What Has Happened To Theatre Etiquette? (Singing, Yelling & Recording...)

[@natalietayes]

whenever i am on stage, my family likes to scream my name and it makes me so mad because it's really disrespectful to me and to my fellow cast mates. so i agree with you guys 100% in the fact that theatre etiquette is gone.

[@christianfranz2686]

My family does that during the curtain call but it’s mostly my younger cousins or my friends and I’m dieing laughing

[@christianfranz2686]

But yes I agree it is very rude and disrespectful

[@natalietayes]

@@christianfranz2686 yep. but they also LOVE to do it in the MIDDLE of the show too and it distracts me and takes me out of the scene. i've tried to explain to my mom that it's rude but she isn't the type to listen to her children lol💀

[@christianfranz2686]

Lol same with my grandparents

[@BroadwayBound009]

It almost feels like concert culture has seeped into theatre and not in a good way. The filming, the singing along, the screaming at anytime. They are not the same medium.

[@kghbandgeek]

This is exactly it

[@linzzz519]

Yep!

[@charlie_is_not_on_fire]

I performed as Glinda and so many people sung along in No one mourns the wicked, to the point where an usher had to kick like 5 people out. it was ridiculous, and it's so important to actually talk about this online ❤❤

[@SpiderMan10340]

No way! Where did you play Glinda?

[@bnorem09]

@@SpiderMan10340 nowhere

[@TheLesMiserablesCats24601]

That's a damn lie.

[@coquettegirlie]

i saw heathers live last week and i was super excited since its my favorite musical ever, and whenever some fav parts of my favorite songs started playing, i would LIPSYNC from time to time, just of excitement like "hell yeah i love this part" but i was super super silent, because it was lipsyncing, i didnt make a sound, and even then i sometimes felt like "is this wrong?" i obviously know it didnt bother anyone because all i did was slightly move my lips (i wasnt doing it like a tiktoker or moving anything else 😭). i can NOT belive that people think theyre entitled to sing along to a live performance of a musical, its obviously pathetic and tells me so much about them as a person

[@lil_lol7691]

This is what I'm going to do, I'm seeing it next month and it's my favourite, I'm so excited! I think I'm going to cry probably and lipsync

[@aylac3144]

i am so glad im not the only person that does this

[@jacksonhoopah]

I lipsync (not making any noise) at Broadway shows all the time. There is no problem with that, as long as it isn't distracting to anyone around you. This is another added benefit of masks in theater, nobody can see you moving your lips. I did this when I saw Wicked on Broadway

[@Heathersproshotedits1989]

Who was your JD?

[@annacastro6260]

I am an Usher with a theater company in Canada based in Ontario, "Drayton Entertainment". our role is to ensure your experience at the theater is the best as possible, and the obvious, showing people to their seats. During the show, we have to watch the audience incase people are doing any form of photography and videography, and in the event of evacuation, evacuate our guests. When we see someone copyrighting the show (in any degree) we are told to gently ask them to put their phone away and to not film/take photos during the show, and they put their phones away for the rest of that performance. It can get complicated when they are not on an isle, but we do try to do our best to stop them. :)

[@GregStanton.]

hello fellow ontario theatre practioner! i used to do shows in Oakville! i can confirm your experience. most if not every show i saw in and around toronto (including Stratford), had very capable and strict ushers. many would shine flashlights and get people to stop using their phone.

[@CoralMilitere]

Hey! Usher in Manitoba here and same! The last show I worked, I had to stop filming multiple times (our protocol is actually to escort them to the house manager, who has to actually see them delete their photos or video), guided some people to the bathroom mid show and removed a disruptive patron who was having their own experience that was super detrimental to everyone else's enjoyment. The problem with this is that I'm a volunteer, we have 0 paid ushers. And I'm having trouble going back because I was almost injured in the process of escorting a patron (fortunately for me, I work in hospitality and have been trained to deal with these situations)

[@leahwilton785]

I'm a theatre (dance) person in Toronto as well. Personally, I've only had good experiences with ushers, and never witnessed anything along the lines of the nightmares discussed in this video. Maybe I'm just lucky, but it baffles me that people lack what feels like basic social etiquitte: dont be a dick

[@ayliahtriplett2587]

Honestly kids are kids, but I went to go see Mario in theaters, and there were 10 year old kids LITERALLY doing cartwheels in front of the screen, and running back and forth in front of it. And the parents just yelled throughout the theater about how "its okay, its a really good movie"

[@chelsea.1234]

omg yes one time (for a different movie) a little girl was running up and down the row behind me, yanking on my chair (and everyone’s) every. single. time. and the mom was just sitting there not caring 😩

[@ellierourke5065]

I was actually at the show in Manchester and it was the most disgusting situation. Not only did I have so much sympathy for the cast who had to abandon the last 10 minutes of the show but the fact that the drunk audience members put up a fight when being removed and actually hit a lady in the face (who had done nothing wrong) just because they were being removed. Anyone who says it is okay to sing during a performance needs to check where they are. They are not at a concert. Theatre tickets are expensive and a luxury to many, it is not okay to ruin it for people who have spent so much money to be there.

[@mar-ui2sr]

You could say the same for concerts too, though.

[@imateakettle]

@@mar-ui2sr well, no. They are two different places meant for two different types of entertaining. Theatre is to appreciate the artists and the music. Concerts are to support the artist and appreciate the music. People pay to see theatre to watch OTHER people perform. Concert tickets are bought to hang out and support your favorite artist and just vibe. Different types of performances call for different types of etiquette.

[@luna-mo3ol]

​@@imateakettleRight! Exactly. Concerts are extremely audience centered, that's like essentially what they're for. Theatre is acting, and you're not supposed to acknowledge the audience (depending on the style but in general), therefore the audience shouldn't make themselves known.

[@katysikkema]

For real. What has happened? I recently went and saw a production of “The Wizard of Oz” with my aunt. It was a very good show, but there was a man on his phone who didn’t care that he could be seen, the glare was so obnoxious. Proper theater etiquette HAS to come back!! Also I was in a funny play about this exact issue a few years ago: “Inappropriate Audience Behavior.” I played a character called Melina and me and my co star would get scared and scream at the scary parts 😂❤ it’s on KZbin funnily enough.

[@Hamilgoth2002]

Its a mix of pandemic brain fog and theater unfortunately becoming too accessible 😢

[@katysikkema]

@@Hamilgoth2002 I 100% agree :( 💔

[@gracemai02]

Great video guys and thanks for calling this out! The UK has a really big problem with this right now! I’ve been in several shows in the UK filled with bad behaviour that is being ignored by so many people. I think the problem in the UK is three fold 1. People are coming to the Theatre and getting very drunk, people often come to the theatre drunk and then drink excessively while they are there so by the time they get to ‘I will always love you’ or ‘El Tango De Roxanne’ they are so far gone 2. After Covid people’s behaviour has changed and they don’t like being told what to do and 3. Our Government has been doing everything it can for over a decade to shit on the arts wherever it can and that attitude has seeped into the general population for sure!

[@joedoesvlogs3307]

It doesnt help when our national TV presenters are preaching the bad behaviour either!! Bottom line is that the audience members dont even care when our ushers tell them to stop, and I've heard some horrific stories from some people who work FOH. Best point made in this video is the idea that telling people how to behave in a theatre is seen as "classist".

[@joshuaplumb9213]

also did you see that clip from loose women it's ridiculous

[@Majestic-Yeti83]

I feel this. Went to see the national tour of beetlejuice (my first time seeing the musical) and there was a group of old ladies behind me loudly laughing and repeating the funny parts that the actors said and then would loudly ask the others what just happened and then the other ladies would loudly explain back what happened. I have now experienced this so many times since then and it really ruins the show for whoever is in the audience. Definitely would say my beetlejuice experience was ruined all because of those ladies.

[@chelsea.1234]

omg this exact thing happened to me but with a movie! i was so excited for the downton abbey movie and the elderly women next to me were doing exactly that!! it completely ruined the experience 😭

[@jamiegdubois]

Listen, I absolutely *love* musical theatre and so I completely understand the urge to sing along to your favourite songs from your favourite musicals. But people have to remember that musicals are not concerts! I went to my nephew’s school production of Beauty & the Beast recently and a bunch of the audience were young children (they had a princess costume contest during intermission). All of the kids attending the show were SO well behaved.

[@claaairebearrr]

I remember people singing along to “Let It Go” when I saw Frozen a year ago, and I was so happy the rest of the songs were Broadway exclusive, I didn’t have to hear kids sing the other ones

[@nataliebordwell6440]

I saw swan lake professionally a while ago and the amount of disrespect in the audience was insane. People were texting on their phones on full brightness, taking photos with flash, people coming in late using their phone flashlights to find their seats, multiple people brought literal BABIES to the show and wouldn’t take them out of the theater when they were crying. And the last straw for me was people leaving during the bows. Like the performers did not deal with your absolute lack of respect for you to not even stay for the part where we thank them for their performance. It was absolutely ridiculous

[@rebeccamethod8193]

I feel like we need a good old Patti Lapone "get ur shit together" talk in front of every show

[@MichelleSinTO]

My husband and I have been Mirvish* Subscribers for 14 years, so have spent A LOT of time at shows. There had been a decline in behaviour pre-pandemic, but it took a massive nosedive after the re-opening from the covid closures. When we returned, the first thing I noticed was the addition of security guards to front of house. Noisy snacks during the show, using their phone for f’ing GAMES during the show (!? Stay home!), and showing up really late, plus talking & singing along, is all far too common. It’s so disruptive having people come in THIRTY MINUTES into a show, flashlights showing them to seats, climbing over people to get to their seats. It’s terrible. The worst for me…woman & two kids showed up super late, for the TWO seats to my left. THREE PEOPLE in TWO seats. Kid kept kicking me as he was shifting on mom’s lap, so I went to an usher at intermission, told them about it & was asked “well, what do you want me to do about it?” Ummmmm, uphold policy of 1 bum to 1 seat? And asked to keep me out of it, since didn’t want it to reflect on me, since I had to sit there for second half. Instead, the Front of House Manager was called to come talk to ME, then spoke to the woman when they got back from intermission, learned they had 3 tix, but the other one was up in the balcony (we were orchestra level) & kids were too young to sit alone. The theatre allowed them to stay as 3 in 2 seats, telling me to “let the usher know if the disruption continues”. How? Stand up, walk to usher, interrupting my watching of the show and for those around me? Wave my arms to get their attention, again becoming the disruption myself? Definitely had a hugely negative impact on my enjoyment of the show. All this to say, I think the theatres themselves also need to look at what they are allowing, or even encouraging. The quantity & types of snacks being sold (& now allowed in the auditorium, where before it was in lobby areas only, so packaging, noisy chewing, passing snacks to companions during the show), volume of alcohol sold, escorting people in who arrive late (or even extremely late, I’ve seen people coming in even 30 min late), & not enforcing their own policies, are all contributing to the bad behaviour. (*for those who don’t know, Mirvish is the Toronto equivalent of Broadway, sometimes getting the Broadway casts before they move to Broadway, as in Come From Away).

[@BoredSoprano]

We literally teach our students how to sit and watch performances now, it’s a social skill.

[@CodingCobb]

My theory is this stems from the behavior in concerts. When people go to concerts, they sing along with their favorite bands and engage with the show. Certain shows with a more concert style, such as Six or Moulin Rouge tend to blur these lines. With the rise of social media and the growing spread of cast albums online, people WANT to sing along, and engage with the songs they know so well like they would in a concert. They mean it to be a compliment to the song and creators. That’s why they don’t understand it’s wrong. It’s obviously very different, but I understand the thought process.

[@cnj122000]

i had this thought too i definitely think its concert related

[@AverySatterfield]

I recently performed Footloose as Ariel and when audience members scream during numbers when people need to hear the music ( or any numbers in general ) it gets very distracting and I love that people are talking about this more.

[@belllllaaaaa1392]

The only time I understood and partook in clapping through stuff instead of after was at the last public show of Phantom. Like the music box got a whole 20 second applause. When I took a trip to Broadway just recently for the first time in my life, I experienced the worst theatre etiquette in my life. I have gone to shows locally for my whole life and it had never been even close to as bad as it was on Broadway. I saw people answering texts, singing along, dancing, and talking at a normal volume. Not even whispering, just talking. It was so crazy

[@mintefox]

I was an usher to a show once, and my job was not only to show people to their seats, but also to make sure no one came in with any weapons, and that everyone could get to the fire exit in an emergency

[@NaTeesha85]

I am so glad you made a video on this. In November I saw the Frozen tour (and I use that term loosely because it was the MOST distracted I have ever been during a theater performance). I get that kids love Frozen, but if your child cannot sit quietly for that long, DO NOT BRING THEM. A kid behind me was chattering away asking questions UNTIL the lights fell and curtain came up. That kid was ready. The row in front of me was maybe a 3 or 4 year old and her 2 older sisters; the middle child was fine but the older one was snapchatting on her iPod at normal brightness.The youngest kept asking for Olaf and wanting to move seats. I hoped but they didn't leave during intermission. They did leave partway through act 2 but I was so over it.

[@swiftlyaswiftie]

Whenever I bring a family member or a friend to a show I always give an essential Run down of rules 1. don't talk/sing 2. Don't get distracted (like phones or blatantly not looking at the actors) 3. Keep comments to yourself 4. All comments should be positive or not said at all

[@mar-ui2sr]

For 2, why does it matter what someone else does, as long as they aren't distracting others? What if someone is easily distracted and they are still enjoying the show?

[@eline_van_dijk]

For 4, I don't think they should all be positive. If you don't like a show, you should be able to say so. Just say it in a nice way with a good explanation. Don't say I hated it, simply say I didn't enjoy that part because of this or because I feel like- You shouldn't always have to be positive or quiet, but if you're negative simply be constructive and respectful about it

[@rachele.d.3897]

Totally agree with number 4. I hate it when someone whispers in my ear while I’m watching a show like, “wow that was off key geez” like yeah Janice it was off key but can you please wait till the show is over and not distract me from the artistry I am watching. It’s like going to a restaurant and just saying very loudly “ew this food is nasty” like shush you are embarrassing me 💀💀

[@linzzz519]

I agree! And don’t wear stringy short shorts and flip flops. And maybe don’t come in sweaty yoga pants or t shirts either.

[@sarahsifuentes1986]

Never a better timed video to what just happened at my 30ish Broadway show, so thanks to you both for making this video!❤ Been going to theater since I was a teenager so I get the tickets through Lucky Seat and I have never seen so many people being so disrespectful to other theater goers in the past 2 to 3 years. I just saw the Chicago tour this past week and while it is a great show to cheer for there were 3 ladies next to me who were 50+ and clearly drunk at the 2 p.m. showing who werw shouting after each amazing note even when the song was not done. They couldn't stop snorting laughing, and waving their hands in the air to conduct the orchestra. It was a great show but so hard to get though as company next to me made it a less than experience. And like what Sam said for the MR show they were singing as well and it was sometimes hard to pay attention. The 12 year olds in the audience were better behaved.😮 But I agree that I don't know why the ushers are there for if they can't them after people point them out so calm down. LOL, thanks for coming to my rant!😂😂

[@marilyns_mole]

I just recently performed in a pantomime and thank goodness I was that one main character that broke the 4th wall. I was calling people out the whole season in character. Unfortunately, only a pantomime can allow this to happen so naturally as opposed to more serious theatre.

[@wirghtm1]

Just saw New York, New York and literally had two women behind us talk throughout the whole first act, they were talking about something completely separate to the show and would laugh loudly - again nothing to do with the show. If the music got louder they’d talk louder, and when I shh’d them, they’d look at me and then continue talking… They left in the interval after multiple people had asked them to be quiet. Me and my fam had paid a lot of money to see the show and the amount of disrespect people have for others is so disgusting. Still not as bad as the hecklers we sat next to at A Strange Loop but that’s a whole other topic

[@amateurartist.]

Could I… hear the other topic-?

[@Sophie-kn9zs]

I’ve noticed this lack of etiquette so much lately. Thanks for talking about this!

[@cailtintodd]

the fact that you guys are always so accurate abt this

[@elizaadams2992]

thank you guys so much for addressing this. i recently went to see a production of Les Mis, and throughout both acts there was a group of people sitting behind me just being blatantly disrespectful. they talked the entire time, they kept taking out candy and chewing it, smacking their lips, coughing, laughing and whispering, stomping, etc. at some point a phone went off, full volume and ringing. it made me so incredibly frustrated and concerned. i absolutely agree with you that theatre etiquette needs to come back.

[@moonydaez]

OMG YES WE NEED THEATRE ETIQUETTE BACK!!

[@iszzyisthequeen]

I completely agree. I'm a stage manager (off-west end mostly) and usually, the microphone that picks up the show relay is not connected to the soundboard but is either over the stage or sometimes by the stage at the front of the auditorium. If people are singing along to shows louder than the performers I can not hear the cue lines that could change lighting states or revolve cues. For me, this is going beyond an annoyance to performers/audience members and is now approaching a health and safety issue where it might not be safe to go into a blackout or a revolve cue.

[@camilacamero9833]

As an usher to a professional theatre, we would constantly tell people before they entered to turn off their phones and to not film. During the show we would sit in the theatre and monitor the audience. Luckily there was never anyone who was so rowdy that we had to kick them out but there would be those dumb cases of people filming, scrolling on their phones, and just not understanding theatre etiquete. It’s really frustrating as a fan of theatre to have my focus drawn on one person that can’t sit and watch a show

[@jessicascott3227]

I went to a university that required their students to attend fine art events (theater productions, music concerts, etc) about 3 times a semester. They called it Artist Series, and it was intended to help students become more cultured and teach them this type of etiquette. Let me tell you there were so many students who graduated from that university after sitting through multiple Artist Series and never learned how to behave during those performances. It was definitely a pet peeve of mine because of how disrespectful it was😢

[@linzzz519]

My parents took me to regional shows and symphonies when I was little. We dressed nicely and I learned my manners.

[@nickjayme7151]

I went to NYC the past two days and went to see wicked, among others. I kid you not, the show starts, and over half way through the first number, this couple walks in, sits down next to me. I’m thinking, “OK, be on time but things happen.” BUT THEN THIS GUY PULLS OUT HIS PHONE BECORE THE OPENING IS EVEN OVER!!!! AND HIS PHONE WAS AT THE HIGHEST BRIGHTNESS LIKE A FREAKING FLASHLIGHT!!! Only half way through the first act did he finally lower it, but he was still on his phone for at least half the first act. Then, during intermission, they went out and bought wicked souvenirs. Like, if you care so much about the show, WATCH THE SHOW! They were less rude during the second act, but it left such a bad taste in my mouth. Then, they left right when bows started, which I guess isn’t not allowed, but it’s like, appreciate these amazing performers. Alyssa Fox and the rest of the cast were amazing though. Also saw Shucked and Parade, and they were both fabulous. Independently Owned will be on my Spotify playlist from now until the end of humanity.

[@calliemarie13]

It’s crazy grown people need to be told these things, I’ve been in and watched so many productions before and I watched a musical live for the first time ever at 7 and no one had to tell me to stay quiet and respectful I just understood

[@EmilySings1316]

I recently saw John Mulaneys tour and everyone had to lock their phones in YONDR pouches before we entered the stadium. It worked really well!! I wondered when theatre would start using it. Then, my school started using YONDR. It works pretty well with students also!! I look forward to the day when phones are locked up!!

[@Lau4sho]

I was at an usher at a regional theatre, and we did actually have people watch for phones/disturbances. For phones, it can still be hard if the person is in the middle of a 30 person row and there is no way to talk to that person without interrupting the show for at least 5-10 people. Thankfully I never had to deal with people yelling or singing along… I can’t imagine what those ushers/front of house people had to go through

[@andrearabaza7259]

Another excellent and insightful video. The only wrong thing that I have ever seen done in a theatre is that a phone goes off but very often.

[@Hamilgoth2002]

RAISE TICKET PRICES!!! I grew up in a theater-going household and I am SHOCKED and APPALLED that anyone would think its ok to act like this! I’ve been warning people ever since Hamilton was unceremoniously dumped on Disney+ that it would open the flood gates of people who think a night at the theater is the same as half-watching Netflix while scrolling through TikTok!!! When my Dad takes us to the theater, if he can’t get the tickets through work then he ALWAYS pays full price for them and we ALWAYS observe theater etiquette. If we raise the prices of tickets it will ensure the only people there are the people who truly value theater as an art form.

[@erinsbooks]

Thanks for calling this out. Even kids in my theatre school don't get it sometimes.

[@basicallyimhannah13]

i was in newsies over a month ago and i was les and during one of the saturday matinees i said one of my lines “50-50 you wouldn’t try to pull a fast one on a little kid” and my grandparents just so happened to be there and my grandmother said “yea you go tell him (deadname)” can i tell you i NEARLY broke character and then i made the scene worse bc then i was soo awkward and smiley so i couldnt keep a straight face when the lead (jack kelly) said “60-40, and that is my final offer” and my director does NOT like me smiling so i initially thought (oh shit) and then i went on with the show, nodded, and said “deal” and shook hands and performed carrying the banner reprise and the went off stage and i was like whispered 😱😭 “wtf just happened bro that was my grandmother” or smth like that anyways that was my story lol

[@basicallyimhannah13]

i had to make direct eye contact with the lead so it was always so awkward at first and then i got used to it but that show omg i was so anxious for the nighttime show 😭

[@shorttermdeath]

Something like this happened on a uk tour of Cher i saw. The pre show announcement stated please do not sing along and guess what. Opening number a group of women started singing, but thankfully all were removed by the end of the song. All i can think is what a waste of your own time and money to do something like that.

[@breakyourstory]

When I managed a movie theater 20 years ago our ushers used to love to kick people out for various reasons like trying to sneak in, kids in rated-R movies, and being rowdy. Our ushers would walk the theaters to keep an eye on things and make sure everything was okay during the film. I don’t think that’s done anymore and live theater has also been impacted by this change in culture.

[@jacqueehebert9649]

Also I remember one time my phone rang during a performance when I thought it was off and I wanted to sink in my chair from embarrassment. How can people act like this and not be embarrassed?

[@nicholasjessup6788]

I don’t remember exactly what happened but when I was in Shrek, we had an audience member who really ticked off a few of the cast members. Someone told me they were really tempted to say something while in stage and it took them every ounce of strength not to. Although full confession, I did on one occasion quietly sing to myself during a showing of Heathers. It wasn’t loud enough that any of the performers could hear (especially because I was seated somewhere in the middle) but I’m positive the people next to me could hear. Thank you for bringing this to my attention and I promise I will do better and save the singing for the next time I’m on stage, rather than when I’m watching and should be respectful and quiet.

[@jonathansharp37]

i was at a concert this past week, and we bought lawn seats. as we watched, a group of people at the front of the lawn were extremely disrespectful. they stood the entire concert (which i thought was okay at first,) but spent the entire show on their phones and talking. like, standing is okay, as long as you’re actually watching!! my mother is a choral/theater director, and she almost wet up and yelled at them. it ruined the show for us. people need to know this stuff.

[@jacksonhoopah]

About a year ago, I was in a production of Disaster the Musical. This is a jukebox musical of 70s disco. Also, I had a lovely time with this show, the best people ever 12/10 would do again. Anyway, our opening number was Donna Summer's Hot Stuff. She's a bop, a few people in the audience were singing along, but when we reach the first chorus with everyone onstage, people start throwing one dollar bills folded up like paper airplanes at us. It was so distracting at first, but we just rolled with it. It was really disrespectful, and it never should have happened. We all went backstage and were like, "what the frick just happened".

[@allisondayton4291]

There was this one lady while I was performing who was DYING laughing during a serious scence because her granddaughter was wearing a costume

[@lionmuesli4321]

Oh yes totally. I agree witb Ryan with how hard it is to handle these situations as a performer. I can't just stop and say: "stop screaming along, for BEEP's sake". As someone who also goes to see productions it's worse with the more popular shows. There was such a difference between going to see come from away and Heathers. The performers were brilliant in both but the audience was very different

[@jordan9388]

OMDS SO TRUE I went on a school trip to a theatre and there was a school screaming and it was ok when everyone was clapping and thats kinda normal BUT THEY WERE SCREAMING AT RANDOM POINTS OR SHOUTING CATCALLING ONE OF THE MALE ACTORS ITS SO STUPID literally everyone else in the thearte was annoyed and they thought they were being funny it was so stupid

[@kermitthehermit7932]

I saw six the musical a few months ago and halfway through “don’t loose your head” this girl behind me started singing along. My mom and me just looked at each other and turned to stare at her for like ten seconds before she shut up. It was really annoying and awkward for all of us.

[@emma.328]

I think Six is in a weird position honestly. It markets and presents itself as a very 'concert style' show which I think confuses a lot of patrons since concerts encourage people to sing along and engage in that matter. People then assume that it's okay to behave the same way at Six since that's the style of the show; but just because it's concert style doesn't mean that it's a concert, it's still a b'way show and with that comes a different set of rules.

[@goldgrasshoppernein9451]

In the australia tour people sung along for the megasix, but not for the rest of the show. Australia also had a big split between super six fans some including me in cosplay and then a bunch of oldies who just showed up to it

[@biancaortega]

someone BELTED along to firework during ashley loren’s final performance in moulin rouge and they consistently were singing along the rest of the show i was in shock😭

[@graceramsey1544]

They’ve even started adding theater etiquette messages within the playbills and people still don’t pay attention. I had a girl next to me at NY NY who wouldn’t stop texting and taking pictures until I and the usher had told her to stop.

[@linzzz519]

Same happened to me at the Tuacahn in Utah! So annoying.

[@emjaayfostermusic]

I love you guys so much. Ryan I’ve been a fan since Liv and Maddie. It’s crazy how much you look the same 😭 but also, this is a topic that really has to be spoken about! Anyway, LOVE YOU GUYS

[@honorablebagel7298]

At a few Disney broadway style shows, the audience was told of course no phones and the like, and they've begun having staff approach the people who break this rule, and they addressed every instance of it I could see from my seat very promptly.

[@GregStanton.]

I was at BroadwayCon in 2016 and Disney had brought their own special security with them to the Lion King panel and were stopping anyone and everyone who even had their phone out. not even filming. of course they have the money to do this kind of thing. but thats the energy we need here

[@shannonbenton634]

I strongly agree with this! It’s not even just theater though. I went back to college classes in person and there are younger people in the class than me and they are so disrespectful and rude to the professors. Idk what’s wrong with our society that we can’t have the decency of respect and our social contract.

[@oatmealwater617]

Y'all talked about why they don't have people managing the audience and making sure they are not on their phones and stuff and I think you have a good point. Granted I haven't been to a broadway show (yet, I'm going to some this summer can't wait!) But I have been to a few operas that they put on where I live and they do have people who do that. Those people sit in the back and when they see someone on their phone they point a red laser at them to get them to stop and it does seem to help.

[@holypalmerskiss]

i saw wicked on broadway last weekend and was APPALLED by the theater etiquette of the people around me. multiple people were getting up and walking out during songs which completely blocked my view, using their phones, recording on snapchat, and talking during the show. and this was in the orchestra! i had never seen anything like it. i would’ve been a lot more pissed if i hadn’t already seen the show and if i had actually paid for the tickets (i went with my college). i don’t understand why people can’t just wait until intermission or after the show to do whatever they need to do

[@daisyhardy1671]

In the uk (or at least the part where I’m from) ushers stay in the theatre and have laser pointers to get the attention of whoever’s causing a scene. I saw six on tour and someone was doing this, they were singing along VERY LOUDLY till the ushers kicked them out. Still annoyed me and half the room but it was over in like 5 minutes

[@emma.328]

I think that another contributor to bad theater etiquette is that people's attention spans are getting shorter and shorter. I saw the Come From Away tour and the people in front of me pulled out their phones and started texting/scrolling instagram right around the mid point of the show, typically where an intermission would be. They then complained because the show doesn't have an intermission and they said that it was too long of a show to not have one. CFA is only 1h30m long (for reference, Wicked is ~2h45m long and has 1 intermission). Even if my attention started to wander at a show, I would still never pull out my phone or bother the other guests around me.

[@kittycroissant1642]

I went to see Heathers last week and I had heard all about terrible theatre etiquette but I promised myself I would just enjoy it. The audience when I saw it only cheered during the applause breaks, and the only exception was during Dead Girl Walking when JD took his shirt off, and that was only for a few seconds. It proves to me that if you know the correct etiquette, you can do it, but it shouldn't so hard for grown adults or even just people who have paid to see ACTORS sing not do something to ruin parts of the show.

[@hanksredhot]

this brought me back to high school where during our preview for the whole school there was so much yelling and heckling and afterwards all the teachers were like "oh i wish i did something im so sorry they did that" LIKE WHY DIDN'T YOU EVERY SINGLE MEMBER OF YOUR DRAMA CLUB FELT LIKE SHIT it made me so mad because like those people aren't around theatre but still it's basic decency to like not??? yell??? in front of a performance?? by your peers???

[@lizzieb.2001]

Recently went to a performance of the national tour of Into The Woods and the group behind me was talking, singing, and discussing whether or not they should film or take photos during the *whole* show. I get that people are excited, but gosh. (And this is coming from an elementary school teacher in her early twenties who deals with this type of behavior on a daily basis. I expect this out of young kids, *not* grown adults who have paid decent money to be there 😭)

[@arualstarr]

I just saw the Jagged Little Pill tour, and next to my friend and I was a group of about 5-6 gen x ladies who kept singing along; they obviously went for an "Alanis concert" only and not to enjoy the story being told using the familiar music.

[@IAmDeborahB]

In England there are front of house staff sat inside the auditorium during the show and it is their job to keep an eye on phone use, cameras etc. (I work front of house at a theatre and have told off many people for using phones and taking pictures during performances.) What a lot of people don’t realise is that as front of house, we are in charge of evacuating the theatre when the fire alarm goes off. After a briefing of the show we are working, the first thing we do is check our fire exits. As front of house/ushers we do a lot more than people realise and it’s rotated so we’re not doing exactly the same thing every show (at least not at the theatre I work at). The footage that Sam & Ryan reacted to in this video had sparked a massive conversation in the UK about theatre etiquette and how front of house staff are treated by the public. Especially because when this footage made it to a famous ITV morning show, the presenters laughed and said that they would sing along too and that it wasn’t a big deal. The uproar from the theatre community was insane and is still being talked about! This has actually become quite controversial because of the ITV presenters reaction to singing along at the theatre!

[@EllieTheHufflepuff]

When I saw Hamilton, I literally wanted to sing EVERY SONG, but I tried my best and didn't burst out singing. I love that soundtrack sooooo much, but I wouldn't actually sing out, that seems just rude

[@EllieTheHufflepuff]

@@EJ10931 but not me just mouthing the words instead

[@fishfinn8689]

I recently did a production of Anything Goes and any time we performed the titular number, Anything Goes, there was someone recording, but the worst time by far was the woman who stood up out of her seat, and recorded the entire song, WITH THE FLASH ON. I have never felt so annoyed when performing lmao. I get that seeing a bunch of people tap dance can be entertaining or impressive but seriously it's distracting and beyond impolite to stand and record let alone with the flash on.

[@alexfixe7461]

I went to london a month ago to watch my very first musical which was Hamilton. Ive been wanting that for so long like 7 years ive been waiting for that particular moment. I live in a place where musical theatre its not really a thing and i had to buy plane tickets and hotel stay just to fulfill this dream. Side note: i was going to watch it on 2020 but the pandemic hit. when i finally sat down in Victoria Palace theatre and finally had the chance to what that beautiful piece of musical theatre... The people beside me ate chips in a plastic bag through the most emotional parts of the show. I was furious. Maybe they can go and watch a musical whenever they wanted but they destroyed my first experience ever and idk if i'll be able to go to london and watch theatre anytime soon. Pls learn about empathy, people.

[@alexfixe7461]

Also the cast gave everything. Perfect Cast with amazing amazing performers. Still loved it with all my heart still

[@booksrbetterthanpeople3567]

When I went to see wicked *on Broadway* back in April, during the final number, the people a few rows in front of me left and I was wondering what was going on, until I heard them say to their family “we’re just going to the toilet meet us outside after the show”. THEY LEFT BEFORE THE CURTAIN CALL TO GO TO THE TOILET. THE TOILET!!!! And where we were sitting wasn’t cheap either. Our seats were expensive AF so I can’t even imagine how much money they paid, just to leave during the last number. SMH. (Plus, the Fiyero was the understudy and I can’t imagine how it would feel to be understudying a big role, just for people VERY NEAR THE FRONT to walk out before the show was even done.)

[@juliannagoodwin2875]

I also wonder if the whole thing is that people who usually don’t go to the theatre but usually go to concerts are going to the theatre. Concert etiquette vs theatre etiquette is a big one I feel, and I feel that some people don’t know that there’s a difference. Also I would add that Mickey Jo Theatre addressed this topic in two or three different videos and has mentioned Broadway and west end’s usage of pushing alcohol…and I’m sure that’s a factor as well.

[@emma.328]

Yes, I also think that there is probably a mix up between concert etiquette and theater etiquette, and as MickeyJo said, throwing alcohol into the mix is not helping anything.

[@JackieWarner13]

Legit few days after this incident in the UK I was seeing Joseph in Sydney & some older ladies behind us(it was a Thursday night school holiday time) and they were talking and laughing loudly that I got distracted and got confused at what was happening in the show the usher had to go up to them to tel them to be quiet the 2 women were like "you're too far away you'll have to come closer so we can hear!" My friends parents were closer to them so we asked in intermission what was going on & turns out they were filming & being like what you going to kick us out? They weren't but geez the poor staff. But also I fear it more with jukebox musicals or Disney musicals bc people will know the words. My mum isn't a theatre person & wants to see Tina Turner musical in Australia when it opened up here soon & in the ads she's like oh gonna get up to sing and dance & im like no if they say you can at the end yes but you don't do that during the show we are there to hear them sing. So now I'm worried about seeing this show with my mum bc she's defs in that audience where people sing

[@bridgetmirizio6598]

A couple weeks ago I went and saw frozen. I knew there would be a lot of kids but I figured the parents would at least try to quiet their kids. But the kids behind me were singing the songs louder than the people on stage and the mom was encouraging them! She literally would have full on conversations with them! So many people might say their kids but I've been seeing shows live since I was 5 and my parents made sure I knew theater etiquette before I went.

[@LILAH_WHITMAN]

I went to see MJ last year in my and the people in front of us arrived late, were vaping, got really drunk before it was even intermission, were screaming the words of the songs, and they took my friends coat so after the show he went up and snatched it from them and yelled at them. We also encountered someone who sat in front of them and they said they spilled wine on them.

[@islagray3087]

Someone ik someone said “u can sing when u go to musical performances” and I was like uh NO💀😭

[@oooakitty4186]

I recently went to a ballet with my class for a school event and a couple of my friends next to me were on their phones the whole time. Like I get it if you're not interested in it but at least be respectful to the performers and the people around you. ❤

[@danielricken9877]

Agreed 1000% here. In every way. I would argue that mainstream theatre-goers often look at etiquette at theatre the way they look at concerts where audience (of course pays, often large sums for tickets) and sings along to the performer...especially for jukebox musicals, but not only (clearly). There is obviously a giant difference here but I think it comes from that place of confusion and entitlement.

[@franfrankie7]

As an actor who has also seen shows, I totally agree. But, I do think that clapping or cheering at an entrance or "money note" or a dance move is acceptable though, because it shows the audience is enjoying the performance and paying attention. Of course it shouldn't happen all the time, but I love audiences that react in a good way.

[@moonrisefilmproductions]

I live in Manchester and hearing about that and the show being cancelled mid way through was insane

[@jamesmnaylor]

There are few issues that I have with theatres post Covid. One - tickets, everything is phone based now. When I purchase theatre tickets I can no longer have them delivered or collect them from a box office. I would love to leave my phone at home. But, my phone is now my ticket so I have to take it with me. I want paper tickets to return. Two - cloakrooms have remained closed in theatres. I obviously can’t say it for all theatres, but, the ones I have been to have no facility to leave Coats or phones anywhere. So when I went to the theatre last year I had to have my coat on my knee because there was no where to put it. So if the theatre made it a rule that you’d have to leave your phone then they would have to open the cloakrooms again. However, those two aside if I’m paying £70-£100+ for a ticket I want to hear the people who are being paid and have rehearsed. Not Sharon who thinks she can belt out a high note whilst in the shower.

[@emma.328]

One of my fav things about masks in theater is that I could mouth along SILENTLY and not be disturbing anyone

[@saigechadwick1045]

I’ve never been to a Broadway show but I watch a lot of slime tutorials. It’s my dream to go see one. But most of my favorite musicals aren’t on Broadway anymore.

[@JasmashGaming]

People clapping and 'wooing' during a song when the performer smashes a powerful note really winds me up 😅 it completely pulls me out of the moment. At the end of the song, absolutely. But not during. A big one for me was during 'and I'm telling you' from dream girls, multiple times it happened and it was so frustrating.

[@lauraelizabeth1117]

I have 1 word: PREACH!!! Seriously though, more people need to talk about how bad theater etiquette (if you can even call it that anymore since its so bad) is getting.

[@Molly-ys4iq]

I hated hearing abound the incident at the palace theatre. It just make me so sad it’s where I saw a lot of shows (e:g wicked) for the first time and it’s where I went a lot as a kid. It’s just so horrible that ppl would be so inconsiderate to the actors. And Everyone else both staff and audience. so its great that you guys are talking about it 😁👍

[@goldgrasshoppernein9451]

In six you can sing along to the megasix, but i dont do the whole thing even. Its definitely a lot more concerty vibe and i was lipsyncing the whole show every time but i didnt like scream my own lyrics. Same in hamilton i lipsynced especially because i wanted to find the 3 words that lin changed for australia tour

[@alexandrakorngut5197]

I feel this way about movie theaters too.

[@miras849]

I saw Hamilton recently and the ushers had little flashlights that they would shine on people who were recording

[@vees_reputation]

So a couple days ago I went to Sydney to see 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream coat' with my Mum, Dad and my Aunt (who lives in Sydney), and my dad was sat next to this woman who kept on singing along to certain songs and any time a reprise came on of certain songs and some parts of random songs. He couldn't even hear the performers because he could only really hear her at some times, he had to block one of his ears with his fingers to not hear her singing-

[@valeriemorgan3060]

We were at my daughter's college dance performance over the weekend, and my younger daughter leans over during intermission and says, "That guy up there is vaping; I just saw the smoke." Wouldn't you know it? There was an additional announcement prior to Act 2 stating the campus is smoke-free, and there is to be no tobacco use of any kind inside or outside of any building. 😶

[@marianaferreira2075]

Thank you for this video. People are losing the minimum notion!

[@henrycreel_draws]

Im part of a theatre comany and last month I was perfoming at St. Georges Hall. Someone had to be removed from the theatre as they were recording our performance. I totally see the pain as ive had it happened to me.

[@sabihak9730]

how is sam getting prettier and prettier with every video

[@katelynidk]

Completely unrelated, but literally Sam needs to drop that makeup routine bc GURL-

[@CalamityDormouseO-O]

Here's an experience I have with bad etiquette so I went to see Hairspray last year and I was sitting in front of a friend of mine (he wasn't the issue) but the woman next to me every time I would do anything she would ask me loudly "is it almost over yet" and it was annoying and disrespectful and after a while her daughter hit her in the arm and after the show apologized to me for her mom so shout out to the ladies daughter and to the lady next to me do not ever go to a show again

[@lina8812]

Even for like my dance recitals there’s dancers in the wings screaming like “ok Brooke!” “Go Rebecca” and it’s like distracting and it like makes me feel like shit. I’m not popular at dance (yes dance popularity exists) so no one calls out my name and it makes me feel like I’m not good enough. And in the audience there’s little kids on iPads and phones and that’s even worse because we have like worked for months on a dance just for half the audience not to watch. Bring back theatre etiquette. I’ve also ushered for many many shoes for volunteering from ages 9- now at my local community theatre and people don’t even know how to walk into a theatre. There’s people yelling to the people in from row from the back, them telling me I gave them the wrong seats (I didn’t and they are the ones who needed help to find their seats so how would they know), people walking into rooms that people aren’t allowed in, kids walking in talking extremely loud, etc

[@tidalvii8640]

My school went to see six and hadestown and during six there were two 9 yr olds behind them singing along to every song and their parents encouraged it

[@martinavonstaa1661]

Loved the message of the video, and I completely agree, but I also gotta say, love ur crewneck Sam!

[@TheLesMiserablesCats24601]

There was a video by someone taken during a performance from the recent Death of a Salesman revival where an unhinged woman approached the stage and Wendell Pierce {the star} tried to calm the woman down while the Theatre's management got the NYPD. The Take Me Out Revival On/Off Broadway had Yonder Pouches for guests phones that were a requirement to stow away in said pouches. Another incident happened while my friend was at MJ: The Musical, a I'm guessing mid to late forties woman ran for the stage and tried to leap on to see Myles Frost who played MJ during the performance. Theatre Management took the woman out and the performance continued.

[@GregStanton.]

ive seen dozens of shows here in Montreal and Toronto and at every single one of them, the ushers are always doing double duty. they may not have full security power or ability, but they always stay in the house, standing or sitting at the back of every section. and if they see anyone on their phone they will go down and shine direct beam flashlights on them or if they can or need to they will whisper at them if theyre close. i genuinely thought this was common practice in theatres.

[@hayley74936]

Sam, I was also at that show in LA when TWO phones went off at very unfortunate times at the end... gah. & as someone who had bought tickets to see Conor perform again.. definitely put a damper on the show! Common courtesy, my guys

[@sabirusa]

Another interesting point about ushers is that for a lot of the venues shows come to on tour, lots of the ushers are volunteer retirees. I would be concerned about potential retaliation against them if they were to have to confront this kind of bad behavior.