Theater etiquette

[mechalynx]

I've got a question, primarily for US Escapists, but other nationalities are more than welcome to chime in - is it acceptable to bring flowers for an actor in a stage performance in US? Especially if it's not opening day of the play?

AFAIK it's perfectly fine in Russia. In fact you can often see members of the audience bringing flowers to the artist if it's a concert or stand-up. The few times I've been to the theater in Sweden, no flowers were to be seen.

I'm not talking about shoving a huge bouquet in a performer's face while they are taking their bows, or stalking the back doors. More along the line of giving it over to one of the employees.

Non-US Escapists, what's the etiquette in your country?

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

It's a lot more acceptable to do so if it's opening day, or if you actually know the actor/actress in question personally. Outside of that it'll make you look kind of weird.

 

[Flutterguy]

Have you looked much into normal table etiquette.. It's insane man. Atleast in Canada I'm supposed to eat with my fork upside down, even rice you put the fork in upside down and push the rice on with a knife. If you want to get a waitresses attention you stare directly at them. According to proper etiquette all humans have a 6th sense and will know they are being watched.

Seriously man etiquette is fu*&ed up.

 

[mechalynx]

It's a lot more acceptable to do so if it's opening day, or if you actually know the actor/actress in question personally. Outside of that it'll make you look kind of weird.

While I figured this would be the case, it almost makes me sad. I mean, who wouldn't want to be told their work is appreciated even on a less special occasion?

 

[Mersadeon]

German chiming in: here, it would be ok if you really liked it or know someone involved personally, even if it's not opening day. Obviously, the kind of theatre changes that - if it's some school theatre amateur group, a bouquet is a bit too much, no matter how well you know the kids.

 

[FPLOON]

It's a lot more acceptable to do so if it's opening day, or if you actually know the actor/actress in question personally. Outside of that it'll make you look kind of weird.

While I figured this would be the case, it almost makes me sad. I mean, who wouldn't want to be told their work is appreciated even on a less special occasion?

I think I've only seen handing someone flowers or praising their performance (besides opening night) is after the matinee and/or final performance, which that usually came with a little epilogue speech from the director and/or choreographer...

Then again, it's been a while since I've attended high school where every show and/or musical followed those guidelines in some ways, shape, or form... Then again, I much rather do a meet-and-great with the cast and crew after the show... (even if I was involved with the show in some way...) More or less like with a quick hand shake of praise so that they can go to their "after party" or whatever they do after the crowd leaves...