Etiquette School of Ohio

No Photography or Video Taping of a Live Performance - Theater Etiquette

January 14, 2010 on 11:24 am | In Etiquette Tips, Theater Etiquette | No Comments

Almost all live theaters restrict the use of photography and video taping of a performance.  You will usually find this rule written in the program and/or announced before a performance begins.

Theaters are not making this request to make more profit by keeping the performance a secret from outsiders who do  not pay for a ticket.  They are respecting copyright laws.  Laws that allow the creator of the performance to maintain control of their creative works and make a living with their creativity.

In addition to respecting copyright laws,  the theaters are also protecting the performers from distractions that may cause serious injuries.

Can you imagine having a flash go off in your face while attempting to dance down a steep staircase in a blinding spotlight?  What about being blinded by a flash and not being able to see the edge of a platform you’re dancing on?  It would be tragic to miss the person who trusted you to catch them in a choreographed fall because you couldn’t see.

All of the above, and more, occurred during a show I just performed in.   The violators who took the photos didn’t think it would cause any harm.

The next time you hear, “The taking of photos or videos during the performance is forbidden”, this includes you - for very good reasons.

Theater Etiquette - Greeting Performers After the Show

January 12, 2010 on 12:57 pm | In Etiquette Faux Pas, Etiquette Tips, Theater Etiquette | No Comments

Happy New Year!

I’m back at my desk after taking a 3 month hiatus to dance in the kick line of “Christmas Spectacular”.  Even though I wasn’t writing or lecturing during this time period, I was gathering a substantial amount of material to share with you.  Everyday during the 70 show run, I was amazed with an, “I can’t believe they did or said that”, situation.  I will share many of the highlights with you during the next few weeks.

After every performance, the dancers and actors would gather in the theater lobby to “meet and greet” audience members as they exited the theater.  I always enjoyed meeting the people I just performed for face-to-face.  However, I was occasionally surprised at what people said or did at this time.

1.  “You’re almost as good as the Rockettes at Radio City - almost.”

2.  “Are you a boy dressed in female drag?” - said to one of the dancers.

3.  “Are you a Christian?  Because if you’re not, you shouldn’t be singing “O Holy Night”. - said to a male vocalist

4.  “I didn’t like the way you said, “Ho ho ho”.  I can do it better.  I am a Santa too.” - said to Santa

5.  “You were great singing with the group - I didn’t care for your solo performance though.” - said to a female vocalist

6.  “Celine Dion sings it this way.  Why don’t you?”- said to a male vocalist

7.  “I’m a choreographer.  I would have choreographed it differently.”

8.  “You danced very well for a Japanese.” - said to a Japanese dancer.

9.  “It’s only November 5.  I can’t believe you’re performing a Christmas show so early.  I’m not ready yet.”

10. “Are you 2 twins?” - said to a Caucasian dancer and an African-American dancer

11.  “It’s so said what happened to Michael Jackson isn’t it?” - said to an African-American dancer

12.  “I can’t believe how soft this fur is!” - said to me as a lady continued to rub her hand over the chest of my costume.

13.  “Any of you single?  I need a date for later on.  Any one of you will do.” - keep looking buddy.

14.  “Is this beard real?” - as they pulled on Santa’s beard.

15.  “I’m so sick, but I don’t want to miss this opportunity to shake each of your hands.”

Sadly, the list of these comments goes on.  Fortunately, the many wonderful comments over shadowed them.

Please don’t forget this basic rule: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”  Also, please refrain from touching a performer’s costume before asking permission.