Quiet in the Peanut Gallery

Savannah Green Posted On September 24, 2015

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We’ve all sat next to that a**hole in the theatre that just can’t put down their phone. Whether it’s at the movies or a live performance, the brightness of their screen seems blinding in the dramatic darkness of the theatre.

I’m sure we’ve all fallen victim once or twice, but when we pull out our phone to answer that quick text, we’re forgetting about one important thing: the performers.

My freshman year, I was accepted into the Bachelor of Fine Arts Musical Theatre Program at UF. Only five students had been accepted into the BFA program that year, and I immediately gave my life over to the performing arts. Rehearsals were six nights a week and while most of my friends spent an October weekend chugging “hand grenades” on Bourbon Street, I was spending 10-hour days at tech or choreography rehearsals. Once performance time came around, the cast was damn proud of all our hard work.

Nothing feels worse than having a disrespectful audience.

Here’s why:

We don’t care if you’re only here because of “What is the Good Life”.

Many members of the audience at UF performances in the Phillips Center are required to go for the “What is the Good Life” or “Theatre Appreciation” courses, so I did not expect standing ovations from our audience. I did, however, expect some respect and, to my unpleasant surprise, we received the exact opposite. Each time I took the stage, you’d think we were performing an acoustic version of “Freebird” on Swamp front lawn with the amount of phone screens that were lit up in the crowd.

Phones weren’t even the worst part. After intermission, the audience had dwindled by at least a fourth of the size, due to students sneaking away while they had the chance. Just stay until the end of the performance. I promise your pregame will just be starting by the time the curtain drops.

“I would sit in the back and my job was literally walking up and down the aisles telling people to get off of their phones,” said Ariel Reich, theatre student and moderator for several class-required performances. “Often, I would have to tell the same people multiple times. What baffles me most is that people don’t know that being on their phone while someone is showcasing their hard work is rude.”

Your brain benefits from live theatre.

Not only is it entertaining, theatre actually stimulates your brain. A study done by the University of Arkansas showed that students who attended live theatre performances have enhanced literary knowledge, critical thinking skills and improved abilities to read the emotions of others.

Watching live theatre utilizes both hemispheres of the brain, which neuroscientists have noted is required for the brain to function most efficiently. The right brain, which is the creative and visual center, is stimulated simultaneously with the left brain, which includes verbal analytical, and logical functions. I’m talking Jimmy Neutron amounts of brainpower happening and all you have to do: sit and watch.

Via: UFL Arts

Your behavior is contagious.

Chances are, if you pull out your phone during a show, someone else will think it’s okay and follow suit. If you show up in a baggy t-shirt and shower shoes, your hall mates will think it’s okay to do the same. If you sneak out at intermission, a row of ducklings will follow. Be the example. Don’t let one rude audience member influence the whole crowd.

If you’re ready to respectfully venture into the world of live theatre (and are prepared to leave your phone in your pocket) then check out the schedule below and enjoy the show.