<p>As a college professor who occasionally teaches an “Intro to Theatre” class I thought I would chime in. In a class of 35ish students, over half have never seen any legit theatre in their lives. Of the rest, most had seen something brought to their school. The last 15-20% had gone to see something professional in their lives. They have never been taught by anyone what the etiquette is. I find it ridiculous, but we actually have found it necessary to spend class time on “how to go see a live event.” Each time I do it, it turns my stomach. How ridiculous to spend valuable college class time discussing why you shouldn’t text, talk, etc. during a live event.</p>
<p>But then, there I was. I am taking my kids to their first B’way show. Lion King. Best seats in the house. My kids and I excited and prepared to be thrilled. The show was wonderful. The two kids behind me proceeded to talk through the entire show, the group next to me only had one English speaker and she felt the need to do a live translation in what I think was Chinese. I had the ushers talk to both parties, and the parents behind me decided I was the evil one. </p>
<p>If my children had talked during an animated movie they would have been reprimanded. They were taught not to interrupt or bother other people at an event like a movie, concert, etc. from a young age. Parents don’t feel that need. When I complained to my wife that we spent over $400 bucks to listen to two small children, she commented that those parents probably thought that the same amount of money gave them to right to talk during the show.</p>
<p>How many times do you go to movies now where people ANSWER their cell phones and talk at full voice?! Or bring INFANTS to see movies. What are these folks thinking? </p>
<p>We have found it necessary to exclude children under eight from university productions. I don’t enjoy this, but in our studio theatre it is impossible not to notice talking, texting, etc. And since the parents don’t understand not to do this, we certainly can’t expect the children not to do it. </p>
<p>How sad.</p>