give standing ovations to anyone who does a good job, though not necessarily outstanding. All of this has translated to theaters. To me, all these standing ovations are lowering the bar and, yes, I stand for two reasons, to not "stand out" by sitting, and to be able to see the stage. As a theatergoer since the 50s, I feel it's impossible to differentiate these days between outstanding performances and simply doing the job well, judging from audience reaction.

[@achilpat3331]

I've thought about this too myself. In the uk we used to very rarely stand but these days it's becoming more frequent - I think due to the American influence - I think it's a shame as i'd rather only stand for shows I'm really impressed with, though i think in the UK you can still remain sitting at the moment, even if some are standing - there can be a mixture.

[@martinfreeman6491]

Does not matter what others do. Did it move me to stand I stand otherwise I clap. I am old. I do as I please.

[@AthynVixen]

While I appreciate the hard work and efforts of all cast and creatives, I personally wish we would stop with the automatic standing ovations. It originated in the US where it's far more prevalent but it's creeping into the UK. My main gripe is if EVERY show gets one then how is an audience meant to show recognition and appreciation for outstanding performances or things of note!!!!. I will not be forced into standing like that unless I feel something or someone warrants extra praise. I attended a west end show that is known to boast about it s 5 star reviews and I thought it was utter pants on several levels. I had no qualms about leaving the cramped theatre before everyone else and the staff glared at me on the way out

[@johnnzboy]

I really enjoy your videos, keep up the great work! And kudos for knowing how to correctly pronounce "coup de théâtre" ;)

[@DJGNYC]

I imagine everything you say here is true…but I almost always end up standing simply because someone is inevitably standing in front of me & I want to see the curtain call. I mean they stood at the maybe 40% sold perf of “Tammy Faye” I was recently at 🤷‍♂️. Last time I saw something with no SO? “Ghost of John McCain” off-B’way, which had its charms but certainly didn’t need to be stood for. On the other hand, I was literally crawling out of my skin because I couldn’t wait to stand & applaud (I might have screamed as well) for Nicole in “Sunset” multiple times throughout. This compulsion to stand is a pretty recent phenomenon…it really started to become a thing post-9/11 when B’way was back performing 3 days after to very sparse crowds, grosses be damned. Performers & audience members were just so grateful to be in each other’s presence after such a horrifying ordeal. And then it stuck. FYI-we need a video about THAT DOG in the background! Really enjoy your content.

[@sevensongs]

It's the norm and I hate it - not because I care so much about standing but because so often there are extra numbers at the end that I'd like to be able to see more easily. When everyone stands, I can't see whether I stand or not! I have been in some shows where more people wait until the lead bows to stand at the end, but even that is few and far between. As much as I value recognizing the actors, it's actually taking away from my enjoyment of the overall show because I am now being shut out of the final event, if that makes sense. Personally, I would rather clap in general, raise my arms when something is really good, cheer when something is excellent, and stand when something is amazing. But as it is, I always end up having to stand so I see tiny slivers of that extra number because everyone else is standing anyway (even if a few are just trying to get out by that point). But I would much rather have a real reason to stand up and dance!

[@w.rickschilling9896]

I find the standing “O” gratuitous but I usually follow suit. I find myself weighing the ticket price against the quality -like buying a new car. LOL Let’s face it theater is meant to be a cathartic experience. Not everyone’s heart is always in it. FYI: I might have been the ONLY SITTER at the end of SPRING AWAKENING on B’way. I appreciated the performers but was mourning the “violence” done to the original script. It costs nothing. And let’s face it the uncomfortable seats are like medieval torture devices! After two hours most people are ready to get UP!!!

[@kofender]

I hate standing ovations unless it's for something truly exceptional. But let's look at the real history behind the standing. It dates back to Roman times, but it's not done for the reasons you think. When the defeated army comes back, the crowd stands to acknowledge the efforts of the losers. It's the opposite of what it's become. Now everyone stands for everything-almost. When I was in Los Angeles a few years back, the Ahmenson put on a true stinker of a production, Amélie (and how it ever made it to NYC I'll never understand). At the end, the show was so back NO ONE STOOD. In LA, they stand for sliced pizza. I truly hate standing ovations for shows I think are mediocre.