Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 at 11:33 PM
Okay so watching how people act before and during shows on cruise ships has prompted me to write this post on proper theatre etiquette, that applies in theatres located both on land and on a ship. If it's not okay to do in a theatre on land, it is still not okay to do it in a theatre on a ship.
1. Under no circumstances should you ever, EVER, walk onto the stage before a show. It does not matter if you want to get that perfect family pictures in front of the shiny curtain, There are people backstage either warming up for the upcoming show, or moving very heavy pieces of scenery into their pre-show positions. Not too mention, all of Carnival's major production shows use pyrotechnics, including on the front of the stage where you are trying to take that perfect family picture. Nothing like a piece of pyro catching your beautiful and expensive new dress on fire to ruin that picture.
2. If one of the entertainment techinicians tells you to leave the stage, don't argue, just do it. Generally, it's for your safety.
3. Put down the camera. It violates copyright laws AND it's dangerous to the performers on stage. Nothing like a camera flash to blind you and then falling off the front of the stage because you can't see it.
4. If the theatre is closed for rehearsal, don't go in. There are signs on all the doors outside the lounge saying it is closed. Who cares if you want to watch? Go see the show. Theatres on land do not allow you in to watch rehearsals before a show opens, it's no different on a ship.
5. Don't go behind the curtains. Backstage is an inherently dangerous place because of drops, set pieces, equipment, etc. For things such as dance classes, everything is secured for your safety. At other times, things may be moved for an upcoming show. Also, there is very little light backstage if it is not being used for anything.
6. The dancers and technicians who work on ships are professionals. Treat them as such. A good majority of them have a college degree in their field (whether it's dancing, lighting, sound, stage management, etc). Treat them as such.
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