Avoid kicking the seats and remember to turn off your smartwatch: Advice from Guardian critics for being a better audience member.

Avoid kicking the seats and remember to turn off your smartwatch: Advice from Guardian critics for being a better audience member.

Cinema

Please refrain from speaking during the opening credits.

It is expected that no talking will occur during the movie. However, it is acceptable to speak quietly during the advertisements and trailers. Once the film begins, all conversation should stop immediately. The credits should not be treated as a prelude to the movie, but rather as a integral part of it.

Please refrain from kicking the seat in front of you or pressing your knees against it.

It’s surprising how many individuals fail to comprehend the concept of refraining from kicking the seat in front of them. Physically kicking the back of the seat while sitting in close proximity is nearly impossible. What we intend is to avoid pressing your knees against the seatback, causing the person in front to be pushed forward as if on a very unpleasant amusement ride. Please refrain from doing so.

Cinema etiquette

If you arrive late, please refrain from using your phone’s light to find available seats.

While watching a movie, we don’t want to be distracted by someone standing in front of the screen, shining their phone light around the theater as if searching for escapees from Stalag Luft III.

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Please refrain from rolling your eyes if someone needs to pass by you while you are seated in the aisle.

You have chosen to sit in the aisle for a quick exit at the end, but the downside is that you will need to either stand up or move your knees to the side with a friendly attitude when others need to pass by – and there will likely be many people. Please do not act as though their actions are unjustified.

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Please eat all of your chips before the movie begins.

It is acceptable to consume popcorn during the movie, as long as it is not too loud. However, eating crisps (or chips) is a different story. Please refrain from crunching or rustling during the opening credits. Do not attempt to sneakily eat them during loud parts of the film, as this can also be distracting. If you or anyone you are with leaves to get more food during the movie and returns with snacks and drinks, please be mindful and try not to spill them on other people while finding your seat. This is a courtesy to those around you. – Peter Bradshaw

Theatre

Stop fake laughing

Perhaps it stems from a sense of kindness – giving off a reassuring message to those involved, trying to contribute to the ambiance – but artificial laughter is easily detectable and when done in a group, it can be as grating as the sound of a jackhammer.

Don’t dawdle

Remaining completely still in the center of the lobby with your group, particularly after the bell has rung, hinders others attempting to reach their seats. The bustling activity before the show adds to the anticipation, but not when there is a barrier of people unwilling to move.

Please refrain from clapping excessively.

After each musical number, it’s not like Pop Idol. I’ve witnessed actors freezing and waiting for it to finish before continuing with the next scene.

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Enable the dim mode on your smartwatch.

It can be frustrating to observe them constantly scanning the auditorium whenever someone moves their wrist.

Skip the booze

Drinking alcohol is often considered a part of the tradition of attending a theater performance for some people. However, the drinks being purchased during intermission breaks are often poor quality and contribute to increased noise levels. It may be more cost-effective and prevent excessive partying in the aisles to consume alcohol at a pub after the show. This statement was made by Arifa Akbar.

Ballet

Read the programme
This isn’t etiquette exactly, but enjoyment. Ballet can be baffling, and those mute swans aren’t going to tell you what’s going on. Programmes are pricey these days, but you can do your research and read the synopsis online beforehand for free, and gen up on who the dancers are, too – it’s amazing the difference that can make.

Do not bring the drama into real life.

It is unexpected how self-righteousness can arise in public restrooms. The individual who disapproves and silences someone with a coughing fit often ends up causing more disturbance than the person coughing. Do not be that individual.

Choose to wear whatever makes you happy.

A ballgown or jeans would both be suitable attire for the ballet, or anything in between. Despite the misconception that ballet is only for the elite, it is not true. While some may argue that dressing up for the occasion can enhance the experience, there is no dress code and work attire is acceptable. No one will judge your outfit at the door like they would at Berghain. -Lyndsey Winship

Art

Art etiquette

Do not agree to use the audioguide.
Galleries and museums encourage interaction with their art, but they often hinder this by providing devices that dictate your thoughts. It is a great disadvantage to let these intrusive voices come between you and the art. Use your own eyes to truly see.

Have tolerance

Are children being loud in the art gallery? That doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not paying attention and learning. If a couple is talking loudly, a man is acting strange, or a woman is on her phone, they all have their own reasons. You can enjoy the gallery however you want, and allow others to enjoy it in their own way.

Disregard the written messages on the wall.

Frequently encountered are obnoxious and didactic messages that can contain arrogant and foolish declarations that can ruin your mood. My suggestion is to avoid reading them. If you require additional information beyond the names of the artists, title of the artwork, and date, you can research it at a later time.

To engage or not to engage

Some artworks that encourage physical interaction, such as climbing or swinging, or even engaging with an actor, can feel overwhelming. These types of works originated in the 1960s as artists challenged traditional institutions, but have now become institutionalized themselves. This can make you feel obligated to conform to a predetermined idea of what is considered “fun” by corporations. Instead of participating, it is okay to simply walk away.

Please refrain from targeting or criticizing the artwork.

I do not see public behavior in galleries as particularly bad. I enjoy the serene joy that many of us experience while looking at art. However, I urge you not to damage or deface art, even for a worthy cause. This is not the appropriate location or method for protesting. – Jonathan Jones

Gigs

Gig etiquette

Pause and consider: what amount of space do I occupy?

During events, the majority of disruptions from the audience stem from problems with personal space. To prevent annoyance and create a more pleasant experience for all, please be mindful of your positioning, the level of noise you produce while talking, refrain from carelessly pushing past those who are smaller, and avoid performing intricate dance moves.

Don’t bandsplain
There is no need to continuously discuss with your partner about the date of the track’s recording, the third tambourine player, or the lyrics. Simply listen.

Freshen up

If you plan on attending a public event in a confined area where you will be near others, please behave accordingly: wash yourself, use deodorant, go easy on the aftershave, brush your teeth, and please be mindful of bodily functions.

Adjust your phone thoughtfully.

I will not discourage you from using your phone, even if you want to take a poor quality photo of Mick Fleetwood. However, I do suggest respectfully that you lower your screen brightness (as it can disrupt the atmosphere) and switch your devices to silent (as notifications can interrupt the emotional songs).

Please moderate your consumption of refreshments.

If your eyesight is impaired to the point where you question if the band has multiple bassists, you have exceeded acceptable levels. Additionally, being intoxicated at concerts can lead to occupying excessive space, improper use of phones, talking endlessly, and unpleasant behaviors. Keep in mind that there is no shame in requesting a glass of tap water from the bar. – Laura Barton

The Proms

, sway and sing along

To fully experience the Proms, you must stand, sway, and join in singing.

“Instead of sitting, join the moshpit. Dedicated fans line up daily to purchase standing tickets for the arena. The sound quality is reportedly excellent in that area as well.”

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Please make sure to arrive with enough time before your concert.

There are limited restrooms at the RAH, so if you wish to avoid enduring a concert with a uncomfortably full bladder, make sure to give yourself enough time to search for one and be ready to wait in line.

Participate in the exclamation of “Heave!” whenever the cover of the piano is raised.

It is one of the more puzzling traditions at the Proms, but the regular attendees seem to take pleasure in it.

Comedy

Lighten up

Do not cross your arms. Do not appear unhappy. As Mr. T famously suggested, “have sympathy for the fool,” that unfortunate person on stage trying to make you laugh while sweating and dreaming. Cut them some slack. Uncross your arms, relax your jaw. Turn that frown into a smile.

By choosing to sit in the front row, you are inviting attention or consequences.

Avoiding eye contact is futile. That opportunity has passed. You are now open to being targeted in Row A.

Avoid posting humorous content on social media.

I am suggesting that you refrain from posting jokes online. Comedians rely on their jokes for income and sharing them without permission is considered stealing. Additionally, because of people like you, the rest of us have to take extreme measures such as sealing our phones in protective cases when attending a live comedy show. This makes it difficult for us to check other things, like sports scores.

Don’t whoop

The comedian may announce that I have recently gotten married, had a baby, or won an award. Congratulations are in order. As we are British, there is no need for applause or cheering. This is a standup performance, not a love-fest.

Do not interrupt or harass – unless, well, it is acceptable to do so.

Audience-performer banter, also known as heckling, was once a defining aspect of stand-up comedy. However, it is now disapproved by performers who do not want their performance to be disrupted. This is not the case for comedians like James Acaster, who welcomes hecklers in his new show. So how can we differentiate and determine what is acceptable? The key is to gauge the atmosphere and avoid being disrespectful. – Brian Logan

Source: theguardian.com