At CSC, we've been hearing more and more this season about how much audience members are enjoying the informality of our productions. It got me thinking about how much I like to allow people to experience theater in the way that they wish rather than in the way we wish them to. Our outdoor environment allows for this (to a great extent) - although, to be truthful, we're not particularly conducive to people who want a very formal, monastic experience.
Although I appreciate the reference points, I don't care for people dictating to me how I should experience an art museum, a symphony, or even a Rolling Stones album, so why would I seek out instruction on how to experience theater? I suspect others feel the same way. Not to say we shouldn't give them entry points, but assigning them a code of how to interact with live theater runs counter to my personal taste.
One of my favorite audience members is a guy that's been to many of our productions. He is a highly educated professional who knows his Shakespeare. Invariably, takes a break two or three times during the show to chat me me, pour a glass of wine or just get up to stretch his legs. He also cheers actors when something meets his approval- on rare occasion calling them by name - the way you do at a baseball game.
I love this- because he has decided to experience the event the way he chooses to and I'm glad we create an environment in which he feels free to do that.
1 comment:
I had that exact same high chair! Seriously.
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