We Can See You.

This is hard. Theatre is hard. We spend so much time developing audiences, pushing the press to recognize us.. working as we do.. to spend scant moments with y'all.

Some days we are doing life changing work! Some days it is really important. We ask you to turn off your cell phones, but you don't. We ask that you recognize the artists' work on the stage.. the show you've just seen, but you seem to think getting to your cars is more important.

Stop. What have you just spent 50 or 70 or 100 dollars for? Really? How much hubris do you have? Not important enough for you?  

Stop. Clap. At least appreciate the journey these hard working actors have traveled to present you with a piece. YOU ARE NOT AT A MOVIE. You are able to really give appreciation to the work done on the stage. Take a moment. (We don't like standing ovations that are really about getting to the parking lot sooner.)

Ok, this is not the case with my show..  We have legitimate standing ovations. But I see it all too often. YO! You don't have to stand, but at least give the actors the gift of your appreciation, however small that may be. We are not a movie. We are living breathing things right there in front of you, and we can see you.