Dear Etiquetteer:
When exactly is the right time to remove a restless infant from an auditorium or concert hall?
Dear Eagle-Eared:
At any time before the child’s fifth birthday, depending on the policy of the house. While the Boston Symphony Orchestra declines to admit children younger than five, the Los Angeles Philharmonic allows no children under six, and the Chicago Symphony has a minimum age of eight. When Boston Ballet produces The Nutcracker, one of the most attractive holiday spectacles for children, the Company notes “that infants and children under two years of age are not allowed in the theater, and The Nutcracker is recommended for children ages five and up.” Parents should heed these recommendations.
But these are large professional arts organizations. It doesn’t surprise Etiquetteer that for church and community concerts during the holidays, infants and too-young children get brought along with the family — possibly because other family members are performing. As always, Etiquetteer sympathizes most with the rest of the audience. The minute a child becomes vocal or overly fretful, their Responsible Adult should take them from the house and not expect to be reseated until it’s appropriate.
It’s worth noting that many performing arts organizations have child-friendly performances (for instance, the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Family Concert Series) to accommodate families. Etiquetteer hopes others will also consider this appproach, which feels like a win-win.
Dear Etiquetteer:
When I arrive at the concert hall on time, may I sit in the “reserved for latecomers” seats? I was here on time after all. I don’t see why latecomers should get better seats than I do. 🤷♂️
Dear Seated:
Etiquetteer understands it, of course. You’re tired of Virtue being its own reward, and want your gold star. But let’s look at this situation from a different angle. Who really benefits most from convenient seats after a concert has started? You might say the latecomers, but Etiquetteer would say it’s everyone else in the auditorium. Late arrivals are made as inconspicuous as possible with those specially reserved seats (Etiquetteer bets they were on an aisle), so no one has to be stepped over or have their view blocked during the first act. Much easier, must less disruptive.
While thanking you for being on time for the start of the concert, Etiquetteer would like to encourage you to embrace the spirit of the holidays just past and look on those seats as a kindness to all rather than a benefit to the undeserving.