Introduction to Theater and Audience Dynamics

Flashcards covering core theater concepts such as aesthetic distance, willing suspension of disbelief, catharsis, and proper audience etiquette.

What fundamental relationship makes theater unique according to the transcript?

The immediacy of the audience, actor, and performance all happening in the same place at the same time.

According to the transcript, what Greek play will the class read in about eight weeks?

Antigone

How is empathy defined in the lecture?

An emotional connection and the idea of putting yourself in another person's shoes.

What is aesthetic distance?

A psychological sense of detachment where an audience member understands that what they are seeing is not real.

What example is given in the lecture to illustrate aesthetic distance?

The instructor's six-year-old son recognizing that the actor playing Owen Grady in Jurassic World is the same actor playing Star Lord.

What is the willing suspension of disbelief?

Putting aside the idea that the performance is fake for a couple of hours in order to buy into it, understand the characters, and empathize with them.

What is catharsis in the context of an audience watching a performance?

An audience's emotional release, where feelings build up during the show and leave the spectator feeling cleansed or purged afterward.

What is the instructor's professional role mentioned in the lecture?

Costume designer

How many times does the instructor state they see a show during tech week dress rehearsals?

Eight or nine times

Why do many theaters refuse to allow late arrivals to enter after a show has started?

Showing up late interrupts the live production and disrupts the energy between the actors and the audience.

What advice does the instructor give regarding theater attire?

Layers are recommended because theaters crank up the air conditioning, shorts and flip-flops are advised against, and attendees should be presentable and comfortable to sit next to.

What instruction does the lecture give regarding cell phones during a performance?

Turn them completely off rather than putting them on vibrate, and do not send text messages.

Why is taking pictures or recording during a theater performance prohibited?

It is actually illegal, carrying warnings similar to the FBI warning at the beginning of movies.

Why should cough drops be unwrapped before the performance begins?

Because the crinkling sound comes through loudly in the theater.

Why should audience members refrain from singing along during a musical?

The actors are getting paid to perform, so audience members should let them take care of it.