The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #15869   Message #148160
Posted By: AnTirKitten
11-Dec-99 - 02:30 PM
Thread Name: BS: Rudeness
Subject: RE: BS: Rudeness
On the subject of kids with ADHD and theatres. (Not even gonna touch the assault debate, folks). My 8 year old stepson has severe ADHD. He is on medication. I have it too, though I have never needed meds for it. One thing that I have found helpful in dealing with this in public places is to have a long talk beforehand stating exactly what the appropriate behaviour will be (and rewards for it) and what will be considered unacceptable behaviour (and the accompanying punishment.) Repeat this talk several times if need be, depending on attention span/memory/etc of child in question. I have found that this tends to minimize misbehaviour greatly.

And as for audiences :) I busk a lot so you can imagine what I put up with (for fun, I might add *lol*) and my other performing outlet is thru a medieval recreation society where Bards do receive appropriate respect and I have seen audiences ranging in age from babes in arms to elderly folks listening intently. No reminders. Everyone knows what's expected of them in that scenario. (And for the hard of hearing most performers, myself included, are usually more than happy to explain the piece AFTER the performance :) )

Cat in BC