I am not a big theatre fan but I am surrounded by people who are so I have had the opportunity in recent years to enjoy some good shows. The shows CAN be an immersive experience. The ONE thing that really ruins any show for me is when the person behind me is kicking my seat.
The question I always ask is....how can someone NOT know they are kicking the seat in front of them?
I honestly try not to let it bother me or take it personally but how can you not? When you are immersed in the show and then a boot (or high heel) jolt to the back of your seat brings you back?
I don't get it. I'm always aware of where my legs and feet are and trying to think of others. There are times I may inadvertently do something and I will apologize for it so there person will know that I am not doing it on person. Not one single time that this has happened to me that the offending kicker has acknowledged the contact at all.
There was one Broadway show in New York that the kicking was so bad that I reported it to an attendant. She simply said that WE should move instead of dealing with the offender.
The seat kicker can ruin the experience.
Another one to blame is the theatre location themselves when they leave very little leg room at all between the seats and the backs of the seats in front of them. They apparently think we are all the size of a 12-year-old. There needs to be a better design instead of cramming people in the seats.
The other issue is the mindset that people treat a theatre show like they are watching a movie in their living room. It is NOT the same environment. People need to be aware of this. Who is the heck came up with the idea of allowing people to bring popcorn and candy into the theatre? A theatre show is not the same as going to a movie theater. It is supposed to be a different environment.
When we pay the expensive tickets for a Broadway type show now, I have to EXPECT that the person behind me will be kicking my seat. I have to actually mentally prepare myself for it so that I won't allow it to be a slow water-dripping tension during the show. People are going to do whatever they want to do because there are never any consequences for their actions.
Theater etiquette is 99 percent common sense and just requires a little empathy and consideration. If you are ever confused about what to do or how to behave, take a look around at what others are doing. In general, most theatergoers are seasoned in the proper decorum of enjoying a live performance and can steer you in the right direction.So, if you are guilty of kicking the seats in front of you at the show, I wish you luck and to "break a leg".
