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PoleCon 2018 Audience dancing

What responsibility does the audience have?

At shows and competitions, the performers, competitors, and producers all have clear expectations for roles and responsibilities. But what responsibility does the audience have?

Pay attention!

The performer has worked long and hard to bring thier idea to life for you, the audience. During their performance is not the time to look at your phone or chat with your friends. Wait until intermission or a break in the action! Give the performer your energy by — at a minimum — providing your attention. They are literally engaging in an energy transfer with you and need everyone’s participation! Even if you don’t objectively “like” or enjoy a particular performance, paying attention supports the performer and helps you be a productive member of the audience.

Show a reaction

Art — in a competitive or non competitive environment— is being shared with you, the audience. The goal of art is to elicit an emotion. Sometimes it’s clear what emotion the performer is sharing with you and how they expect you to react to that emotional exchange. They might be trying to make you laugh or maybe they are trying to seduce you. Other times a performance might make you feel more uncomfortable to experience in a public setting emotion or it might even be just confusing to you. You literally have no idea what you’re witnessing or feeling !

In any case, especially if you’re not sure how to feel during or after a performance, if you were moved emotionally in some way — show a reaction! The MC might help you out here and give you the audience directions such as if tipping is appropriate during or after the performance or if you should clap, cheer, whistle, wave an object around, or whatever the commonly accepted encouragement is in that venue.

Support the performer after

If you liked what you saw, you can continue to support the performer after the show. You could tell them in person afterwards how much you valued the work they shared. A few words really do go a long way to making someone feel appreciated and validated in thier work. You could also follow them on social media or tell your friends about them. You could share their future performances too!

If you’re too shy to come up to someone directly, some organizations have provided small trinket like a “compliment coin” that other performers or audience members can share to show their appreciation. Something small can go a long way!

 

Being an audience member is not a passive experience. Participate in the energy exchange with the performer by giving them your attention, responding with a reaction, and consider following up with them after. A short “ you’re amazing” is very much appreciated!

Colleen
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