Etiquette at the Theatre

劇院禮儀

陳豪在北京的ABC美國公司工作，他到辦公室去找美國同事Amy。

(Office ambience)

C: Amy，今天晚上的表演你去嗎？

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。可我從來沒去過劇院。你給我講講要注意些什么。我可不想在老板面前丟人。

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: 我本來約好了跟朋友吃飯，然后再去。既然老板已經買了票，我們為什么還要提前到呢？

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

C: 反正已經有票了，表演開始前到不就行了嗎？

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: 如果我坐在邊上，里面的人后到，我該怎么做呢？

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: 如果表演開始后，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: 謝謝你，Am，我們晚上見。晚上表演中場休息。

C: Amy, 你覺得今天的表演怎么樣？

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

C: 為什么？

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: 去劇院看表演還要穿西裝打領帶嗎？

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: 可我去看電影的時候，從來都穿得很隨便的呀！

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: 其實，我去之前也猶豫了一下。

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.