Hey Guys-

We're a new, small community theater- and I had a question about curtain calls. Our technical director wants us to add a "shout-out" to the tech crew/SM during the curtain call. The way it has happened in the past, is the cast motions toward the booth at the end (similar to the way one would do for an orchestra). We did it during our last season for each show, and I felt that it was sloppy and somewhat confusing for the audience. I'm not a big fan of it, and haven't heard of anyone else using a curtain call for this purpose. Is this something that anyone else does?

"Sloppy" is on the cast and director.... As for the acknowlegement itself, I think its a good thing for both 1: audince to remember that there is more to the performance to than just the actors, and for 2: the techies to feel appreciated... but probably most importantly for the actors to 3: (see item one)... At all the venues I have worked it isn't a "big deal" They just, after their first company bow, (as a group) they salute the orchestra, then the tech booth.  Don't think I have ever been in a show that both didnt deserve it... and it dosen't add a lot of time as far as the "milky" complaint goes... But I do sooooo much want to agree with Joe on cast applause... I really hate when the cast applaudes themselves or each other.. or anyone else for that matter... Thats the audiences job, let them do it.. I would say that it is so High School, but I don't even let my kids do that at our school show... 

The only time I've seen the tech crew acknowledged during curtain calls were for productions of "Tuna Christmas" and "The Mystery of Irma Vep."   Both are shows featuring only two actors performing dozens of roles in rapid succession. Staging either of these shows would be impossible without a well-rehearsed backstage crew handling the quick changes.

After the actors have taken their bows, they motion to the wings where the crew appeared (typically all dressed in black) and each carrying some sort of costume piece, wig or prop. The audience applauded mightily, either due to appreciation for the crew's contribution or simply because they were stunned to see how many people were actually running around backstage to make the show as seamless as possible.

As a punter, all I want to do, is nick outside the theatre for a quick smoke. There again as a black duck techie, I all I want, by the end of the show,  is a quick caffeine & nicotine fix.

The nod to the "booth" is (for us anyway) symbolic of all the tech... and a location that the audience can identify with..  As for the "Rag Call" complaints of Joe... Most of the small houses I work Joe don't even close the curtain for curtain call... its just lights up, whatever procesion or staging has been directed, a bow, the "nod" to the booth and pit, bow, lights out.  Everyone tries to keep them quick, unless "staged" like a part of the entertainment or a Finale Ultimo thats already pre scripted...  The only exception I give in to in "dragging" it out is when we do the high school show... Kids get on stage once a year, and there parents just came to see them and cheer...  Again, the wonders and diversity of the theater experince.