Etiquette at the Theatre

剧院礼仪

陈豪在北京的ABC美国公司工作，他到办公室去找美国同事Amy。

(Office ambience)

C: Amy，今天晚上的表演你去吗？

A: Yes, I'm looking forward to it. Our new boss, Mr. Brown, is being kind to take us all to celebrate the success on our last project. Are you going?

C: 去。可我从来没去过剧院。你给我讲讲要注意些什么。我可不想在老板面前丢人。

A: The first thing you should know is to be on time. Mr. Brown is picking up our tickets and will meet us in front of the theater at 7 o'clock.

C: 我本来约好了跟朋友吃饭，然后再去。既然老板已经买了票，我们为什么还要提前到呢？

A: First of all, you do as the boss requests. Secondly, it is inconsiderate to arrive just as the curtain goes up.

C: 反正已经有票了，表演开始前到不就行了吗？

A: That is exactly the point. If your seat happens to be in the middle of the row, you will have to climb over everyone else.

C: 如果我坐在边上，里面的人后到，我该怎么做呢？

A: You might want to remain standing until those people turn up. Once the lights go down to signal that the show is beginning, take your seat.

C: 如果表演开始后，坐在里面的人才到呢？

A: Ushers generally will not seat people after the performance has begun until there is an appropriate break. Be courteous and stand to make it easier for them to get by.

C: 谢谢你，Am，我们晚上见。晚上表演中场休息。

C: Amy, 你觉得今天的表演怎么样？

A: The play is excellent, but I am having trouble seeing and hearing.

C: 为什么？

A: Well, the woman in front of me has on a big hat. I am having trouble seeing. She wasn't being thoughtful when she decided to wear that monstrosity.

C: 什么叫monstrosity?

A: The word relates to monster. I suppose she wanted to dress up, but she overdid it. And by the way, what were you thinking when you decided to dress casually?

C: 去剧院看表演还要穿西装打领带吗？

A: Absolutely, the theater is a special event and people should dress up for the occasion. You should at least have worn a coat and tie.

C: 可我去看电影的时候，从来都穿得很随便的呀！

A: This isn't the movies. It is a sign of respect to the actors and the other theater goers to look your best.

C: 其实，我去之前也犹豫了一下。

A: I wish you had asked me. Since you didn't, keep in mind that it is always better to dress up rather than dress down.