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“Ten Commandments
For
Audience Behavior”
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(Reprinted
initially in the Stagebill programs distributed at Lincoln Center) |
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We
are, for the worse, living in an age of noise. We are so accustomed to the noise
of machinery everywhere, and the prevalence of recorded music and other sounds,
that many deliberately make noise themselves or plug into it to feel “normal.” |
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Since
it is possible to have music or watch television at home while eating and talking,
too many take such behavior with them to public places. |
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The concert, opera, ballet, theater, movie, and the Miles College Brown Hall Auditorium
(currently under renovation) experiences should be something very special. That
is why a thoughtful silence is required for communal performing events. |
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“To
experience anything individually, we must still bear in mind those around us.”
In an age of thoughtless, selfish, ego-centered behavior, the arts can thrive
only in an atmosphere of generosity and enlightened selflessness. |
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Artists
and speakers love being appreciated. They adore applause, but they also are grateful
for quiet, attentive audiences. |
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THOU
SHALT NOT TALK: The first and greatest commandment. Stay home if you
aren’t in the mood to give full attention to what is being performed on
stage.
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THOU
SHALT NOT HUM, SING OR TAP FINGERS OR FEET: The musicians don’t
need your help, and your neighbors need silence. Learn to tap toes quietly within
shoes. It saves a lot of annoyance to others, and is excellent exercise to boot.
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THOU
SHALT NOT RUSTLE THY PROGRAM: Restless readers and page skimmers aren’t
good listeners and greatly distract those around them.
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THOU
SHALT NOT CRACK THY GUM IN THY NEIGHBOR’S EARS: The noise is completely
inexcusable and usually unconscious. The sight of otherwise elegant ladies and
gentlemen chewing their cud is one of today’s most revolting and anti-aesthetic
experiences. |
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THOU
SHALT NOT WEAR LOUD-TICKING WATCHES OR JANGLE THY JEWELRY: Owners are
usually immune, but the added percussion is disturbing to all. |
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THOU
SHALT NOT OPEN CELLOPHANE-WRAPPED CANDIES: Next to talking, this is the
most general serious offense to auditorium peace. If you have a bad throat, unwrap
your throat-soothers between acts or musical selections. If caught off guard,
open the sweet quickly. Trying to be quiet by opening wrappers slowly only prolongs
the torture for everyone around you. |
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THOU
SHALT NOT SNAP OPEN AND CLOSE THY PURSE: This problem used to apply only
to women. But today, men often are equal offenders. Leave any purse, glasses case
or what-have-you unlatched during the performance. |
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THOU
SHALT NOT SIGH WITH BOREDOM: If you are in agony, keep it to yourself.
Your neighbor may be in ecstasy — which also should be kept under quiet
control. |
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THOU
SHALT NOT READ: This is a less antisocial sin than personal deprivation.
In ballet or drama, it is usually too dark to read, but in concerts it is typical
for auditors to read program notes, skim ads and whatever. Don’t! To listen
means just that. Notes should be digested before or after the performance. It
may, however, be better for those around you to read instead of sleeping and snoring. |
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THOU
SHALT NOT ARRIVE LATE OR LEAVE EARLY: It is unfair to artists and the
public to demand seating when one is late or to fuss, apply make-up and depart
early. Most performances have scheduled times; try to abide by them.
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