Cinderella Ushers and Noisy Audience Members (Ire)
Two Very Rowdy Children We had the misfortune to be seated in close proximity to two very rowdy children who had no interest at all to watch the Cinderella 3pm matinee show on 03 August 2008 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
From UNRELATED sudden shrieks and exclamations to standing then seating, these two children managed to disturb the whole Balcony II right section with their antics for the whole duration of the musical. Unfortunately, we were beside one of those children, while the other one was almost in front of us.
CCP SOP I approached one of the ushers during intermission and asked what is CCP’s standard operating procedure regarding noisy audience members. He said that they wait for the cue of an usher in charge before they make a move. I informed him of the disturbances caused by the children in the two rows. Despite this information, no action was taken during the second half, which prompted me to look for the head usher at the end of the show.
Head Usher Arman Santos Head Usher Arman Santos of the Theater Operations Department of the Cultural Center of the Philippines dispelled the notion of a signal from an usher in charge before action may be taken. Each usher is authorized to warn audience members or to request them to leave if necessary.
My Suggestions My suggestion are, first, for the usher to go near the section, possibly on the same row, to signal visually and silently to both the adult and child that they’re disturbing the performance, in the hope that they will take the cue and respond accordingly.
Second, if the child’s behavior continues to persist, both the child and adult may be requested to step out for the moment. This can be likened to a time out, a concept that most children are familiar with because it’s a common method in school. In this way, the child also learns the consequence for his behavior. Once the child signals he is ready to go back in with the appropriate behavior, then the child and the adult may enter the theater again.
Third, in the unfortunate event that the child is not ready to enjoy the performance despite the explanations and time out, then, the adult must accompany the child out of the theater.
Children can learn proper theater etiquette, and they have to learn the consequences of their behavior.
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August 18th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
notsquare, was that the august 2, 8pm show? I was seated at Orchestra Left and could clearly hear the kid wanting to pee.
During intermission, there was a group of girls who entered (I assumed they were late) and sat down in the row in front of me. One girl even left her umbrella to “save the seats”. The thing is, the whole row was already occupied and some of the people originally sitting there just stepped out.
I think theater guidelines/etiquette posted in clear view of those entering the theater would be a big help.
August 15th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Maybe there can be a printed list of theater etiquette or guidelines for people to read, assuming they’ll buy the program. Rep used to do this.
August 15th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Interesting post. When I watched Cinderella, in the first 30secs of the play, a child was screaming at the top of her lungs “Mama, I wanna weewee!” It was evident that the performers on stage could hear the child! Thank goodness it stopped!
I want to point out too that adults can also be a disturbance. The gentleman (well not such a gentleman) beside my husband fell asleep and started snoring! How rude!
I believe we should run etiquette classes on watching theater! Diba?
August 13th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
This story of yours sounds awful.
I also had a bad experience when I watched in the Balcony 2 area. The girl in front of me just kept on leaning forward the whole night, partially blocking my view of the stage. Very inconsiderate and annoying indeed.
By the way, sharing with you my personal review of Cinderella: http://3xhcch.multiply.com/reviews/item/129