Article Written By Natalie Hendricks
1. Do not clap until all musical movements are done.
The music stops playing and everyone becomes silent and boom you start clapping. Everyone looks at you funny and you think “why is no one else clapping?” You look up, to only see that the conductor is still conducting movements. No, the piece is not over yet; you suddenly realize this and slink down back into your seat embarrassed. A little bit of advice from someone who learned this the hard way: the piece is over when the conductor puts his hands down to his sides. Now you may give the performers a round of applause. This is also relevant when attending a theatrical or dance performance. Wait until the cue has been given to show appreciation for the piece.
2. Do not leave or enter in the middle of the piece, show, or performance.
The audience may not see you sneak out of the back door, but the performers do. Imagine being in the middle of a performance and out of the corner of your eye you see a sudden gleaming light shine through from the door opening; distracting, right? Just wait that minute or two for the scene or piece to end to sneak out the back door. As a person who is always late, I can empathize with this. When you suddenly start to hear the audience start clapping, this is your signal to sneak in and find that seat that has been waiting for you.
3. Refrain from talking.
I hear you whispering to your friend next to you, I too am curious as to what you are saying, but not until the show is over. Respect the performers and your fellow audience members and keep that comment until intermission or until the show is over. I guarantee you that you will have more than one comment to make before intermission, these performances are good.
4. Silence and put away the cell phone.
Please do not answer, text, Facebook, or tweet during the show. The light is distracting and shows little respect to the performers. Also, what would be more interesting on your phone than a live performance? Just tune out technology and enjoy the arts.
5. Do not take out your laptop to “take notes”.
Trust me, any professor would be appalled that you took out that laptop to take notes for your music appreciation course essay. You wouldn’t take out your laptop to take notes during a movie, would you? Just sit back and enjoy the performance, then go home and write the essay. If you must take notes, be old school and use a pen and a notepad.
Ticket Information
Music, Theatre and Dance tickets are available at the University Center for the Arts (UCA) ticket office in the UCA lobby Monday through Friday, 3:30-5:30 p.m. and 60 minutes prior to performances, by phone at (970) 491-ARTS (2787), or online at www.CSUArtsTickets.com.