Oh boy!  I can’t believe (or maybe I can), the headline today of a professional violinist berating a child for coughing during her performance.

We in the arts have enough challenges to become more inviting to the younger generations.  Embarrassing, chastising, and being condescending are not the best ways to create the bridge to the arts.

Perhaps artists that want a super silent performance should include a disclaimer on their events: Do not bother to buy tickets if you are young, are prone to clearing your throat or coughing, wish to applaud at the wrong intervals, and/or are in need of acting human during the performance.

Children (and other humans) may not be able to be perfect for a performance.  If we are to continue this type of snobby, elitist behavior, none of us will have an audience.

They bought the ticket and took time out of their lives to be there for you.  They are paying for you to be able to be an artist.  Show some respect for your audiences!

Cheers to happy and loyal audiences,

Shoshana

Shoshana Fanizza
Chief Audience Builder, ADS