Do you like live theatre as opposed to TV or movies?

Answer 1

I like them all, but for different reasons. If I had to choose, I would choose the live theatre, primarily because of the immediacy and the connection between performers, directors, playwrights and their audience. There is something communal and almost spiritual about that shared experience; it only lasts as long as the show itself, but it can stick with you forever. I still think of sitting through Metamorphesis on two separate occasions at Circle in the Square, and feeling there is no other way this could possibly be done and be as moving or meaningful.

I also make my living in the live theatre, so I guess I'm a little biased.

Film and TV are different Art forms, closer at times to literature than to drama and theatre. A great film is a moving experience, but by its very nature is once removed. TV is the same, although the general erosion of TV into "reality" programming makes me cringe. Everyone is NOT entitled to be a star, no matter how briefly.

Answer 2

I don't care much for TV. I love movies, but...there is nothing quite like live theatre.

In my introductory level acting classes, I would always ask my students to come up with their own explanations for how live theatre differed from the other mediums. They always had some interesting things to say on the subject. Then, I'd give them the following experiment to try: "Go home and put on your favorite DVD," I'd say. "At the most critical moment, when the emotions of the film are at a peak...take off all your clothes and dance around the room naked! Then notice how your little striptease affects the quality of the actors' performances."

Naturally, I was being facetious. Because once a performance is captured on film, it's the same forever. No matter what the audience does...those performances will never change. That's the GREAT thing about live theatre. Every time you attend a play -- and every time you perform in a play -- it's a one-of-a-kind experience. The energy going back and forth between THAT cast and THAT audience on THAT night can never, ever be reproduced...for better or for worse. Actors feed on audience energy; they sense it, and they use it to create that unique performance event. That's the immediacy -- and the flying-without-a-net RISKINESS -- that makes live theatre so immensely compelling.

Answer 3

If I could see live theatre everyday, I would. Even if it was the same play, because every performance is different.. I don't watch a lot of tv, there are a couple of shows that I watch, One Tree Hill because I just can't let go of that part of my adolesence, and Big Brother All Stars because I've always joined people tearing each other apart in competition. And I enjoy going to the movies, but it doesn't matter how many times you see a movie, it will be the same each time.
Live theatre is such an amazing experience, I suggest that everyone go as often as possible, its not that expensive actually, unless you're going to big professional theatres. There are many small theatres with great shows, I know because 2 of my profs in university direct great shows in small venues and every year we all go to see them and support them. Its usually about 10 dollars or less with a student ID.
So go out and enjoy local theatre!

Answer 4

I enjoy TV and movies but I LOVE live theatre. I especially enjoy musical theatre. I feel more pulled into the action of live theatre than I do into a TV show.

Answer 5

I prefer live theatre to TV or movies as live theatre give me a better and in-depth understanding of the characters. It alsos give us live performance which will allow me to connect with the play more.

Answer 6

Live theatre is ALWAYS preferable to television or movies! The immediacy, the human connection is too dear, too precious to ignore in favor of special effects or a pre-recorded performance that can be played and replayed ad nauseum.

Contrived convenience is the bane of true human connection.

PS-listen to Theatre Guy. He knows the score!!!

Answer 7

Live Theatre is the real test of actors/directors. There are npo re-takes, no special effect, no computer graphics. Its pure performance.
TV /Movies appeal more to masses as they "look good". You can have so much variation in ur performance. I dont say re-takes or computer graphics are bad. I make things more entertaining.
So, the answer is, I personally like theatre; but its all subjective.

Answer 8

In live performances there is definitely a human energy that is totally lost in television or any other kind of electronic medium. Live theatre is more direct, and has more of a communal element to it. I definitely prefer it to anything else. If only it weren't so damned expensive!

Answer 9

I prefer live theatre. No two performances are the same, first of all, and it's just so much more involving.

Answer 10

I love live theater! It's the original essence of performing ... no second takes, no editing, no special effects ... just an actor connecting with the audience, using the author's words to create a fleeting moment that will have a permanent effect.