Preparing Your Class for a Field Trip to the Movie Theater
With increasing access to movies online or through Netflix and other services, some students may not have much experience in the movie theater. Here are some guidelines to discuss with your class and a fun activity to help them think about theater-appropriate behavior. 1. Ask students to generate a list of Theater Dos and Don’ts. Or start with our list and add some additional advice.
Movie Theater Dos • WHISPER. It’s fine to talk before and after the film. And PLEASE laugh as often and as loudly as you wish. But once the film begins, you should whisper to your companions. • LISTEN ACTIVELY. When you watch television at home, you can squirm and get up and walk around and eat and do other things. When you watch a film in the theater, you are expected to sit quietly and really listen carefully so that you can understand the story. If there is no dialogue, watch carefully so you can remember the story. • USE THE RESTROOM BEFORE THE MOVIE. Once the film begins, it is distracting to others if you get up and
14 2020 Wisconsin Film Festival Big Screens, Little Folks Study Guide
push past their legs to exit the aisle. If you really need to use the bathroom, of course you should do that. But try to be as quiet and quick as possible.
Movie Theater Don’ts • KICK THE SEAT. Be careful not to kick your seat or the seat in front of you because it is very distracting and uncomfortable for other movie watchers. • CRINKLE WRAPPERS OR SLURP YOUR DRINK. If you bring candy or a snack or a drink, unwrap or handle it quietly so you don’t disturb others. Especially in those quiet, dramatic moments! • CHEW GUM OR THE ICE IN YOUR DRINK. Again, the noise will distract and annoy others. • SHOUT AT THE ACTORS ON SCREEN. They cannot hear you and you only disrupt the movie for others! 2. Explain that you will create two tableaus: The Respectful Audience and The Rude Audience. If students are unfamiliar with tableaus, define the term for them. A tableau is a frozen picture of a scene using live performers.
