A Question of Etiquette

The title of this blog post is a fib, a polite one, as befits a discussion of etiquette. There is in fact, no question at all. If you attend an evening of theatricals, of whatever kind they may be, be it dance, or plays, or musicals, or opera, or whatever, the proper end of show etiquette is to clap as enthusiastically as you believe the performance deserved and then to leave the auditorium. There are no credits. The stage door is around the back. Nothing good will come of sticking around the auditorium. You don't have to leave the theater, but you do have to hit the lobbies. There are so many people, and so much work that must be done that you must be kind to them and leave the stage to their capable hands. For every performer you see, there are many more who make it possible for you to see that performer. Be kind to them, take your enthusiasm for the show into the night, into the public, and away from the house. It's the best possible thanks you can offer to the hard working people who made your night possible.