in a town of performers, nobody plays the audience
When I first moved to San Francisco and started attending shows, I was struck but the marked difference in audience “vibe”. People in the crowd seemed to be, well, enjoying themselves more than I was used to. This was odd- because- why won’t you enjoy something you have chosen to attend. Then I realized, in a town of performers there is nobody to play audience.
Now I am generalizing, but as a creative in a town of creatives, it sure felt like there was no one left to just enjoy. People in LA don’t choose to go to shows to enjoy themselves- they go to NETWORK or learn or repay a friend for going to there show…occasionally to enjoy, but mostly it is a form of work. I know from experience. My dance-card was exclusively filled with my creative friends events. I had no actual taste in music. No live acts I would never miss. I was only ever taking my “turn” as an audience member. Now, it can be kinda nice, you get to feel “productive” even when out on the town, but I dare say it does not produce copious amounts of real enthusiasm.
It wasn’t till I came to SF and was out of the world of the professional performer, did I learn to give way to the dorky worship that is fandom. There are cabarets I hate to miss, bands I obsess over, and theaters I attend for pure enjoyment. And it has been good for me. In relearning to enjoy watching, I became less bitter and competitive, more curious and creative.
AND… it goes without saying that performing for a non-industry crowd is glorious. Audience members become your micro fans. Total strangers stay after shows to say thanks for moving them and to ask you about where they can catch you next. So satisfying.
This spring, I am directing a play in Los Angeles. I am a bit nervous to return to my audience lite hometown, but also excited to be making artwork amongst my peers. I will attempt though, in my return production to make it for an audience, a real one- where ever they are……I will find them.
