Why are people in theatre audiences so old?

Question

When I go to the theatre, I notice that the audience has mainly people in their 50s, 60s and 70s. It doesn't seem to matter whether it's a classic or a new play, pure entertainment or something to really think about. I know lots of tickets cost much more than going to the movies or renting DVD's. Is it the money or is there something about the medium itself that makes it seem lame to younger people?

Answer 1

I think that there are two main influences here.

1. Quite simply put, theater is not seen as "cool" by younger audiences. Plus it is probably the case that most younger people do not think it will be interesting or exciting.

2. There is a certain amount of elitism surrounding theater and classical music. A belief that you have to be of a certain age or class or level of education to understand it. I believe that this has led to a major decline in the popularity of this type of art among our younger population.

I am a music educator and I have brought students to classical music concerts as well as musicals. Usually they go into the event thinking that they will not enjoy it and most come out really excited about what they just saw.

These types of performances are not popular in the mainstream culture so young people don't usually bother to experience them.

Answer 2

I think it's both the money and the fact that the theatre is not as "exciting" for young people. Many young people are not introduced to the theatre and have preconceived notions of it. I loved the theatre when I was young, but I was lucky enough to grow up in a town that had a youth program that allowed high school students the ability to see all the arts in the area.

Answer 3

It is a common misconception among observers of the performing arts (even those who work for them) that these art forms are "dying." Even when performances sell out, there is a general feeling of panic, because... a lot of the audience members are gray-headed! Horrors!

When I hear this sort of thing, I always say: Calm down. Think. Forty years ago, these people in the audience (now 50s, 60s, 70s) were in their teens, 20s and 30s. Do you really believe that the audiences of 40 years ago were made up primarily of young people? No, of course not. They were pretty much the same demographic as today: a mix of ages, but skewing toward middle-aged and older. And most of those gray heads of 40 years ago are, sadly, no longer able to attend the theater (or the symphony, ballet or opera).

So to your question. I believe that a lot of people discover the arts later in life. Some young people are fortunate enough to grow up in an environment that supports interest in the arts, but most don't (and never have). They grow up associating all the traditional art forms with boredom, schoolwork, snobbery, whatever (see some of the responses here). And today, when young people are literally drowned in ugliness and cynicism and cheap thrills, it's a wonder any of them discover the arts at all. But they do. And they will.

They just need to be given time... time to get out from under pop culture preconceptions... time to grow up and read more widely. Practically speaking, their kids need to be old enough to be able to attend the performances with them (or old enough not to need a babysitter). And they need to have enough disposable income to be able to spend some money on arts events. (NOTE: Arts events, for all that they are often mistakenly associated with the "rich," usually are not nearly as expensive as pop music concerts, sporting events, theme parks, etc...)

These days, many arts organizations are purposely trying to make their events conform to pop culture in order to attract "younger audiences." On the whole, I think that's a mistake, if it means they dilute the depth and richness of the experience. I believe the only way the arts can and will survive is if they remain a real alternative to all that is shallow and superficial in popular culture. But that's another subject...

Answer 4

If you are talking about Broadway, first of all there are several shows that are meant to appeal to young people -- Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Tarzan, Mary Poppins. However with ticket prices topping 100 dollars, it is really restrictive to take children to the theatre like my parents did when I was growing up. Older people are often there because they are with groups and have gotten cheaper seats through senior citizen discounts. To an extent, I think young people are afraid of the theatre and the image it portrays (my son says it's "gay" to go to the theatre) but the ticket prices have a lot to do with it too. Pax - C

Answer 5

HA!! very true, it seems like every play ive ever been to, other than the Nutcracker, has been filled with older people. I think that it is more just a stigma than something to do with the medium. Also, i think the issues and the comedy are set for a more mature audience than for a thrillseeking, attention deficit generation.

Answer 6

It does have a lot to do with the money (i know i can't afford thaeter tickets.) but a lot of high school and college age people are just more into other things... obviously there are young people interested in tehater or high schools would not have thater programs, but at my high school i'd say there are about 100 (of over 2000) students who participate in theater, and those are pretty much the only ones who would be willing to pay that much for theater tickets.

Answer 7

Older people have an appreciation for life more than younger people do. I don't think it's a financial issue because we have young people buying Jordan's for $156.00
Plus tax. It's a love for emotion, love and just life. We need to teach our children how to have an imagination and the by-product will be the love of theater.

Answer 8

when you go to a play or go see a band in real life it connects with you better on a emotional level you feel you connected to the emotions the story line the lives of the character as apposed to listening to a quick song on the radio or the impersonla chanel surfing

Answer 9

Like classical music appreciation, appreciation of theatre arts is dying. So naturally older arts and practices are most appreciated and patronized by older audiences.

Also it takes time to accumulate enough wealth (and retirement leisure time) to regularly attend these often pricy events.

Answer 10

It may just seem lame to younger people because they can't afford it. therefore by saying it is lame they can feel comfort in their poverty.....after all birds of a feather flock together.