Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1959-09-27
MODERN
MANNERS
Thoughts on Theuter Time
And Theuter-Going Manners
By CAROLYN HAGNER SHAW

Even though Washington
is the Nations Capital, we
can only boast one legitimate
theater, the National. Now
that the winter season of fine
plays has started it is obvious
that the early bird will get
seats. so starved is this
theater-conscious city.
1t is also obvious, from my
experience the other evening
when attending perform
ance, that people should
brush up on their theater-
going manners!s Correct be-
havior in this case really
should only call for basic
consideration for others pres
ent. Such consideration was
certainly conspicuous by its
abSense during the evening
OF which I speak.
The following are a few
infractions Of just plain good
manners that seemed all too
common:
There were those already
seated who refused to stand
and allow others to pass to
seats further down the row.
This forced the newcomers
to climb over knees, trip over
feet and muss up the hairdos
Of the ladies in the row
ahead. So much better for all
concerned to push your seat
up, stand and graciously let
the others through.
Those coming in should
cooperate by moving quickly
along. Face the stage, walk
sideways and be careful not
to drag your coat or purse
over the heads of those in
front. Once seated, settle
yourself as rapidly as pos
sible without a lot of strug-
Cling to remove your coat
and conversation with those
accompanying you. This Is
particularly important If you
have arrived late and the
show has already started.
On the subject Of arriving
late-sometimes this can't
be helped but all too often
there is no real excuse for
doing so. 1t really isn't 1.-The
smart thing" to arrive after
the curtain goes up. Actually
1t is an affront to the per-
formers and certainly an un-
pleasant interruption to those
about you who are watching
the play.
So irritating is this stray
Cling in of late-comers all
during the first act that l
think there ought to be a
rule that no one be seated
until the act is over. This
might cure those who culti-
vate this thoughtless habit.
The lady who won't re-
move a large hat should be
asked politely to take it of.
If this doesn't work, ask an
usher to tell her to do so.
Another hazard faced by the
theater goer is the seat
wiggler. Those unfortunate
enough to be placed behind
someone who moves from
side to side are forced to do
the same thing in order to
see. 1t becomes a sort Of
chain reaction from row to
row!
Those attending a perform
ance should realize that they
have a part in making a play
a success. Quiet, close at
tention while the actors are
on stage is a must. If you
are bored and show it by
whispering to your neighbor,
rustling your program or in
any way detract from others
enjoyment, it is inexcusable.
Remember, too, 1t is only
fair to the performers to in
dictate approval by clapping
when the occasion warrants.
All too many people sit on
their hands being too lazy
to show their appreciation Of
those endeavoring to enter
tain them.
Wait until the show is over
before getting up to leave.
Spelling the last few min
utes Of a play for all those
around you because you want
to beat the crowd, just isn't
fair.
Questions. Answers