Live Performances – Is There An Audience Standard Of Decorum?
September 13, 2013
By Brian Maynor
September 13, 2013
This past weekend I attended a stand-up comedian’s live evening performance that had some of the most shocking and embarrassing moments I have experienced in a while, and they didn’t happen on the stage.
Understanding location, demographics and all the other external elements that makeup a public event, I am still amazed at what some people consider appropriate attire and behavior for being out in public. Here are two outfits that are simple yet still appropriate for an evening event anywhere in the city and the do’s and don’ts of social graces:
1. Appearance. While the rules of dressing have lightened up over the years there is still a correlation between the time of an event and your attire. If you are attending a Saturday evening event, shorts, t-shirts, Teva sandals or anything else you would wear while cleaning the house is not appropriate. Take a moment, take a shower and take some pride in what you wear. As an audience you are representing the community and being in Columbia, South Carolina we should be focused on overcoming stereotypes, not pandering to them.
2. Attitude. For the most part this is not a major issue at events. They are fun and festive so most people are in a good mood. If you happen to be in a bad one just keep it to yourself and remember you’re not on a reality show.
3. Behavior. Probably the most egregious of social faux pas. Overlooking your outfit is one thing, but there should be no tolerance for being rude. Here are my three biggest event pet peeves:
Cell phones. Once the house lights dim all cell phones should be at least on vibrate and the screen kept covered. Not only is it distracting to other audience members it is rude and disrespectful to the performers.
Entering and leaving the room. Theatre seating is not the easiest to navigate with full light so you can image how difficult and disruptive it is to walk across people during the middle of a performance. Barring some emergency, once you are seated and the performance begins you should keep your seat until intermission or the performance ends.
Talking. When presenting I often engage the audience and encourage their participation. It adds intimacy and builds a connection but it is planned and not an invitation for people to carry on a conversation with their neighbor. Clapping, cheers and engaging the performance is one thing, making plans for dinner or a running commentary of the performance is completely different.
The goal of any event is fun and entertainment and that never includes being rude or disrespectful. If you are ever in doubt of how to behave at a public event take a moment and look around. Patterning your behavior on what the majority of others are doing may not be ideal, but it will at least give you an indication of what is acceptable and expected.
Click on the images below to find out more about the outfit.
Click on the images below to find out more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty. Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
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