On the premiere night of the stage adaptation of “Paranormal Activity” in Toronto this June, an audience member expressed disapproval by booing the lead actor during his performance. The disapproving individual seemed unhappy with the character’s choices rather than the actor’s performance itself.
Following the incident, fellow audience members quickly shushed the disruptor, and many later took to online platforms to express their dismay over what they perceived as a decline in theatre etiquette.
One Reddit user commented, “Whoever booed after such an incredible monologue needs to be shadow-banned … for real. Like, this isn’t a panto,” in reference to traditional slapstick pantomime shows known for their lively audience interactions.
Concerns were raised about various audience behaviors at the Mirvish production, including nervous chatter and laughter following each jump scare in the horror-based show derived from the popular movie franchise.
Patrick Heusinger, the lead actor in “Paranormal Activity” since its 2025 debut, remains unperturbed by audience behavior. He acknowledged attracting a diverse audience, some of whom may be unfamiliar with traditional theatre etiquette and tend to behave casually as if in their own living room.
Describing the incident as part of the experience of evoking reactions through art, Heusinger encouraged engagement from the audience, emphasizing their control over the performance.
Mirvish Productions is introducing “chilled performances,” starting with “& Juliet,” a jukebox musical with a modern twist on a Shakespearean classic. These unique showings allow for a more relaxed atmosphere where patrons can freely interact with the performance, such as singing along to well-known pop hits without restrictions.
The concept behind chilled performances is to create a welcoming environment for a diverse audience, including individuals with neurodivergent traits or those who prefer a more laid-back theatre experience.
In a similar shift, Cineplex is adapting to changing audience preferences by accommodating behaviors like cellphone use during screenings. The focus is on providing tailored experiences that cater to evolving audience expectations, even if it means allowing for noise and mobile devices during performances.
The evolution of theatre etiquette is a topic of discussion, with critics like Ryan Borochovitz highlighting the historical context of these norms and suggesting adjustments to enhance inclusivity. Borochovitz advocates for setting clear expectations to align audience behavior with the intended experience, promoting a more accommodating and enjoyable theatre environment for all attendees.