Grabbing a bucket of buttery popcorn and plopping down in front
of the big screen is always entertaining, but hitting the town to
see a real live show is far more special.
Grabbing a bucket of buttery popcorn and plopping down in front of the big screen is always entertaining, but hitting the town to see a real live show is far more special. * Whether you love the theater, dream of being a ballet dancer, have an appreciation for the symphony or want to get lost in the music of an opera, there is something to satisfy anyone’s appetite for the finer things in life this performing arts season. And with venues from San Juan Bautista to San Francisco, there are endless options for discerning fans to get their fix of live performances. * Once you’ve secured tickets to an event, why stop there? Make an evening out of it, say artists and long-time audience members.
“More and more people seem to be better acclimated to going out for an evening of culture and combining it with dinner,” said Rod Pintello of Pintello Comedy Theater in Gilroy.
Go out for brunch before a matinee or meet up with friends before an evening performance, he suggested. You’ll be relaxed and ready to enjoy the show when the curtain rises.
Then the real magic begins. Actors, musicians and dancers have the power to transport audiences to other worlds. But they can’t compete with the rustle of candy wrappers and whispers of chatty guests.
“People have to remember they are not in their living rooms,” Pintello said.
After all, respect works both ways, he added, so if audience members give it, they will get the respect of the performers in return. Another tip: Try to hit the bathroom just before curtain so you won’t have to push your way past other audience members midway through a performance.
Another way to get the most out of your experience is to offer feedback. The performing arts companies want to know the opinion of the people in the seats. Feel free to share what you liked and what you think needs work. You don’t have to restrict yourself to a critical review of the performance. Were you seated on time, did you have any problem getting your tickets, were you treated in a polite and courteous manner?
“There is more to do and more to see now than ever,” Pintello said. So get out there, read our listings, talk to friends, and hit the town.
Just a reminder – many performing arts companies kick off their new seasons in the fall, selling packaged tickets at good prices for the entire year.
