On the standing ovation

I do not claim any kind of originality or claim to premiering this thought. I believe, for instance, that the New York Times has written on the subject in recent years. But having once again recently been at a show where it occurred, I am reminded of the temptation to vent some frustration.

If you are a theater-goer or attend other performing arts activities: a standing ovation is SUPPOSED to be reserved for a truly outstanding individual or group performance, particularly in the live theater. And believe me, those opportunities DO occur, and they deserve to be rewarded by a portion or the entire audience rising to their feet and clapping/cheering/dancing or whatever.

Nowadays, that doesn't happen so much. Sadly.

If EVERYONE stands up for EVERY event they attend in the theater, the whole risk/reward system of the potential standing ovation becomes so watered down that performers basically have to show up and not fall off the stage (unless the script requires it) to get the S.O. And that's just not the same. If ANYONE gets a standing ovation, how do performers know if they are truly special?

I encourage you to consider that next time you're in the theater and deciding whether or not to stand up with the rest of 'em. If it was not a truly outstanding collection of performances, don't do it. Just say no. Resist the temptation, even if you're surrounded by standers. Somehow people have to learn that standing ovations are selective, not for every single show. Really! I kid you not.