Miss Manners: Why must everyone stand before the curtain call is even finished?
perigon
Last updated: April 14, 2026
Miss Manners addresses a prevalent issue of poor etiquette among concert and theater attendees: the premature departure before the curtain call concludes. This behavior disrupts the experience for performers and other audience members, detracting from the appreciation of the artistic effort.
The core of the problem lies in patrons leaving their seats before the performers have finished their bows and the audience has had a chance to applaud them properly. This can happen immediately after the final scene, or even during the final applause.
Such actions are considered disrespectful to the artists who have dedicated their time and talent to the performance. It also hinders the shared experience of the audience, creating a disruptive atmosphere and preventing a collective appreciation of the production.
Miss Manners emphasizes the importance of waiting until the performers have acknowledged the audience and the house lights are fully illuminated before exiting. This demonstrates respect and enhances the overall cultural experience for everyone involved.
This issue is not about a specific venue or type of performance, but rather a widespread lapse in common courtesy in public entertainment settings. Addressing this requires a concerted effort to educate and remind attendees of basic etiquette.
The goal is to foster a more appreciative and respectful environment for the performing arts, ensuring that both performers and audiences can fully enjoy the culmination of a theatrical or musical event.
