The two groups that (usually) make up the audience
Understanding both can help you learn more about what choices resonate with the audience
While writing last week’s post, in which I talked about when the room feels off, I began thinking about the makeup of the audience in the room with you. When I’m attending shows, provided I can do so without distracting or disrupting anyone, I tend to observe how the audience is reacting.
It’s good to do now and again, especially if you’re watching an act you’ve seen multiple times before, as you’ll notice some patterns. While everyone is different, the audience usually falls into two generalised groups: those who practice improv and those who don’t.
Sometimes I’ll find myself responding to a choice - whether it’s laughter, leaning forward or anything else) - because it piques my curiosity. In a way, I’m putting myself in their shoes and guessing as to what they’re going for. Even if it’s sloppy, I can tell they’re trying something, and that’s worth applauding.
A regular audience won’t have that context, and so they’re judging it on a surface level. What they’re expecting is something more polished and refined, and won’t be as forgiving of rookie mistakes.
Where the ratio between the two will obviously depend on the night (and again this is a broad generalisation), but chances are if you’re reading this, you practice improv and, provided you’re not brand new in the scene, will recognise some faces.
Paying attention to these groups will teach you much; chances are, your instinct is more in line with non-performers than you might realise. Or you might begin to question why one group reacted, and the other didn’t.
This isn’t a way of saying be harsh to other performers or unsupportive, but a reminder that there are cliches and approaches to scene work in the medium that aren’t clear to a regular audience. If others are doing it on stage, chances are we are too.
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