Audience+Experience

Patrick Pierson August 27, 2010 THEA 2100H Richmond ** Example of an Audience Experience **  While an eighth grader at Darlington School, I was afforded the opportunity to attend a production of //Beauty and the Beast// at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. This was the first time I had visited a professional show, and it was also the first time that I had encountered such an extraordinary venue. For these reasons, it holds a special place in my memory and will be a show that I will always remember.  In preparation for the play, we were told to dress in nice slacks and a button down shirt. It was important that our dress was appropriate for the occasion. Initially, I did not fully understand this concept, but upon arrival at the house I quickly realized the importance of this. All of the patrons were dressed to the max, many men even wearing coats and ties. Upon entering the Fox, I was blown away by the beauty of the building. I was promptly handed a program for the performance as I made my way through the lobby. The spacious, star studded ceilings bedazzled me as I took my seat for the show. The ushers were very helpful and assisted me and my classmates to our seats. Even though we were young, the ushers still treated us with respect and were very polite and courteous. This general atmosphere helped me to feel very comfortable and assisted in the positive experience I had at the Fox. As the show neared its beginning, the grandeur and beauty of the house captivated me.  As the show began, I was very surprised at the intricate, elaborate stage settings and the impressive costumes of the actors and actresses. Knowing the story of //Beauty and the Beast// well, I had a preconceived notion as to what I should expect. However, I was surprised by the performance. My previous experiences with the story had been in the form of books and movies. This contrasted drastically with the way the story was portrayed in the theatre. Although the story was the same, the means by which the story is transmitted to the audience makes a monumental difference in how one experiences the performance. Seeing it performed live right before my eyes was amazing. In my opinion, the story was much more entertaining when performed on a stage by actors and actresses. Seeing the talent of these individuals made the story of //Beauty and the Beast// much more dramatic, entertaining, and impressive. The singing and acting skills of the performers was engaging, and the feeling was much more intimate; in attending the play, I felt that my role as part of the audience was a crucial component of the production. I felt that I was, to an extent, part of the performance. This is very different from other outlets in which the fairy-tale is displayed. In both books and movies, you are somewhat detached. As part of a live audience, I felt that my presence was part of the festivities. This, for me personally, was one of the most interesting parts of the experience of attending a play.